North Bay, ON – Dec. 23, 2020 – There will be some changes to City of North Bay services, operations and facilities as Ontario moves into a province-wide shutdown on Dec. 26.
These changes include:
- City Hall will be closed to in-person services.
- Residents are encouraged to access the drop box outside City Hall or access municipal services online where available at northbay.ca
- The Provincial Offences Administration Office will be closed for in-person services.
- The closure of all municipal arenas.
- Outdoor rinks will remain open. Users will be required to follow physical distancing and face covering protocols as outlined by public health. Washrooms will not be available.
- Transit will continue to operate under a modified schedule with mandatory face coverings and a passenger limit of 25.
The provincial government has indicated that North Bay and other Northern Ontario communities will be under a shutdown for a minimum of two weeks. The objective of the lockdown is to help stop the trend of high COVID-19 transmission in communities, preserve health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations and those who care for them, and save lives. According to the province, measures include, but are not limited to:
- Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
- Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings - curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
- Restricting indoor access to shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
- Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.
The City of North Bay is working closely with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and other community partners. We will continue to share regular updates to keep residents informed on any changes to municipal programs and services.
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