Stage 3 of the province's reopening plan begins tomorrow, but Collingwood won't be rushing to open its facilities and playgrounds.
According to the town's communications officer, the town is working toward reopening playgrounds, one of the allowances in Stage 3, but they may not be open tomorrow.
"We will make public announcements on the town's website and social media channels as playgrounds open for public use," noted Adam Ferguson, communications officer for the Town of Collingwood.
The province is also allowing nearly all businesses and public spaces to reopen. Again, the town doesn't plan on having its recreation or administration buildings open right away.
"The municipality is working to re-open facilities in a measured and responsible way," stated Ferguson, noting the town is prioritizing public safety and staff safety.
"Each facility operation is unique," said Ferguson. "As each facility is brought back online for public service, the community will be made aware through media and online announcements."
Under Stage 3, restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors, but with restrictions to allow for physical distancing and reduced capacity.
There is also an order issued by the region's medical officer of health requiring people to wear masks indoors. According to the health unit, you should wear a mask indoors in a restaurant up until the time you are eating, and following the completion of your meal.
The province is not allowing reopening of amusement and water parks, buffet-style food services, dancing at restaurants and bars, overnight stays at camps for children, private karaoke rooms, saunas, steam rooms, bathhouses, nor table games at casinos. Sports with deliberate and prolonged contact are also not permitted to relaunch.
Gathering limits have been increased to allow 50 people to gather indoors and 100 people to gather outdoors, with physical distancing still required for all people not from the same household or social circle.
The gathering limit of 30 per cent building capacity for indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, weddings, and funerals will remain in place.
Ontario reported 111 new cases of COVID-19 today, and the epidemiological report indicates there are now 1,365 active cases of the coronavirus in the province.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported three new COVID cases in Simcoe County today including two in Midland and one in Tiny Township.
There has not been a case reported in Collingwood since May 19. All 15 cases reported in Collingwood have recovered.
In The Blue Mountains, the total case count for the municipality has remained at five since May as well. All cases in The Blue Mountains are now reported recovered.
In Wasaga Beach, the last case was reported on June 19. Fourteen Wasaga cases have been reported recovered and one person has died.
In Clearview Township, the last case was reported on June 15, and seven of eight cases have recovered. One person has died.
