COVID-19
Effective January 5, 2022 the Province has moved into Step 2 of the Provincial Roadmap to Re-opening. To learn more about restrictions, public health and workplace measures, please follow this link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario
A State of Emergency still remains in effect in the Township of Essa. It is urgent that Essa residents take steps to limit the number of people that we come in contact with to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
As reported by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on January 7, 2022, there have been a total of 951 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Essa (691 recovered, 253 active but not in hospital, 1 hospitalized, 6 deceased). For a breakdown on the status in respect of active vs. recovered cases in addition to the confirmed methods of transmission, please click Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Provincial Support
On January 7, 2022 the Ontario Government issued a media release "Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families" to assist Ontario small businesses, workers and families financially navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic. Online applications for the Ontario Business Cost Rebate Program will open on January 18, 2022. In addition to the above grant the Ontario government is also providing electricity-rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two. For 21 days starting at 12:01 am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate. The off-peak rate will apply automatically to residential, small businesses and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility and will benefit customers on both Time-of-Use and Tiered rate plans.
Please visit the Ontario Newsroom to view the Media Release.
Social Circles & Gatherings
- Indoor social gatherings and organized public events are permitted up to 5 people
- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events are permitted up to 10 people.
Face Coverings Required to be Worn at All Indoor Public Spaces
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Essa Council is required to follow Orders mandated under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Orders and Regulations are passed by the Federal, Provincial, and upper tier governments (County of Simcoe), as well as the local health units (Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) during a state of emergency. Essa Council continues to help keep residents safe by following the directives of upper tier governments and local health units. Effective July 13, 2020, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit issued a directive requiring all patrons to wear face coverings when accessing all Indoor Public Spaces as well as Transit. Directives and Orders released by the Federal, Provincial, and upper-tier governments as well by local health units supersede Essa Council when a State of Emergency as has been declared by the Province of Ontario.
Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.
How to wear a Mask:
Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off.
Make sure it covers both your nose, mouth and chin.
Wear a fabric mask unless you’re in a particular risk group. This is especially important when you can’t stay physically distanced, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor settings.
Wear a medical/surgical mask if you:
Are over 60,
Have underlying medical conditions
Are feeling unwell, and/or
Are looking after an ill family member.
Please click here for common questions and answers with respect to mask wearing for adults and children.
Everyday Actions to Protect Yourself & Others
Each of us can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and across the region. There are everyday actions we should all use to protect ourselves and others. These actions are very important because:
- The majority of cases in the Simcoe-Muskoka region are caused by community transmission of COVID-19, which means that the virus is spreading in the community from person-to-person and is not linked to travel or a previously known case
- This is not just a disease affecting the elderly. Most cases in the Simcoe-Muskoka region are among adults between 35 and 64 years of age.
Please refer to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for full information about recommended actions that can help stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Actions* include:
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Avoid heading to cottage country
- Practice physical distancing (2 metres)
- Practice proper hand-washing hygiene
- Go for a walk/exercise if you can
- Wear a non-medical face mask
- Shop safely
