Update 36 - Response to COVID-19 - West Lincoln Moves to Red-Control Zone

TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release February 26, 2021
Update # 36 – Response to COVID-19 - West Lincoln Moves to Red-Control Zone

West Lincoln, Ont. – February 26, 2021

Today the Ontario Government announced that the Niagara Region Public Health Unit would move to the “Red-Control” classification on the provincial Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework as of Monday March 1st, 2021 at 12:01 am.

"Red-Control" means broader-scale measures and restrictions across multiple sectors to control transmission. Under that category grocery stores and pharmacies can open to 75 percent capacity, all other stores can reopen with up to 50 percent capacity, and indoor dining is allowed for up to 10 people total. Gyms and salons would also be allowed to reopen.

Effective March 1st, 2021 EVENTS & gathering limits are as follows:

5 people indoors

25 people outdoors

Religious services, weddings and funerals

Indoors: 30% capacity

Outdoors: 100 people (50 for funerals)

Safe physical distancing is still required when interacting with individuals outside of your own household.

TOWNSHIP OFFICE:

The Township will continue offer access to select services, by appointment only, at the Township Municipal Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm. Residents who have scheduled appointments will need to follow posted instructions and wear a face covering, following screening protocols, and provide contact information when entering the Township Office.

WEST LINCOLN COMMUNITY CENTRE:

The West Lincoln Community Centre will modify existing programming to meet the new maximum capacity requirement of 10 participants for the entire facility.

The Walking Track will be open for walking Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm only.  Use of the track will be by appointment only, in one-hour time slots. Members of the public who are not in registered programs or have scheduled appointments will not be permitted into the facility so that capacities are maintained and controlled.

Team or Individual Sports

No game play or scrimmages are allowed at this time, however, skill development and training can continue. Ice users are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information. As such, arena permits can continue under the updated criteria below:

Team sports must not be played except for training (no games or scrimmage).

No contact is permitted for team or individual sports.

Spectators are not permitted to be in the facility, but each person under the age of 18 years who is engaged in activities in the facility may be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

Arena dressing rooms will be closed and participants must enter the facility rink- ready.

Also, the following ice programs will be on hold: Ladies Shinny, Men’s Shinny, Preschool Skating and Adult Skating.

Please note: The process for new ice rentals continues to be on hold.

WEST LINCOLN PUBLIC LIBRARY:

The Libraries in Smithville, Caistorville and Wellandport will be open regular hours by scheduled appointment only for browsing, computer use, and curbside delivery. All in- person programming has been cancelled.

MAYOR BYLSMA STATED:

“It is welcome news that we are moving well into this next level of relaxing   restrictions.    We still have a long way to go and public health cautions that they will continue to monitor the variants and weigh that against the vaccine rollout in their decision making process.  I ask our residents to continue to be patient and considerate.  The township staff is also eagerly waiting to serve our residents safely at this new level.”