Regions in Ontario have experienced COVID-19 differently.
In the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Northumberland County has been successful in containing the spread of the coronavirus to 19 cases, with 17 resolved, at the time of this article. As a result, the HKPRD Health Unit shifted into Stage Two of Reopening Ontario as of Friday, June 12.
I’ve always believed the adage that “slow and steady wins the race,” and so it is with Stage 2 of reopening Cobourg. We are excited about this step but must remember that it was following good practices that got us here. Such practices include the two-metre physical distancing rule, handwashing and staying home if we are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
It’s wonderful to see boats in our marina again. Hopefully, you’ll soon hear children splashing in Centennial Pool with the YMCA’s help.
We’ve tried to balance our decisions. For example, the YMCA is planning to open their summer camps; therefore, Town of Cobourg summer camps will not open this year.
The opening of campgrounds for transient guests is included in Stage 2 and we are making preparations to open ours potentially by end of the month. Perhaps pandemics bring people closer together as our legislative services department has put through a record number of marriage licences these past weeks.
You will see businesses, such as photography studios, hair salons, restaurant and bar patios open now. For a comprehensive list of businesses and other important Stage 2 details, read the Reopening Ontario: What’s In This Stage via https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-whats-each-stage.
Please remember that each reopening comes with unique logistics and a plan, which must be approved by the health unit. We are working through them, one by one.
We promise to keep communicating and keep you apprised of important decisions.
We ask you to have patience and understanding for those reopening, whether it be a town service or a private business. Together, we are walking on new ground, with the positive intention to balance the wellbeing of the Cobourg and the Northumberland communities.
— Mayor John Henderson, Town of Cobourg