Town issues parks and open spaces warning related to COVID-19

A message from the Town of Huntsville

As a precautionary step taken by surrounding Muskoka municipalities, the Town of Huntsville has issued a safety warning for parks and open spaces effective immediately. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Huntsville is encouraging social distancing and spatial separation by reminding residents to refrain from using park and facility amenities until further notice.

Park playground structures, benches, waste receptacles, and park gates are not being sanitized at this time. Park staff are currently assisting with winter operations, and therefore our resources are limited to ensure safe sanitation of park amenities. If you choose to use the playground or park equipment, it is recommended that you wipe down equipment with disinfectant wipes before and after use, followed by alcohol-based hand sanitizer or hand-washing with soap and water.

The COVID-19 virus can still survive outdoors on a variety of surfaces in current weather conditions. Manager of Parks and Cemeteries, Colleen MacDonald, reminds residents to practice the following:

“Our community parks are still a great way to get outside and exercise. Just make sure to follow Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit’s best practices on how to protect yourself such as maintaining a social distance of at least two metres, avoid touching your face and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or hand-washing with soap and water. To help mitigate the spread, please refrain from using park and facility amenities until further notice.”

The Town will continue to consult with the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit on recommended best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For frequently asked questions or to ask a question on Town Services during COVID-19, visit myhuntsville.ca.

The Town, District of Muskoka and other area municipalities are working together to support residents and communities during COVID-19. For all District of Muskoka and local area municipal program and service impacts visit muskoka.on.ca

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