After the Province announced on Monday that the majority of Ontario would be entering Stage 3 of reopening, including Chatham-Kent, officials, volunteers and businesses in the community are left to prepare for this next phase of the pandemic.
CK Public Health officials say more details will be released in the coming days.
“Premier Doug Ford announced that Chatham-Kent would be permitted to move into Phase 3 of ‘Reopening Ontario’,” CK Public Health officials said on social media.
“In the meantime, it is important that we all continue to practice key public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
CK Public Health officials are encouraging people to:
– Maintain two metres/six feet from people outside of your social circle
– Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol as frequently as possible.
– Stay home if you’re not feeling well
For more information, click here.
The Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce were thrilled with the news.
“It’s Monday and it’s a great day in Ontario,” the Wallaceburg Chamber posted on social media after the announcement.
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce was busy making sense of the announcement as well.
“Nearly all businesses to reopen in Stage 3,” the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce posted on social media.
“Businesses allowed to open include restaurants and bars for indoor dine-in, gyms, fitness studios, and community centres and more with restrictions effective Friday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m.”
The Chatham-Kent Chamber also encouraged businesses to contact the Province with any questions about Stage 3.
“For questions on restrictions that will remain in place during Stage 3, review the Stage 3 Emergency Order on the emergency information portal or call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659,” the business organization posted online.”
After opening an outdoor patio recently, the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 18 in Wallaceburg is excited to open their doors to the public once again.
“Friday your Branch 18 at the Forks will be open 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. inside and out… yes you read it correctly, back inside too,” Legion officials posted on social media.
“Have to do the distancing etc. but what the heck, keeps everyone safe, right? The barbecue will be on outside from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., burgers, fries, dogs too probably.”
Some organizations, like Dresden Raceway, are still figuring out what the announcements means for their operations.
“Dresden Raceway is currently working with the Province of Ontario and the Chatham Kent Medical Officer of Health to fully understand what (Monday’s) announcement of moving to Phase 3 means to the track,” Dresden Raceway officials posted on social media.
“We are just as enthusiastic to have fans back at the track in some way shape or form as everyone else but we have to make sure we still follow proper safety protocols and adhere to what the Province of Ontario and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent have laid out.”
Track officials are encouraging people to follow their social media closely as we will be making announcements when they find out more information.
Read Monday’s full announcement from the Province, here.
Watch for more details throughout the week on the Sydenham Current.
