Bruce County misses you – the Victoria Day long weekend brings back so many memories as the official kick off to summer. This weekend usually sees many visitors and cottage owners return to the area. Cottages are often the gathering places for families and friends to get together and reconnect; this year is different.
This year, Bruce County wants to remind everyone that it is still necessary to avoid nonessential travel. Travel of any kind increases the chance for spread of COVID-19. This year, it is everyone’s responsibility to travel only for purposes like groceries or medical supplies.
Grey Bruce Public Health and other agencies are encouraging you to get outside but traveling to do so is not recommended. Instead, the advice is to be active in your home community. All Bruce County trails, and all Saugeen River access points are closed.
Additionally, many parks and beaches across Bruce County municipalities have current restrictions.
Bruce County is asking that anyone planning to visit the County who is not a permanent resident, please appreciate that there is a great deal of anxiety felt in the community due to the consistent messaging from public health authorities to avoid non-essential travel. To avoid a negative experience, please keep the following in mind:
• Many of the usual amenities you are used to enjoying such as stores, beaches, trails, river access points, and services remain closed.
• Bring provisions with you as store shelves are not full and there is a reduced capacity to accommodate sudden changes in demands.
• Practice social and physical distancing as recommended by Public Health officials such as, maintaining a 2 metre distance from others at all times, avoid crowds or gatherings of any kind, do not engage in group activities or visiting popular destinations.
• Should you or a family member develop any symptoms of illness while visiting your cottage, have an exit plan ready. Rural hospitals have limited capacity and resources, you should consider where your health needs can be best met.
“Our hope in Bruce County is that if we stay home and continue social distancing for this long weekend, then we may be able to enjoy a traditional Bruce County summer.” says Warden Mitch Twolan. “As much as we miss our summer residents and visitors, we will be here ready to welcome everyone back when it is safer to do so.”
Bruce County urges all residents to stay home, to practice social distancing, and to practice proper hygiene protocols outlined by the Provincial Medical Officer of Health: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus. COVID-19 updates related to Bruce County can be found at https://brucecounty.on.ca/covid19 and the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
While you stay safe at home, dream of adventures to come, when you can Explore the Bruce once again; we’ll be here, waiting for you.
source: media release, Bruce County
