Northumberland County COVID-19 Update #3: Update on proactive measures across County services to prevent spread of COVID-19
Collin Whitehouse
As the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to evolve, Northumberland County is regularly assessing operations and implementing additional measures, where required, to protect the health and well-being of the community.
Today, Northumberland County formally activated its Emergency Operations Centre, further signaling its focus on ensuring continuity of operations and essential service provision to the community during this challenging period. In an effort to maintain alignment of County operations with the most current direction from health authorities on the vital importance of social distancing, the County is updating residents on the following precautions now in place:
Facility closures and entrance restrictions
The health and well-being of residents and staff is our highest priority. The majority of our offices remain open, however we encourage residents to postpone non-essential visits to our facilities until April 6, 2020. Consider instead contacting us by phone at 1-800-354-7050 or viewing our list of forms, applications and permits that can be completed online at Northumberland.ca/ OnlineServices. Current closures and access restrictions include:
· Closure to the public of the County’s 600 William Street, Cobourg facility. Administrative offices at this location include Economic Development, Tourism, Land-use Planning and Inspection services, Settlement Services, and the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre. Staff continue to operate from this location and are providing modified services.
· The Material Recovery Facility at 280 Edwardson Road, Grafton is closed to the public. Recycling operations continue at full capacity.
· Access to Provincial Offences offices at 860 William Street, Cobourg is restricted to the front entrance, and visitors are being screened at the door.
· Visitation at the Golden Plough Lodge remains restricted to essential visitors only, in order to protect the health and safety of residents. Essential visitors are defined as having very ill or end-of-life family members. Active screening for COVID-19 is in place for all staff and visitors entering the facility.
Council and Public Meetings
· In order to limit public gatherings in support of social distancing practices, the regular meeting of Northumberland County Council scheduled for April 15, 2020 has been cancelled. The County is closely monitoring information from health officials. The Warden will determine the next meeting of County Council in collaboration with staff, and advise the public.
· In addition, Northumberland County is postponing, until further notice, the public meeting scheduled for March 24 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the countywide Development Charges Background Study. This meeting will be rescheduled so Council can hear public input on this study before considering implementation of a development charge.
Program and Service Updates
As essential services, Waste services including curbside collection and standard landfill and transfer station operations remain available to the community.
In consideration of prevailing recommendations for social distancing, and in support of staff who are maintaining operations, Northumberland County is asking residents to consider postponing visits to our landfill and transfer stations until further notice, unless absolutely necessary. Our attendants remain on-site to ensure proper management of curbside and commercial waste, however limiting interactions with members of the public will further support continuity of these important operations.
As a measure to reduce non-essential interactions, please note that until further notice Household Hazardous Waste will not be accepted at our landfill and transfer stations. Residents are asked to please continue storing these materials in a safe place until this service returns to full operation.
County website
As this situation is developing quickly, cancellations and closures may continue to be implemented at any time in support of community action against the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to monitor our dedicated web page Northumberland.ca/COVID19 for updates about impacts to County programs and services.
Reduce your risk
Handwashing continues to be the best way to protect yourself from viruses including seasonal respiratory illnesses like influenza, along with COVID-19. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available). Other tips for remaining healthy:
· Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
· If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or arm.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.
· Stay home if you are sick
Get the facts—credible sources of information on COVID-19
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources such as: