As the people of Ontario struggle to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and offer relief to medical facilities and frontline workers overwhelmed by people becoming ill, the provincial government has released new stay-at-home orders.
The City of Elliot Lake has issued a release in hopes of clarifying confusion about what the current stay-at-home orders from the province of Ontario mean to residents and visitors.
This release comes in the form of a question and answer and includes information as it stands on April 19.
The full text of the release follows
On Saturday, Premier Ford announced one change that will be coming soon to the Provincial lockdown order re. playgrounds. In response to that change, the city will be reopening play structures within Elliot Lake.
Outdoor gatherings with anyone outside your household remain banned. In compliance with the order on gathering limitations and to ensure proper social distancing, the Elliot Lake fishing pier, boardwalk and marina will remain closed. All picnic tables will be removed or cordoned off. Please respect all signage and barriers.
Areas such as open spaces, trail access points like the monument parking lot and the dog park will remain open. All residents are encouraged to observe all orders issued by the province and respect social distancing and mask-wearing where appropriate.
Municipal enforcement officers will be out to engage, explain, educate and enforce.
Please stay safe. More information can be found at the city’s COVID page
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go for a walk?
Yes. In its regulations, the government says: "An outdoor recreational amenity that is a park or recreational area may be open for the purposes of permitting persons to walk through the park or recreational area."
Can I go for a walk with a friend?
This question is trickier.
The government says in its regulations that any person who uses outdoor parks and recreational areas, off-leash dog areas, or benches in parks and recreational areas "shall maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from any other person who is also using the amenity, other than a person who is a member of the same household, a member of one other household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of either household."
How far apart should we be?
The guidelines state a six (6) foot distance. A good rule of thumb to gauge this distance is that a car should be able to drive between you.
Can I gather with people outside of my household?
No, unless you live alone, and then you can gather with only one other household. The province said in a news release on Friday that it has prohibited "all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household."
Can I take my dog to the dog park?
Yes. However, you have to maintain a two-meter distance from anyone who is not a member of your household and who is not a caregiver of a member of your household.
Can I go to the Miners’ Monument?
You may go to the Miners’ Memorial if you remain in your car or if you are parking to walk the trails. Please ensure proper social distancing.
Can I launch my boat into one of the lakes?
You may use a public boat launch (except for the Elliot Lake Launch) but you may not gather at the area. Launch your boat and go.
Can I walk on the Boardwalk?
No, due to space limitations making social distancing difficult, the boardwalk will be closed.
Can I go to the fire tower lookout?
The fire tower lookout is closed but the trails in the area remain open. Observe proper social distancing.
Can my children play at a playground?
Yes, playgrounds are open for use.
Can I play golf on a golf course?
No. Stone Ride is closed.
Can I play tennis and basketball at a court?
No. And you cannot use any amenities such as those for platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts.
Can I play baseball at a diamond?
No.
Can I enjoy the skate park?
No. It’s closed
Can I have a picnic at a picnic table?
No, you can't. A picnic table is considered an outdoor amenity. Tables throughout the city will be removed or cordoned off.
Can I go shopping freely?
Capacity limits are now 25 per cent. This includes supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers' markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies.
All other public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincial emergency brake will continue to apply.
How many can gather at religious services, weddings and funerals?
Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, only 10 people will be allowed to gather at religious services, weddings and funerals, whether indoors or outdoors.
Can I continue with Construction?
Any residential construction being performed with a permit obtained prior to April 17 may continue.