The North Bay Parry Sound Chief Medical Officer is playing it by ear as to when he plans to lift the restrictions that were implemented during the Stay-At-Home order that restrict the usage of outdoor rinks, toboggan hills and snowmobile trails in the district.
Dr. Jim Chirico made the controversial call back in mid-January
"Currently, the local additional closures of skating rinks, skating trails, tobogganing hills and snowmobile trails are in place until the end of the Stay-at-Home Order," stated Chirico in an email to BayToday.
Chirico noted that they will also evaluate the conditions regarding the potential closure of activities during March Break.
"At that time, the Health Unit will re-evaluate the need to keep these closures in place," added Chirico.
Chirico touched on the frustration local residents have felt relating to the restrictions which are the only ones of their kind in the province.
Chirico admits he realizes the strain on some who want to gather with family and friends or snowmobile on area trails.
"It is important to remember that current restrictions are temporary and put in place to protect the health of our communities," Chirico told BayToday.
See related: Chirico addresses mental health concerns
Sources have told BayToday that many of these restrictions are in place due to the proximity of the region which is the southernmost border of northern Ontario.
As of Friday, the region is the lowest in the province for COVID-19 at 148 per 100,000.
The Stay-At-Home Order will expire on Feb. 9.
