COVID-19
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 of November 16, 2020 the Ontario Government has implemented a new system of restrictions based on health unit boundaries called the COVID-19 Response Framework "Keeping Ontario Safe and Open". Within this framework, the Township of Essa falls within the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is currently in the ORANGE ZONE. The Orange Zone is for restrict, enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcement, avoiding any closures. For information on the orange zone as well as other zones please click here.
As of December 1, 2020, there have been a total of 104 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Essa. 91 are recovered; 1 death; and, 12 active.
The breakdown of transmissions is: 5 acquired through travel, 47 acquired through close contact; 21 cases were community acquired; 8 were acquired from workplace outbreaks; 6 were acquired through institutional outbreaks; 2 were acquired from congregate setting; 11 were acquired from outbreaks in educational setting; 4 are under investigation.
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.
Social Circles & Gatherings
The Province has placed new limits on the number of people allowed to attend unmonitored private social gatherings across the province, effective September 19, 2020. For private gatherings, the limit (in accordance with the Orange Zone) are as follows:
- 10 people at an indoor event or gathering; or
- 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering.
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding recptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has advised that citizens are to limit close contacts to those in your household only. If your social circle wants to get together do so outside and at a distance.
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
