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.  

Social Circles & Gath​erings

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:

• 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 reeptions 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.

Face Coverings Required​ to be Worn at All Indoor Public Spaces

Effective July 13, 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.

Everyday Actions to Protect​ Yourself & Others

Source: SMDHU

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 propery hygiene
• Go for a walk/exercise if you can
• Wear a non-medical face mask
  
• Shop safely​
  

​​NOW O​​P​​EN ​​Conservation Areas -effective May 15,​ 2020 the NVCA is opening its conservation areas for public use, with restrictions on social distancing.  Please call 705-424-1479 for more information.   2020-05-13 NVCA​ Med​ia Release Municipal Trails - effective May 8, 2020, the Township of Essa opened its municipal trails for public  use.  Please exercise social distancing rules. Burn Permits - effective May 1, 2020 the Burn Ban was lifted.  Seasonal Campgrounds - effective May 16, 2020 seasonal campgrounds can b​egin to prepare to open.  Please note that over-night stays remain​ prohibited. Essa Parks and Recreation - Baseball diamonds, basketball courts, outdoor arenas, tennis courts, sports fields, benches, picnic shelters and skateboard parks are now OPEN for residents to enjoy! Please practice social distancing.  Please note that league play is not permitted at this time.​ Fishing Parks - The Don Ross and Nottawasaga Fishing Parks are open.  Please note that an Essa Township Access Pass is required to fish at Essa fishing parks, the pass must remain on your person ​w​hile fishing in the fishing parks.  To purchase a Access Pass please click here​.​ Facility Rental - We are now accepting facility rental requests, please fill out and submit our Facility Rental Request form available here. ​Dog Park - Effective May 25, 2020 the dog park in Angus is open​. Library - Both branches of the Essa Public Library are open​.​   Essa Library ​Re-Opening ​​​ Splash Pads - Effective June 15, 2020, all 3 splash pads in Essa are open! Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday/Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm.​​​ Marriage Licences - Effective August 4, 2020 the Township of Essa will issue Marriage Licences to all applications by appointment at the Adminsitration Centre.​ **Please note that for indoor weddings or funerals attendance is limited to 30% of the capacity of the venue and outdoor weddings and funerals attendance is limited to 100​ attendees.  For both indoor and outdoors wedding and funerals social distancing is to be observed for persons outside of your social circle. Play Structures - Effective Friday, July 17, 2020 All parks in Essa are OPEN!  Brownley Meadows Park is the only park that remains closed at this time​.   For a listing of closures, please see the CO​VID-19 Impacts​ page.​​