Port Hope issues new COVID update

By Cecilia Nasmith

The Municipality of Port Hope has issued its latest COVID-19 Update – the 21st since the pandemic began 10 months ago – at a time when Ontario has declared its second state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order in response to steeply increasing infection numbers.

The announcement states that municipal operations will continue with certain modifications.

Staff services and continuity of business

Municipal staff continue to operate under a modified work model. Municipal facilities remain closed to the public, and staff members continue to work remotely from home, where possible.

Some members of administrative staff and essential-services work does continue on a rotational business in certain municipal facilities, in order to ensure continuity and to accommodate basic municipal requirements. In such cases, physical-distancing measures and limited interactions among staff members continues..

Municipal services continue to be available by e-mail and phone, with limited in-person services (such as issuing essential licences and permits) are available by appointment only.

Building services and construction

Municipal building inspections continue to take place, with these staff members maintaining appropriate distancing measures and wearing personal protective equipment as needed at inspection sites.

Some construction projects may continue under the Provincial Order.

Building applications are still being received and reviewed by staff, though only certain building permits can be issued while the Provincial Order is in effect.

Builders and residents with questions about building permits and projects can contact the Development Team Office by e-mail at developmentteam@porthope.ca or by telephone at 905-885-2431.

Recreation programs and facilities

All indoor recreation programs and activities are cancelled, and facilities are closed while the Stay-at-Home order is in place.

Parks and trails remain open. However, residents are reminded to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from people not in their household and to avoid gatherings of more than five people.

Municipal Transit Service

Municipal transit, including ROLLS service, continue to operate as scheduled. Enhanced cleaning measures continue on transit vehicles, per the usual protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Library services

Port Hope Public Library continues to offer its contactless curbside service weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contactless photocopying and the issuance of library cards are also available, and library staff can receive questions by phone or email.

Book returns at the Mary J. Benson and Hub Branches remain open, and returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours. The Hub Branch at Canton remains closed until further notice.

Please visit the Library website at porthopepubliclibrary.ca for additional details.

Organizational preparedness

The municipality’s senior leadership team continues its careful monitoring of developments on COVID-19, including frequent updates from Ontario Health and local health partners. Residents can expect regular updates from the Municipality on the dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

The press release closed with a quote from Mayor Bob Sanderson.

“The recent modelling of COVID-19 cases from the province is grim,” the mayor stated.

“It is incumbent on all of us to heed the advice of our health authorities so that we can all do our part to stop further spread of the virus in our own community. While the Stay-at-Home order is in place, we should only be leaving our homes to get essentials such as groceries and pharmacy items, to get some exercise outdoors and, in some limited cases, to go to work,” Sanderson listed.

“The next few weeks are crucial, and we must all contribute to the solution by staying home and keeping our loved ones safe.”