Elgin County Urges Residents to Stay Home and Stay Safe

Elgin County, Ontario – On April 7, 2021, the Province of Ontario declared a third emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in response to a third wave of COVID-19 that is threatening the capacity of hospitals across the province. In addition, the province announced a Stay at Home order to slow the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases experienced in recent weeks, particularly those identified as variants of concern. These variants are rapidly transmissible and are affecting not only the more vulnerable members of our population but younger people as well. The County of Elgin supports all efforts to reduce and eliminate the transmission of COVID-19 in our community to protect the healthcare system and save lives. 

The Stay at Home order restrictions began at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021 and will remain in place for at least four (4) weeks.   

Details of the Stay at Home order include, but are not limited to:

  • Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Restriction on discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only.
  • Garden centres and plant nurseries will be permitted to continue in-person sales with a 25 per cent capacity limit and a restriction on hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Restaurants may provide curbside pick-up and delivery services only.
  • Residential evictions are suspended for the duration of the Stay at Home order.
  • Libraries will remain open for curbside pick-up and delivery only. 
  • Schools and child care are to remain open.

These measures are in addition to the “emergency brake” shutdown restrictions announced on April 1, 2021.

Residents of Elgin County are strongly encouraged to stay home, except for essential travel, such as groceries and other necessities, like medicine; healthcare appointments (including vaccination appointments); school; child care; and going to work (where remote work is not possible).  Limit contact to members of your own household and visit safely using virtual means only.

Elgin County parks remain open and residents are encouraged to engage in safe forms of outdoor exercise.

“It can be disheartening to be going back into a Stay at Home order once again as cases of COVID-19 rise across the province and in our own region,” said Warden Tom Marks. “Now is not the time to lose focus. We all play an important role in slowing the spread through strict adherence to public health protocols and provincial restrictions,” Marks continued.  “The collective actions of the community will make a difference in the long-run.”

COVID-19 restrictions can be challenging and the County of Elgin recognizes that not all individuals are affected in the same way. The Province of Ontario has put in place numerous supports for those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Ontarians can access financial support, mental health, addictions and well-being support, housing support, child and family support and more. The County of Elgin encourages those in need of support to utilize these important resources.

“We must remain hopeful as the vaccination process continues in our region and across the province. I urge everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to receive a vaccine,” said Warden Tom Marks. “These vaccines are a critical component of the defense against COVID-19.”

Vaccination appointments in the Southwestern Public Health Region are now open to individuals older than 65 years and those who fall into various priority categories. To book an appointment visit https://covidvaccinelm.ca/

Municipalities across Elgin County are working together to plan for the temporary shutdown. This Stay at Home order may impact the delivery of municipal services. For the latest information regarding the impacts of this shutdown in your municipality please visit the following websites or call your local municipal office or the County of Elgin for the latest COVID-19 information.

Case status data can be found on Southwestern Public Health’s website (www.swpublichealth.ca).

“On behalf of Elgin County Council, I urge Elgin County residents to stay home and stay safe,” said Warden Tom Marks.

For more information, please contact:

Warden Tom Marks

tmarks@elgin.ca

www.elgincounty.ca

Easter Holiday Closure Notice
Family Day Closure Notice
Graphic to indicate holiday closures at Elgin County Facilities. The Elgin County Administration Building, Provincial Offences Administration Building, and Elgin County Heritage Centre will be closed on Friday, December 23rd at noon. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.