The City of North Bay and the Health Unit are telling families to avoid family get-togethers during the Easter Holiday weekend which begins this Friday which is Good Friday.
Mayor Al McDonald says just because it is a family gathering, does not mean it is right during the COVID-19 crisis.
"The temptation to get together as a family is strong, too strong," said McDonald in an email to BayToday.
"There may be some that believe because it is a family gathering, it is ok and fairly safe. It is easy for us to believe it is ok or it is 'just one weekend and it is family'. That belief is a grave error.
"This is a reminder that only those that live under the same roof, are allowed to be together. No invited friends or family. I know this may seem harsh, but it is the reality of the times. I encourage families to get together big time when the medical professionals tell us it is ok or we get the green light. It is not lost on us, that this is an important family religious weekend."
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has the same message.
"With Easter days away the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is reminding the public that physical distancing is still required," a release stated.
"The Health Unit asks you to keep your Easter activities, egg hunts and family meals to individuals who live in your same home. The Health Unit strongly recommends connecting with family and friends in different ways such as over voice or video calls and not in person."
The Health Unit notes that if you are a returning traveller from outside of Canada and fall under the Quarantine Act, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19 you are not allowed to go outside of your home except to seek medical attention.
"Please ask others to pick up groceries and other essentials for you in preparation for the Easter weekend," the release continued.
Al McDonald says the safety of our citizens is in your hands.
"Our frontline workers need your support and we thank them for being there for us. We also thank our citizens that are taking this seriously and following the recommendations to a 'T,'" he said.
