As Step 2 of reopening begins, health unit urges residents to adhere to public health measures

A message from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Today Simcoe Muskoka along with the rest of the province moved into Step 2 of its three-tiered Roadmap to Reopen. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding residents of the new requirements that are now in place and the importance of continuing to follow public health prevention measures.

Under Step 2, size limits for gatherings and outdoor venues increase and reopening of some services are allowed.

Limits for organized outdoor activities and gatherings increase to 25 people. Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to five people are allowed.

Face masks should be worn if physical distancing indoors or outdoors cannot be maintained with people outside of your household.

Capacity limits on outdoor dining, essential and non-essential retail have increased, and shopping malls and personal services may reopen with limitations and restrictions in place.

Other services and activities may resume with capacity limits and mask requirements, including increased capacity for religious services and the reopening of public libraries, outdoor sporting facilities, sports leagues, cinemas, and amusement parks.

“The progression to Step 2 is a welcome move forward. However, as we head into Canada Day and summer vacations it is essential that we continue to follow all public health safety measures that are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Dr. Colin Lee, Associate Medical Officer of Health for SMDHU. “In addition to following these precautions, I urge all individuals 12 years of age and older to get their full two-dose series of COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are able.”

While the Public Health Agency of Canada has recently provided considerations for public health measures based on your vaccination status, provincial guidelines are coming soon that will outline Ontario’s approach based on our stage of reopening. Until then, ongoing public health measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission include staying home when feeling ill, maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres from those living outside of your household, wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, covering your cough, and washing your hands regularly.

To learn more about public health safety measures and reopening guidelines under Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen Step 2, visit smdhu.org/covid19.

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