Kanata North COVID-19 Update July 13

Good evening Kanata North neighbours, 

Today, the Ontario government shared details regarding Stage 3 of reopening the province. This coming Friday, July 17, Ottawa Public Health will be one of the regions permitted to enter stage 3. This will allow almost all businesses to reopen, with strict health and safety measures put in place. Our commitment to follow health and safety guidelines is proving to be successful. As more businesses open, we must continue to be vigilant. Following health and safety measures will help slow the transmission of COVID-19, including regular hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask, monitoring your health, and getting tested if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms. Stage 3 does not mean that our work is done, and the pandemic is over, it means that it is more important than ever that we continue to follow Ottawa Public Health’s advice and not lose the progress we have made.  

 

Kanata North Updates 

  • Today, both indoor and outdoor pools at Richcraft Recreation Complex and Beaverbrook opened. Health and safety measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. All staff and swimmers will be required to take a self-assessment upon arrival. To allow for physical distancing, the number of swimmers at any given time will be reduced and residents will have to call in advance to reserve a time slot. You can find detailed information regarding health standards, locations, contact information, and more here.  
  • Please continue to share the paths within our community. There are many paths in our community that are shared for both pedestrians and cyclists. Ensure that you maintain a physical distance, pass safely, and alert others as you pass. 
  • The much anticipated ClubLink court proceedings started today and will continue over the next two days. Since the beginning, our community has been engaged in the process. Today, the city presented its compelling arguments followed by the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition lawyers regarding the validity of the Forty Percent Agreement. Tomorrow and Wednesday, you can continue to follow along live using these links: 

 

City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health Updates (OPH) 

Here are the latest updates from the City of Ottawa and OPH: 

  • Today, OPH reported 10 new cases and no new deaths. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 2,159 and 263 deaths.  
  • COVID-19 has brought uncertainty and challenges to our local businesses. As more brick and mortar shops begin to reopen their doors across this city, it is important that we shop local safely. The city and the Economic Partners Task Force has identified issues and opportunities with businesses across the city to implement various initiatives that will help local businesses. You can find ways to support Kanata North businesses through the Kanata Central Business Improvement Area and the Kanata North Business Association.   
  • Tune into City Council on July 15th at 9 a.m. as we discuss COVID-19 response, financial impacts, and more. You can view on your Roger’s Television or online here.  

 

Provincial Updates 

Here are the latest updates from the Ontario government: 

  • Earlier today, the Ontario government announced that almost all businesses and public spaces will be permitted to open in Stage 3 of the province’s reopening framework, with strict public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place. On Friday, July 17, Ottawa Public Health will join many other regions in entering stage 3. Regardless of stage, social circles will be kept to a maximum of 10 people province-wide. The government of Ontario has released important resources to safely reopen for various sectors that can be found here.  
  • Larger gatherings will be permitted as part of the Stage 3 reopening, however, a two metre distance must be maintained at events. Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, or open houses. Ontario will be increasing gathering limits for our city as we enter the next stage to the following:
    • Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people. 
    • Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people. 
    • Gathering limits are subject to physical distancing requirements. 
  • Even if a region has entered into stage 3, high-risk places and activities are not safe to open yet due to the increased possibility of large crowds, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19. Businesses that will remain closed include: 
    • Amusement parks and water parks. 
    • Buffet-style food services. 
    • Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements. 
    • Overnight stays at camps for children. 
    • Private karaoke rooms. 
    • Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports. 
    • Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, and oxygen bars. 
    • Table games at casinos and gaming establishments. 
  • At the beginning of each week, the province will continue to reassess local trends in public health indicators, including rates of transmission, hospital capacity, progress on testing and contact tracing, to determine if additional public health unit regions can progress to Stage 3. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened or reapplied. 
  • As the province safely and gradually enters Stage 3, child care centres and home child care providers across Ontario will be able to continue to operate with strict safety and operational requirements in place. Beginning on July 27, 2020, child care centres will be permitted to operate with cohort of 15 children, an increase from the current cohort cap of 10. 

Please reach out should you need anything. Stay safe.    

Take care,   

Jenna Sudds