As Ontario and Chatham Kent move forward in reopening our economy, we are see more and more restaurants opening and creating patio to help us resemble some normality.
Ontario’s State of Emergency has been extended from June 30th to July 15th. They are hoping this will be the last extension needed.
“What Does State Of Emergency Means If We Are Opening Up Business And The Economy?”
By the government standards it means.
Providing “Ontario with the additional time, flexibility, and the necessary tools to safely and gradually allow more places to reopen, while continuing to support frontline health care providers in the fight against COVID-19.”
In other words, it allows the government to continue to assess the situation for the next couple of week; make sure that all necessary legislation and arrangements are made to keep everyone safe; and to make sure that all our frontline workers have the essential support to help them do their job and keep them safe as well.
Should the state of emergency expires before the province has made sure all essential emergency orders are made, amended or re-enacted, then they will no long be able to establish them or amend them.
However the existing one may remain as written. It is important that the Ontario Government makes sure that the necessary orders are in place so that they can maintain our safety after it expires and while they continue to bring normalcy to the province.
Social Distancing and Bubbles
We are still under the same large gathering orders as was mentioned last week. Which means you can have a social bubble of 10 people. Groups of no more than 10 can gather with social distancing with the exception of Weddings and Funerals. (Click here for last week’s segment)
What Is Happening In Our Community?
All festivals and events have been cancelled or postponed for now. WAMBO has been cancelled as well as the Canada Day Festival. The Dragon Boats were postpone till October 3, 2020
On a good note the Downtown BIA Farmers Market will continue with the next one on July 4th They are making sure that everyone stays safe and social distancing is done.
If you enjoyed borrowing books from the Library the Wallaceburg Library has started Curbside Services on Wednesday, 2:00 to 6:00 pm and Saturday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm. You can place your books on hold through their website or by calling 519.354.2940. They will contact you when your order is ready to set up an appointment with you. However they are allowing only one appointment a week with up to 20 items a week.
What Is Happening In Other Communities?
The rest of the province is now moving into stage 2 of opening up their economy except for Windsor-Essex. This means more restaurant, hair salons and even some tourist attractions are now opening up everywhere but Windsor-Essex.
The Government has given the municipalities the decision of which attractions are best to open up in their regions. Some areas may open up their beaches while other will not want to take the risk.
How Does This Affect Me?
It is still very apprehensive times for us. Many of us are getting cabin fever especially with summer upon us now. If we take precautions when we are out and keep our social distancing, while only having close contact with those in our social bubbles, we can enjoy a bit of normalcy. We can take pleasure in going for walks, visiting a fruit stand and grabbing an ice cream from one of our many drive thru. Just remember to always have a mask with you and use it when out in public also have some hand sanitizer or a baggy filled with warm soapy paper towels with you. Don’t forget to take advantage of the hand sanitizers and gloves that stores will be offering you when you enter
If you are over 70 and/or have a compromised immune system make sure you follow all the guidelines for social distancing. Should someone come to close to you do not hesitate to tell them to “Please Step Back.”
If you still feel uncomfortable to venture out into public, do not feel pressured to do so. There are many service willing to continue to help those that want to self isolate (click here for Stay Home Stay Safe Options) as well as family, friends and neighbours. The important thing we need to keep safe is our peace of mind.
Resource/Source Material:
Government Of Ontario Statements
State of Emergency extended News article
Chatham-Kent Tourist Information (Covid-19)
Chatham-Kent Library Curbside Updates
We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions about what is posted here or would like additional information added to our next segment please leave a comment below or click here to send us a message
