During Monday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, Chief Chesebrough discussed last Friday’s announcement from the Premier’s office. Chesebrough noted that there was “ample confusion with the new restrictions that have been imposed.” Two regulations that were announced on Friday have since been reversed. 

On Friday, Premier Ford announced that all parks and playgrounds were closed to public access, but they are now permitted to be open. Chief Chesebrough noted that the amendment applies to playgrounds, play structures, and dog parks. Soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard parks continue to be closed.

Ford also announced that there would be enhanced enforcement of the stay-home order by police. The province saw widespread disagreement with this order. Many police departments posted on social media that they would not be stopping citizens without cause, and this mandate has since changed. Police will not be stopping people asking them what is the purpose of their outing; they will continue follow the four-E model to support the stay at home order: Engage, Explain, Educate, and Enforce (as a last resort).

Chesebrough also shared that our numbers have come down from last week: the Lanark, Grenville, Leeds District Health Unit reports we had 133 cases last week and 100 cases currently.  

Councillor McKenna offered thanks and congratulations to the health unit staff for tracking cases and keeping us informed and safe.

Article by Janelle Labelle