'I wish that we had been given some advance notice'

Chatham-Kent now has details for moving to the next stage of regionally reopening the economy on Friday.

CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby told Blackburn News preparations are underway for Phase 2 of the provincially mandated reopening but he wishes he had more time to get ready.

“This is not my worst nightmare, but I wish that we had been given some advance notice to prepare for this,” Colby said. “Things have been hectic, to say the least.”

Dr. Colby said he plans on allowing most of the Phase 2 measures to take effect in Chatham-Kent, including the resumption of personal services and the opening of bar and restaurant patios. Colby added he cannot allow all of the measures proposed by the province at this time because the time is not right.

"I am concerned that there could be utilization of CK services from nearby places with community transmission, but we shall keep a close eye on the situation and take whatever measures we need to take to keep CK safe," he said.

Dr. Colby is permitting the following to open as early as 12:01 a.m. on Friday:

• - Outdoor dining areas only

• - Services within a place of worship, with no more than 30% capacity

• - Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barbershops, hair and beauty salons that do not provide services that tend to the face

• - Childcare centres with the proper health and safety measures in place

• - Beach access and camping at provincial parks and private campgrounds

• - Tour and guide services

• - Shopping malls under existing restrictions, with food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only

• - Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with physical distancing in place

• - Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural attractions, with individuals remaining in their vehicles at all times

• - Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people

Dr. Colby has ordered the following services to remain closed:

• - Municipally operated pools

• - Splash pads will remain closed until play structures are permitted to open

• - Day camps

• - Other types of organized activity that allow close proximity of children and youth to each other

“Keeping pools, splash pads and day camps closed at this time is to protect the health and safety of children and vulnerable people as physical distancing will be impossible to maintain in these settings,” said Colby.

The municipality said unfortunately its licenced child care centres are not able to open on Friday.

"While we share in the enthusiasm about the announcement to reopen child care centres and programs, we want to inform parents that the Licenced Child Care Centres in Chatham-Kent are not able to open on Friday, June 12, 2020,” said Kelly Emery, Director of Child Care and Early Years. “At this time, there are not confirmed opening dates for child care centres.”

Emery said the child care operators and the municipality share a "deep responsibility to open in a responsible and responsive way" and continued collaboration with local health officials and child care partners will assist in the development of protocols to ensure the safety of children and staff upon return.

“We ask that families have patience as a thoughtful plan is created that is able to accommodate as many families as possible,” said Emery.

She admitted child care centres may have fewer spaces when they reopen.

Colby said that some municipal services and local businesses may choose not to reopen at this time, at their discretion, and businesses should only reopen if they have proper health and safety measures in place. For a full list of local closures and details click here.

The limit of social gatherings has increased to 10 people, with physical distancing measures.

CK Public Health said it is reminding the public that it is still important to continue to practice health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as keeping six feet away from people outside of your household, washing your hands frequently, and staying at home if you're feeling sick.

Businesses that have questions about their workplaces can call the Ontario Stop The Spread business information line at 1-888-444-3659 or click here.

Local public health officials are emphasizing that business owners must take precautions during this COVID-19 pandemic to protect their customers, employees and themselves. Employers must review the workplace health and safety guidelines and ensure that appropriate measures are in place.

"Communication is incredibly important during this time. Please communicate your expectations with your employees and customers or clients and encourage them to discuss potential issues with you," they said.

If businesses have any questions about establishing public health measures to operate safely they can call CK Public Health at 519-355-1071 ext. 1900.

Chatham-Kent was selected because it has a low number of total cases and new daily cases and has sufficient hospital capacity in case of another wave or outbreak. Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton remain in Phase 1.