While snowmobile trails remain closed locally, the medical officer of health for the Muskoka region says he has no plans to close trails under his jurisdiction citing a lack of evidence that it would work.
North Bay Parry Sound Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico closed snowmobile trails in this district Monday, saying he has had complaints "of snowmobilers congregating on trails, in parking lots and other locations not maintaining a two metre distance and exceeding the gathering limits."
See: Health Unit closes OFSC snowmobile trails
But in a January 19, media briefing Simcoe-Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner said it hadn't occurred to him to take that action, despite that area being a COVID hotspot.
"At this point in time I"m not considering doing that. I think I would have to see evidence that it is both helpful and necessary to make that kind of restriction.," said Gardner in a live-streamed event.
He believes it was done as a means of supporting the Province's stay at home order.
"The idea being one should not be out doing those things like snowmobiling, if, in fact, you are abiding by that order, and I would say generally that's true although there may be individuals that rely on snowmobiling as a primary means of transportation at this time of year. I would need more evidence that this is actually necessary for me to take an action of that nature. and the stay at home order does allow for a provision for people to get out for physical activity and tobogganing is a type of physical activity although one would need to be careful about physical distancing while doing it."
Tobogganing hills were also closed under Chirico's order.
Simcoe-Muskoka instead offers guidelines for outdoor recreation.
"All owners and operators of snowmobile, cross country ski, dogsledding, and snow shoe trails have a responsibility to assess risks associated with their facility and operations and ensure that they mitigate these risks for their employees, volunteers, and attendees. Specific to COVID-19, owners and operators are responsible for implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection among all those who participate in their activities (e.g. employees, volunteers, attendees).
"Snowmobile, cross country ski, dogsledding, and snow shoe trails – NOT associated with a recreational facility Physical distancing 2 metre (6 feet) must be maintained from any other person using the amenity."
See: COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR OUTDOOR WINTER TRAIL AMENITIES
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has not closed trails in the Sudbury region, nor has the Timiskaming Health Unit closed trails north of here.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has urged sledders not to trailer their machines to other districts.
"On January 18th, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) received the news that, effective January 21st, 2021, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) is temporarily closing all OFSC trails within its region for the duration of the provincial Stay At Home Order. This district stretches from Parry Sound on the shores of Georgian Bay, east to Mattawa on the Ottawa River, and from Novar north almost to Marten River. It also includes many OFSC clubs and their volunteers in OFSC Districts 10, 11 & 7 who have worked very hard to prep their trails and, in some cases, had commenced grooming operations despite a late start to winter.
"The OFSC respects North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s decision and will comply with its temporary trail closure directive within their region. We remind snowmobilers to refer to the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) for trail availability before each ride."
The recommendation from the OFSC is “NO trailering at this time to destinations that are not in your public health region, especially with companions who are not members of your immediate household.”
Watch Simcoe-Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner speak about snowmobiling at the 54:13 mark.
