Aaniin Citizens, HFN Residents and OSM Residents,
Over the past 6 weeks since our Stage 2 Re-Opening Phase we have been through two holiday weekends and monitored COVID-19 Ontario data throughout this time. We did see an increase in cases, however the number of new cases remained relatively low after each holiday weekend, and continue to remain low. With this being said, we are ready enter into our Stage 3 Re-Opening effective August 28, 2020 – please see information below:
Stage 3 Re-Opening Phase:
- ● Businesses hours can return to their regular (pre-covid) hours.
- ● Child Care Centre will maintain current operations.
- ● Old Railroad Stop (ORRS) Restaurant will open for inside dining with strict guidelines in place.
- ● PSW’s will resume regular client schedule with strict guidelines in place.
- ● Gym will open with strict guidelines in place. Please contact Matt Pritchard for appointments or Lynn Wilford for further information.
- ● Administration and Health Offices will open by appointment only (September – planning in process).
- ● Church will re-open with strict guidelines in place.
- ● Gatherings of up to 100 people outdoors will require approval in HFN public areas.
- ● Gatherings of up to 20 people indoors will require approval in HFN Public Buildings. We understand that the Province has stated 50 people, however we do not have a building available that can host 50 people safely (socially distanced).
Remaining Closed for the Summer/Fall Season:
- ● Boat Launch to general public.
- ● Beach to general public.
- ● Playgrounds.
- ● Ball Diamond to general public.
- ● Tent & Trailer Park for season.
The businesses will continue to have health and safety measures in place, and must be followed by everyone who access these businesses. Should you not comply with the safety measures in place at a business or closed area of Hiawatha you will not be served and will be asked to leave. Hiawatha will continue to keep the “State of Emergency” declaration in place until further notice.
Social Gatherings:
When gathering with people who are from outside your household you should still stay the recommended two metres apart, and is still recommended to 10 people or less with implementation of social distancing, hand hygiene, and sanitization measures. The 10 people can also be in your home as long as a physical distance of two metres can be maintained with people who do not live your household.
You must continue to:
- ● Limit gatherings, keeping preventive measures in place.
- ● Leave two metres (6 feet) between yourself and next person.
- ● Frequently wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- ● Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- ● Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- ● Avoid touching your face.
- ● We recommend wearing a face mask in public, especially at Hiawatha places of Businesses.
Social Circles:
A close group of up to 10 people, who can interact without physical distancing. Even though we can reunite we must still continue to remain on guard.
For your social circle:
- ● Start with your current circle. These include the people you live with or who regularly come into your household.
- ● If your current circle is under 10 people, you can add members to your circle, including another household, family members or friends.
- ● Keep your social circle safe. Maintain physical distancing with anyone outside of your circle.
Facial Mask Wearing:
Face masks/coverings are now mandatory in all our public buildings. These face coverings help provide a layer of protection and in conjunction with physical distancing measures could limit the transmission of the virus.
As we move into phase 3 we do encourage everyone to wear a face mask especially when social distancing measures may not be possible.
We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the health and safety of our Citizens, HFN and OSM Residents during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The actions taken to date by Hiawatha, and by everyone who practised the preventive measures had made the difference, and allowed for us to now begin our Stage 3 reopening phase. We have come a long way, not only in our Community, but also in our Ontario and Canada.
We have done very well in keeping the virus out of our Community, keeping the risk of the transmission low, and the number of COVID cases low in our local area and in the province and across the country. However, we must remain vigilant in our efforts for when the second wave hits. How hard this wave hits will depend on each of us and our diligence.
We still have a way to go with this pandemic and each and everyone of us must take responsibility and continue to practise all measures put into place, including social distancing, hand hygiene, and sanitization to keep each other safe.
In closing, we would like to say “Chi-Miigwetch” to all of you for your patience and kindness during this time of re-opening of our Community. We look forward to Stage 3 of our re-opening and thank you in advance for ongoing practice to follow health and safety measures.
“Our Citizens and Community remain our first priority and we will work to mitigate risks for best possible outcomes moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic.”