March 16, 2020 – HH COVID-19 Planning and Communications

Maynooth, ON – The Municipality of Hastings Highlands continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Hastings Highlands, we are working together to put into effect community-based measures that will protect the general population in Hastings Highlands and do our part to slow the spread of this virus. We have an opportunity to support each other during this time of crisis.
Since the Municipality’s latest media release on Friday, March 13th, new information has been communicated by the Government of Canada on preventative measures for communities.
Hastings Highlands wishes to release the following information to the community:
Hastings Highlands Municipal Office
The Hastings Highlands Municipal Office will be closed for public entry from Monday, March 16th to Sunday, April 5th due to the concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when we are able to do so.
As a result, all meetings during the time period Monday, March 16th to Sunday, April 5th will be postponed.
At this time, municipal staff is available by calling the municipal office at (613) 338-2811. However, we encourage stakeholders to use our online resources available to conduct business with the municipality.
Hastings Highlands Buildings and Facilities
All gatherings at Hastings Highlands Municipal facilities will be postponed until further notice due to the concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when we are able to do so.
Hastings Highlands Staff
We encourage staff to stay calm and continue with infection control practices, such as, frequent hand washing, coughing into sleeve – not hands, and remaining at home if feeling unwell.
Any member of staff who has recently travelled is encouraged to self-isolate for 14 days and contact public health if symptoms of COVID-19 develop.
Cleaning supplies are available to staff for cleaning their personal workspace. More updates for staff will be available as the situation unfolds.
Conclusion
Hastings Highlands encourages social distancing measures as a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of this outbreak.
The health and safety of the community is our priority and we will continue to update the community when we are able to do so.
We encourage all members of the community to keep updated by visiting the Government of Canada’s Website designated to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid- 19.html
Vic A. Bodnar, Mayor of Hastings Highlands ###