The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit continues within the Stay-at-Home Orders until March 9, but the local Chief Medical Officer has lifted a few outdoor activity restrictions that were implemented in January.
Dr. Jim Chirico, in an announcement via the Health Unit website stated he is re-opening public outdoor rinks, skating trails, tobogganing hills within the district.
"In January I closed outdoor skating rinks, skating trails and tobogganing hills due to the number of individuals who were gathering and using these locations without following public health measures," stated Chirico during his recorded online speech.
"I understand how frustrating these local closures have been and I want to thank everyone, who despite not agreeing with them, still followed the closure rules. So after much consideration, I am opening up the outdoor public skating rinks, skating trails and tobogganing hills as of February 22 with the requirement that the municipalities monitor these sites to ensure that individuals are following public health measures such as physical distancing, following gathering limits, and wearing a face covering.
"If we are made aware of public health measures not being followed I will re-evaluate the situation and potentially close these amenities again."
Chirico also noted that snowmobile trails will re-open on Feb. 22.
"I also closed the OFSC snowmobile trails and trails on crown land in January and this was due to the number of individuals who were coming from out of district to use these trails," stated Chirico.
"I have assessed the snowmobile situation and after careful consideration, I am reopening the OFSC trails and trails on crown land as of Feb. 22.
"Many of these people were carpooling with individuals they did not live with, Individuals were gathering in parking lots and trails and not following public health measures. I understand how frustrating these local closures have been and I want to thank everyone, who despite not agreeing with them, still followed the closure rules.
"If I have evidence of people not following proper health measures I will re-evaluate the situation and potentially close these trails again."
Outdoor rinks open, indoor rinks close
Meantime, the City of North Bay has decided that due to the shutdown, they will be closing all the local indoor rinks to put an official end to a very strange hockey and figure skating season for so many.
"The City of North Bay will immediately begin removing the ice at the Memorial Gardens and Pete Palangio arenas in light of today’s announcement that the Ontario Government will be maintaining the shutdown, the Stay-at-Home order and all existing public health and workplace safety measures for the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit District," a City of North Bay release stated Friday afternoon.
"All ice user groups with current contracts will be contacted by City staff within the next several days."
