Friday, March 13, 2020 - Port Hope, ON

Amid the evolving global spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Municipality continues to follow the professional advice and guidance of local healthcare authorities and the provincial and federal governments.

As this situation is developing quickly, cancellations and closures may be implemented at any time. Please continue to monitor our website and the official municipal social media channels for updates. 

Facebook: MunicipalityofPortHope
Twitter: @porthopeinfo
Instagram @municipalityofporthope

At this time, municipal facilities remain open and scheduled programming has not been cancelled or postponed. Our staff are enhancing cleaning and disinfection protocols and we continue to monitor the situation very closely.

While our facilities remain open and our scheduled programming has not been cancelled, you are reminded to exercise judgement and make decisions that best suit the needs of you and your family.

Enhanced staff and facility protocols

As a precautionary measure, we have increased the frequency of cleaning within our facilities, particularly of high-touch surface areas, including door knobs, counter services, and elevators.

All municipal staff members have been reminded to practice preventative health measures and to encourage all residents and visitors to our facilities to do the same. These include:

  • proper handwashing and sneeze/cough etiquette
  • keeping hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
  • avoid sharing food/beverages or personal items (utensils, water bottles, etc.)
  • Use the hand sanitizer provided when you arrive at a municipal facility 

Our staff have been directed to remain at home if they are experiencing cold and/or flu-like symptoms and if they have travelled to a destination affected by the Coronavirus in recent weeks. We ask that you do the same. Please do not visit our facilities if you think that you might be sick, or if you have travelled outside of the country in recent weeks.

The Municipality is receiving information and regular updates from Ontario Health, as the provincial lead, and the local Health Unit to prepare and respond to the increased likelihood of more COVID-19 infections in Canada. Regular updates will be provided to the community.

What you can do

Practicing good hygiene remains the best defence against illness. We need to ensure that we are all taking the necessary precautions in hand washing as we normally would for a flu season. Visit ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus for information.

Follow any advice and recommendations from your personal health care provider and governing bodies such as Canada Health regarding COVID-19.

Access 211 to find non-municipal services and programs offered by local community groups, non-profits and government departments.

As is always the case, residents are encouraged to always have 72-hours of supplies in the event of an emergency.

Helpful links 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak updates
Public Health Agency of Canada - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources
Contact us - Public Health Agency of Canada for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) information
Toll free: 1-833-784-4397
Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca

Alternatively, consult with your own health care provider.