COVID-19 Response: Mayor's Message, August 12

Stage 3 is here, but citizens should continue to follow public health guidelines

Town of Essex Mayor Larry Snively is thanking citizens and local business owners for all they have done to reduce the spread of COVID-19 over the last five months.

“As a Council, we recognize the many sacrifices the people of Essex have made to keep our community safe, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” Snively said. “We continue to urge people to follow the guidelines of public health officials. Wear a mask when you’re out in public, limit close contact with others, practice hand hygiene, and get tested if you’re feeling any symptoms.”

Under Stage 3 guidelines, for example, indoor and outdoor gathering limits will increase and restaurants and bars may open for indoor dine-in services. All patrons must wear masks while not seated and continue to abide by physical distancing.

Beginning today, Town of Essex staff members will be inspecting, cleaning, and installing swings in order to open playgrounds in local parks. All playgrounds are scheduled to be open and accessible to the public by the weekend. Please note, playgrounds will not be sanitized after reopening and users should continue to follow physical distancing requirements. Splash pads continue to operate in Essex Centre, Harrow, and Colchester with new signage and sanitizing stations in place.

For local business owners seeking information on current Town of Essex support programs and incentives, please visit www.essex.ca/CovidBusinessResources. Please note, Business Relaunch Grant Fund applications will be accepted until August 31.

For guidance on what individuals can do to reduce their risk of contracting the virus, or what to do if they display symptoms, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 resource page. For local updates, please visit Windsor Essex County Health Unit’s Novel Coronavirus page.