April 2, 2020
Temagami Update #11 on COVID-19
The Municipality of Temagami is continually monitoring COVID-19 and is working closely with the Timiskaming Health Unit and community partners to take preventative measures and respond appropriately.
Snowbirds Returning Home
If you’re a snowbird who is just returning from your winter destination you are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days. Self–isolation begins the moment you arrive in Canada in order to reduce potential exposure to the community. Return directly to your home and avoid all contact with the public including family and friends. DO NOT stop for essentials such as groceries or prescriptions as these can be delivered to your home. Whether you are an international traveller returning by plane, or a snowbird driving yourself home for the season self-isolation begins the moment you arrive in Canada.
Penalties for non-compliance include:
• a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
• $1 million or three years in prison, or both if someone jeopardizes another's life "while willfully or recklessly contravening the act"
Please keep in mind that COVID-19 is not only affecting the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems. As of April 1, 2020, according to the Provincial COVID-19 Webpage, approximately 65% of all confirmed cases are of people between the ages of 20-59.
The Province of Ontario has published the list of essential services that are permitted to continue operations and will be releasing an updated list in the coming days. If you are not sure if your business is an essential service, please call the Province at 1-888-444-3659.
Government and health officials in Ontario and across Canada are now recommending against people leaving their homes to head for cottage country during the pandemic in order to avoid depleting supplies and overwhelming healthcare systems in small rural towns.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF TEMAGAMI RELATED TO COVID-19 PLEASE EMAIL COMMUNICATE@TEMAGAMI.CA
Curbside Collection: This service will continue as normal. To help protect the health & safety of our staff we ask residents to ensure their garbage is properly bagged and tied securely. Any personal waste items including tissue, wipes or face masks should be double bagged in plastic and tied securely before throwing them out.
Recycling: There is no change in curbside recycling. If there is a reason to suspect recycle items may be contaminated with COVID-19, please put these recycle items in the garbage-double bagged and securely tied.
The Province has placed a fire restriction, effective April 3, over all of Ontario to help reduce the demands on emergency response systems during the COVID-19 crisis. This means you cannot have an outdoor fire period, including the burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit.