On May 28, 2020, the Medical Officer of Health rescinded the Order of May 14, 2020 that required municipalities to close all beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties. The May 14 Order clearly communicated that Grey and Bruce Counties are not yet open for tourism and deterred one-day visitors and mass gatherings on beaches. The order also provided municipalities with the time needed to consider and pass by-laws based on local need.

The risk of transmission and community spread of COVID-19 remains. Therefore, we encourage all municipalities to consider the adoption of by-laws to restrict use of beach and waterfront spaces based on local need. Some municipalities may choose to maintain full beach closures, others may open with restrictions such as for walk-through purposes only and others may choose to open fully. The Grey Bruce Health Unit will continue to monitor the situation using epidemiological data.

The ultimate goal is to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Grey Bruce and protect everyone including the most vulnerable among us. yIt is recommended to check with your local municipality to confirm the status of beach and waterfront areas as well as river access points before planning to use them. Other amenities may be limited or remain closed, such as public washrooms,change rooms, water refill stations, beach volleyball courts,or boat rides and rentals. Playgrounds in Ontario remain closed by an emergency orderso there will be no access to playground structures, swings or slides.Safety FirstThe safety of residents must be the first consideration. Large gatherings of people in close quarters increase the risk for spreadingCOVID-19. Always follow provincial restrictions on gatherings and limit thenumber of people in a particular areawhen possible. Avoid visiting busy areasat peak times.
May 28, 2020Page 2of 3Safe Use Guidelines for Open BeachesRecommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19 need to be followed at the beach, just likeeverywhere else.Follow provincial mandates on gathering in groups. Limit the number of people in your group according to the most current Emergency Order limit declared. Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet or 2 metres from other people at all timesWear a face covering or non-medical mask in spaces when physical distancing cannot be maintained such asin a washroom or take-out restaurantline. oBe prepared and carry a mask with you. oBe careful not to get your face-covering or mask wet as this will make it hard to breathe.Wash hands frequently or use alcohol based hand sanitizer of at least 60% If you are unwell, stay home.Swimmingor being in the water is a safe activitywith respect to COVID-19 transmission.Be safe around water, supervise children and always stay in arms reach of young children. Sharing of food and drink with others is not recommended, due to touching the same surface areas. Please rememberthat alcohol is not permitted on beaches. Fines of up to $300.00 can be issued by the by-law officer. If you see visitors that do not know the local guidance information, be patient and inform them politely of what is or is notallowed. New Thingsto Bring to the Beachthis YearWater jug with spigot, soap and paper towels for hand washing or alcohol based hand sanitizer Face covering or non-medical mask, just in case you cannot practicephysical distancing at all times. Individual reusable bottles of water and other non-alcoholic beverages and individual containers of food Bagsfor your own garbage, if garbage cans are overflowing –do not add to the mess.And of course,sunscreen and hats as always. Be sun safe. We all want to have an enjoyable summer on our beautiful beaches in the safest and most sustainable way possible. We’re in this together. ResourcesMoH Class Order May 28thNews Release: Medical Officer of Health Rescinds Beach ClosureOntario Swim Guide Blog on Beach Closures in Ontario