For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 – Port Hope

The impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) changes daily and we continue to respond to the recommendations and advice from our local Health Unit and the Provincial and Federal governments. As such, we are implementing additional measures to help slow the spread of the virus and keep our community safe.

Closure of playground structures and equipment

To maintain the health and wellness of our community, all municipal playground structures and equipment are now off limits to our community. The World Health Organization has advised that, “…the novel coronavirus may remain on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, depending on several conditions, including type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment.” Our playgrounds are high-touch surfaces and cannot be sanitized after each use. This is a preventative measure for the well-being of all members in our community.

Restricted use of the playground structures and equipment is not easily enforced. We ask all parents, grandparents and caregivers to help us implement this extreme measure by speaking to your children and helping to keep them off the structures.

Parks are not closed altogether, and you may still enjoy our green spaces, if you remember to practice social distancing.

Garbage collection in parks, trails and walkways

While most municipal staff are working remotely, garbage collection in the parks and along the trails and pathways is still taking place. Please be considerate when disposing waste in these containers. If you are sick, please bring tissues, masks, etc. home and dispose of them in plastic bags, rather than directly into the containers along our trials, paths and walkways.

Dog park, skate park and tennis courts

The dog park on Baulch Road will close on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Likewise, the skate park and the tennis courts at the Town Park Recreation Centre will also be closed to the public. Signage will be posted at these locations. Complete closure of these parks has been implemented to prevent groups from forming at these locations and for the health and well-being of our residents

Trails and paths

Our trails and paths in both the urban and rural areas of the community remain open; however, we remind all to be diligent in staying at least two metres apart. If walking or running on the paths or trails, please do so alone or in very small groups.

Fishing and fish cleaning station

Fishing is a great way to get outdoors, unwind and relax; however, we remind anglers to practice safe social distancing by maintaining a separation of two metres. A reminder that fishing is only permitted south of the railroad tracks. Areas along the west side of the River are fenced off and access is not permitted in these areas due to work being done by the Port Hope Area Initiative.

The fish cleaning station is closed and may not be used at this time.

These additional closures highlight the desire for municipal staff and Council to heed the advice of our medical experts and governments. We continue to encourage residents and community members to rely on credible and accurate information sources. Please reference the following sites regarding COVID-19

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For more information or media inquiries, please contact us.