The Township of North Kawartha has taken actions to help protect the health of our Community during the COVID-19 pandemic. North Kawartha fully supports and is in compliance with Federal and Provincial Governments orders and directives, and the Public Health authorities’ recommendations. The Municipal Office is open to the public, and staff at all departments are accessible by calling 705-656-4445 or using our contact directory for direct lines and email addresses.

On Tuesday, March 01, 2022 the province of Ontario implemented the next step in “The Roadmap to Re-opening”, which is dictated by O. Reg 364/20 Schedule 4&5. This meant that many common place public health measures were no longer required, including proof of vaccination for patrons. The repeal of these measures signaled that we have reached a turning point in this pandemic, such that our health system is not at risk of being overwhelmed. Due to the high number of people with 2 doses of vaccine (and many of these with their booster dose) the threat of severe illness and disease caused by COVID-19 has been reduced.

By Monday, March 21^st mask mandates ended in most places. As of March 28^th The Reopening Ontario Act expired, meaning that legislation can no longer be used to issue new pandemic management orders. Remaining orders under the act will last for another month. As of April 27^th essentially all public health measures regarding COVID-19 will end, and directives from the Chief Medical Officer of Health will expire.

While proof of vaccination may no longer be required for patrons, Peterborough Public Health strongly recommends vaccinations. Vaccinations are important to decreasing the occurrence of serious illness from COVID-19. To learn more or to find a vaccine clinic, go to: peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Please note that some events may have specific restrictions and protocols that must be adhered to, so check with the event organizer or website for more details. If you use the opened amenities, the Township and Public Health Officials remind you of the following, for the continued protection of yourself and others:

• Vaccinations are strongly recommended
• After March 21^st wearing a mask while inside crowded facilities is still recommended
• Stay home if you are sick
• Physical distancing (2 metres / 6 feet) from others, where possible, is still recommended, especially when indoors and when many people will be without masks
• Hand sanitization upon entry of a facility is highly recommended
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

We can’t thank you enough for your assistance and cooperation in helping to protect our community over the past two years. We will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.