The PDF version of this notice is available here
Date: July 19, 2021
From: COVID-19 Task Team and HFN Council
Re: COVID-19 Update # 25 – Stage 3 Community Re-Opening
Aanii Hiawatha Citizens, Residents and OSM Residents,
The Ontario Government announced it will move into their Step 3 Re-Opening plan on Friday, July 16, 2021. Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen will remain in effect for a minimum of 21 days AND until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second, with NO Public Health Unit having less than 70 per cent of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated.
The following Ontario Step 3 plan includes, but is not limited to:
- ● Larger Indoor and Outdoor Social Gatherings and Organized Public Events – organized and social gathering limits to max 25 persons indoors, 100 persons outdoors, where physical distancing can between maintained. The indoor and outdoor capacity limits cannot be combined.
- ● Indoor Dining – no capacity limits, however 2m (6ft.) physical distance from other tables must be maintained
- ● Essential and Non-Essential Retail – capacity limit is based on retail space allowing for 2m (6ft.) of physical distance and public health measures place
- ● Larger Indoor Religious Services, Rites or Ceremonies, including Wedding Services and Funeral Services – no capacity limit as long as 2m (6ft.) physical distance is maintained and other public health measures are in place
- ● Indoor Meeting and Event Spaces – up to 50% of capacity of the space, and with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures are in place
- ● Indoor Sports and Recreational Facilities – up to 50% capacity, with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures in place
- ● Indoor Seated Events – up to 50% of capacity of the space, and with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures in place
- ● Indoor Attractions and Cultural Amenities – up to 50% of capacity of the space, and with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures in place
- ● Casino and Bingo Halls – up to 50% of capacity of the space, and with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures in place
- ● Other Outdoor Activities – up to 75% of capacity of the space, and with 2m (6ft.) physical distance and other public health measures are in place
As we, and the rest of the province continue to re-open, this does not mean personal precautions should not be taken. We must remain vigilant and keep those safe who are vulnerable due to potential COVID-19 complications safe. We need to continue to protect our Community by having strict health and safety measures in place, as all our children are not yet vaccinated, nor some of our adult Citizens.
Along with Ontario’s Guidelines that are in place under their Step 3 Re-Opening Plan, Hiawatha also has the following Guidelines in place.
Lessees:
The fact that our Community and the rest of the province are slowly moving into Step 3 of re-opening plan does not mean personal precautions should not be taken. When you or your family consider coming to Hiawatha, please remember the risks involved and the importance of keeping those who are vulnerable due to potential COVID-19 complications safe. Please note that even though vaccinations are well under way, we are still diligently protecting our community and upon all COVID-19 Health and Safety measures and guidelines must be in followed.
ORRS Restaurant (Opened July 16 for Indoor Dining):
- ● Will be open for inside dining. The health and safety measures laid out in their business safety plan will be strictly followed.
Camp Cherokee (Opened June 11 for Guests):
- ● Will be open to guests. The health and safety measures laid out in their business safety plan will be strictly followed. Current guidelines include, but not limited to:
- ● Guests will be allowed to access the boat launch and ORRS Store and Restaurant
- ● Guests will not be permitted to use other public areas (all other areas are remaining closed to the public)
Administration and Health Offices and Youth Centre:
- ● Re-opened on June 7, 2021, appointments will need to be booked if you need to meet with Administration and/or Health Staff.
- ● Will continue to strictly follow the safety measures laid out in the organization’s safety plans.
HFN Offices, ORRS and the Business Owners do have a COVID-19 health and safety plan in place and these measures will be strictly followed. Those who access the businesses must comply with the health and safety measures in place or they will not be served and asked to leave.
Remaining Closed to Visitors/General Public:
- ● Boat Launch (Open to Camp Cherokee Guests and Seasonal Lessees)
- ● Parks/Playground (HFN Citizens only and up to 25 people total at a time). Please ensure to wipe of playground equipment after each use.
- ● Beach (HFN Citizens only)
- ● Open lakefront spaces
- ● Ball Diamond (HFN Citizens only)
- ● Tent and Trailer Park (2021 season)
- ● Serpent Mounds (HFN Citizens only)
Enforcement:
- ● Hiawatha Police and OPP will be monitoring the Community and failure to follow restrictions will result in fines.
If you notice restrictions not being followed or if unknown vehicles/person’s come to your property, please call the OPP Line at 1-888-310-1122 to report. For emergency services call 911.
Programming:
Programming through the month of July and August will transition into small in-person or outdoor groups in compliance with the provincial stage 3 re-opening. Porch drop offs and/or pick ups of supplies will continue and where possible arrangements for scheduled pick ups at the L.I.F.E. Services Centre will be permitted. Please watch for further updated details on programs and services.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols:
- ● Practice physical distancing of at least two metres (6ft) with those outside your household.
- ● Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so.
- ● Face coverings should be tightly fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin.
- ● Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
If you have any questions or require further information regarding this update, please contact Chief Laurie Carr or Administrator Trisha Shearer or Health Manager Tina Howard at 705-295-4421.
“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.”