Even as Ontario gradually reopens, Oshawa said it will maintain status quo until due diligence confirms that it is safe to reopen certain outdoor public amenities.
“On behalf of Oshawa City Council, we welcome the Ontario Government’s recent announcements on the gradual and phased approach of reopening the province in response to the Covid-19 outbreak,” said Mayor Dan Carter in a media release. “The health and safety of our community members is our number one priority and we look forward to the gradual reopening of our community.”
He, however, reminded community members that at this time there is no change to city programs or services, as well as no changes to the current closure of city facilities and outdoor amenities to the public
“City open park spaces and trails continue to be open for walk through only. Additionally, at this time, city playgrounds, sports fields, the Harmony Valley off-leash dog park and Lakeview Park beach area remain closed,” he pointed out.
Pandemic panel meet
Beginning Tuesday, May 19, the city’s Pandemic Steering Committee will closely review and evaluate the provincial announcement and Emergency Orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, Mayor Carter said.
He said in looking to the reopening of certain city outdoor seasonal amenities such as tennis courts or the track at the Civic Recreation Complex, the city must perform due diligence work and ensure that the health of our community members is the upmost priority.
“The appropriate time to perform due diligence work, including inspection and preparation of outdoor amenities, is required as well as ensuring that the appropriate mitigation measures are in effect prior to reopening outdoor facilities to the public. We look forward to making future announcements,” he said.
“We are heading down the right path, but we must also remember to continue to follow the recommendations of our government and health authorities. We are all in this together. We must each do our part and together we will come out of this stronger than before,”he added.
Oshawa seems to have flattened the covid-curve seeing much slower daily increase in cases over the past few weeks. It’s covid count so far till yesterday stood at 205, with 23 deaths and 156 recoveries.
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