COVID-19 News and Frequently Asked Questions
News
Frequently asked questions
Health questions | ||||||||||
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Preventative measures | ||||||||||
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Vaccine roll-out | ||||||||||
A limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines is currently available in Ontario and is being provided to high-risk groups first. Priority is also being given to parts of Ontario with the highest COVID-19 infection rates. As the supply of COVID-19 vaccine increases throughout 2021, the Ontario government will make the vaccine more widely available, including in Northumberland County. The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit is working closely with the Province and local health care partners to ensure a safe rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in this region once available. For updates about the local roll-out of vaccines (once this information is available), along with other helpful information including the status of COVID-19 cases in Northumberland, please visit the HKPR District Health Unit website. |
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Mental health supports | ||||||||||
What services are in place for residents who are feeling overwhelmed, alone, isolated or worried?Please visit our Community Resources page for a list of available services. |
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Declarations of Emergency | ||||||||||
Has the province declared a State of Emergency?On January 12, 2021, in response to escalating community spread of COVID-19, the Government of Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, declared a second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work. Learn more about the additional public health restrictions introduced under this provincial emergency to keep Ontarians safe and healthy. The first provincial state of emergency was declared on March 17, 2020, with the Government of Ontario declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This state of emergency ended on July 24, 2020 with the coming into effect of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act 2020 (Bill 195). Bill 195 provides the Ontario Government with flexibility to address the ongoing risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Has Northumberland County declared a State of Emergency?Northumberland County has not declared a local state of emergency during the pandemic. The County Emergency Control Group—which includes the County Warden, the directors of the organization, and the Community Emergency Management Coordinator—continues to closely monitor the situation and assess continuity of County operations. A declaration is made when a municipality determines there is insufficient capacity to meet community needs and maintain critical systems. The Control Group has determined there is sufficient current capacity; a declaration is therefore not required at this time. The Control Group continues to evaluate new developments and will consider the need for a declaration of emergency as the situation evolves. |
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County service updates and facility closures | ||||||||||
Are your offices open?The County headquarters building remains open, while several other facilities are closed to the public to ensure physical distancing. Staff in all areas continue to serve the community and are available by phone and email. Residents are also encouraged to review our list of forms, applications and permits that can be completed online. Northumberland County continues to take precautions across our operations to prevent the spread of this COVID-19. Our utmost concern is preserving the health and well-being of our residents and staff. Visit our Service Updates and Facility Closures page for more detailed information. |
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County Council meetings | ||||||||||
Are County Council meetings taking placeYes, County Council meetings continue as scheduled. In order to limit public gatherings as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, these meetings are currently taking place virtually. Members of the public can follow Council proceedings by watching the live broadcast on our YouTube channel. A recording of these proceedings is also available after the meeting, upon request. Regularly-scheduled Council meetings take place the third Wednesday of each month. Please check our Council Page for the date and time of the next meeting of County Council, along with call-in details to listen to the meeting by phone. |
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Supports for businesses | ||||||||||
What supports exist for businesses during COVID-19?COVID-19 has had a severe impact on Northumberland businesses. Recognizing the significant impacts of COVID-19 on the business community, the Government of Ontario has announced that business owners impacted by new public health measures may be eligible for up to $20,000 through the newly announced Ontario Small Business Support Grant. In addition, programs have been announced by both the federal and provincial governments to provide support to businesses impacted by the pandemic. For a comprehensive list of these supports, visit www.CovidSupports.ca. Locally, the Northumberland Economic Recovery Task Force was convened in May 2020 as an industry-led initiative to support the community through this crisis. As local business owners and leaders, Task Force members are invested in Northumberland’s economic recovery. In collaboration with local government and industry stakeholders, Task Force members developed focused recommendations to help local businesses rebuild. |
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Community resources | ||||||||||
With frequent changes to programming and services in our community in response to COVID-19, we have compiled a list to help our residents navigate community resources and supports available during this time. This website is being updated regularly based on our understanding of available resources. For COVID-19 Community Resources visit our Community Resources page. | ||||||||||
Making donations | ||||||||||
Where can I direct my donations?Visit our Community Resources page for some donation opportunities. |
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Helpful resources | ||||||||||
Where can I learn more?For information on practices to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, and for credible sources of information, visit our Symptoms, Testing & Reducing Your Risk page. |