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COVID Alert Tracing App

Posted on by Bill

Download the COVID Alert app to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This free, easy-to-use app will:

  • Notify you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19
  • Offer advice on what to do next
  • Let others who have been in close contact with you know if you test positive for the virus (without sharing personal information).

The app does not collect personal information or health data, and does not know or track the location, name, address, or contacts of any user.

The more people who download COVID Alert, the more effective it is. The app can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by more quickly identifying potential new cases and contacts.

To download or learn more, visit:

Current Colour Code for Local COVID-19 Restrictions

Posted on by Bill

Ontario’s new colour-coded COVID-19 Response Framework places different parts of the province into assigned categories for COVID-19 restrictions. The public health measures can be adjusted, tightened or loosened based on local COVID-19 trends and case counts. The colour code for each area is reviewed weekly by the Ontario Ministry of Health and the local Medical Officer of Health. The Framework categories include:

5 colour code system

On This Page:

Current COVID-19 Colour Code for HKPR Area

The HKPR District Health Unit region, which includes Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes, is currently listed in the lowest level of the framework (Green-Prevent).

What Stays Closed in This Colour Code

Highest-risk settings remain closed in this colour code, including:

  • Buffet-style food service
  • Oxygen bars
  • Camps that provide supervised overnight accommodation for children
  • Steam rooms, saunas and bathhouses
  • Amusement parks and waterparks
  • Night clubs (they can only open for purpose of serving food or beverages to patrons)
  • Dancing and table games (cards, etc.) are prohibited.
General Public Health Measures in this Colour Code (Gatherings, Workplace Requirements and Face Coverings)

Restrictions in the the ‘Green-Prevent’ colour code allow the broadest number of activities, as were permitted in Stage 3 reopening. However, these important public health measures to prevent COVID-19 must remain in place:

  • Limit for events and social gatherings (e.g. barbecue) is 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors (cannot be combined)
  • Gathering limits for organized public events are capped at 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. If an event is both outdoors and indoors, it falls under the 50-person limit.
  • Gathering limits at places of worship for religious services , weddings and funerals remains at 30% capacity indoors and 100 people outdoors
  • Maintain physical distancing within the establishment. Capacity limits are based on the ability of patrons to maintain at least 2-metres (6 feet) from others up to a maximum of 50 indoors and 100 outdoors.
  • Patrons and staff must wear a mask or face covering when indoors in public areas that covers their nose, mouth and chin (unless exempted from regulation).
  • If staff/workers are performing tasks indoors that require them to be less than 2 metres from an unmasked or improperly masked individual without a barrier (e.g. Plexiglass, partition, wall), appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn, including proper protection for eyes, nose and mouth. At a minimum, this would include a medical mask and eye protection (NOTE: This is also a requirement of the Ministry of Labour). Please refer to this COVID-19 Eye Protection guidance resource for more information.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Provide alcohol-based hand rub when handwashing not available.
  • Continue with regular cleaning and disinfecting of premises, especially common areas.
  • Employees must be screened prior to entering the workplace. The screening tool should ask if staff have any COVID-19 symptoms. This screening tool could be done electronically or using a paper-based resource like the sample provided here. The Ministry of Health also has a COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces to use.
  • Offer employees the option from working from home.
  • Use virtual gatherings or events to recognize occasions
  • For sector-specific requirements, please see the current Provincial legislation or scroll further down this page.
Sector-Specific Guidelines
Restaurants/Bars
  • Require patrons to be seated; 2-metre minimum between tables
  • Dancing, singing and performing music is permitted, with restrictions
  • Karaoke permitted, with restrictions (including no private rooms)
  • Restaurants and bars must keep contact information for one patron per seated party for a period of at least one month. This information can be turned over to the Health Unit for COVID-19 contact tracing, if needed.
  • Dine-in eating is allowed, but no buffet-style food services
  • Night clubs only permitted to operate as a restaurant or bar
  • People lining up or congregating outside an establishment must stay at least 2 metres apart and wear a mask or face covering that covers their nose, mouth, and chin (unless exempted by regulation).
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking only.
  • If staff/workers are performing tasks indoors that require them to be less than 2 metres from an unmasked or improperly masked individual without a barrier (e.g. Plexiglass, partition, wall), appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn, including proper protection for eyes, nose and mouth. At a minimum, this would include a medical mask and eye protection
Sports/Recreational Facilities
  • Maximum number for classes are capped at 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, with 2-metre physical distancing in place
  • Maximum of 50 people indoors in areas with weights or exercise equipment.
  • Limit of 50 people per room basis if operating in compliance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
  • Teams or individual sports must be modified to avoid physical contact. Maximum of 50 people per league.
  • Exemptions are in place for high-performance athletes and parasports
  • Limit volume of music to conversation level and prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public. Get instructors to use a microphone to avoid shouting.
  • Face coverings required, except when exercising.
  • For fitness classes and organized activities. It’s strongly recommended to assign spaces to class participants by marking circles on the floor to indicate where to stand/exercise. This allows for easier physical distancing.
  • Equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between users or at the end of a game.
  • Activities must not be practised or played if they require the use of fixed structures that cannot be cleaned and disinfected between each use.
  • Washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms, showers or other amenities open to the public must be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
  • NOTE: For specific fact sheets on restarting sports and recreation programs, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, or email info@hkpr.on.ca
Meeting and Event Spaces
Personal Care Services
  • These include businesses providing hairdressing and barbering, tattooing, aesthetics and piercing and other body modifications
  • Oxygen bars, steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools closed
  • Follow Ontario’s guidance documents for health and safety during COVID-19.
  • Patrons must wear face coverings, except when receiving services on an area of face that would be covered
  • Staff are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To find PPE suppliers, click here.
  • Ensure physical distancing of at least 2 metres between patrons.
  • Increase cleaning and sanitizing of your facility. To ensure proper infection prevention and control, follow this Public Health Ontario disinfection chart.‘
  • Consider operating by appointment only and stagger times.
  • It’s recommended you record names and contact information of patrons in case of an outbreak
Casinos, Bingo Halls and Gaming Establishments
  • Capacity cannot exceed 50 persons.
  • Table games are prohibited.
    OR
  • Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Cinemas/Movie Theatres
  • Limits in facility and area:
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking only
  • Drive-in cinemas permitted to operate, subject to restrictions
  • Post COVID-19 screening signs at entrances.
  • Provide hand sanitizer in key areas like lobby.
  • In concession areas, self-serve is prohibited. Where refills are offered, a new cup/dish must be provided to reduce contact.
  • Consider staggering showtimes, encourage online purchases to reduce cash transactions, encourage guests to only arrive 15 minutes prior to the movie, remove/close off equipment and furniture to reduce loitering, and increase cleaning/disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
Performing Arts Centres
  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors and 100 spectators outdoors with 2-metre physical distance maintained (NOTE: Employees/performers are not included in the crowd size)
  • Singers and players of wind or brass instruments must be separated from spectators by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
  • Performers and employees must maintain 2-metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
  • Drive in performances permitted.
Additional Resources

Click on the following links for additional support:

If you have further questions, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020, or email: covid19@hkpr.on.ca


Holidays, Family Gatherings and Celebrations

Posted on by Administrator

Home for the holidays has extra meaning during COVID-19.

On This Page

Key Message: Stay Safe, Stay Home

Get-togethers with family and friends are normally a key part of the holiday season tradition. This year, however, the Ontario government is strongly encouraging everyone to celebrate safely and prevent the spread of COVID-19. No matter where you live in Ontario, you are asked to:

  • Limit your holiday gatherings. Avoid big holiday parties, large family dinners and similar-style festivities.
  • Only celebrate the holidays in-person with those in your immediate household. If you live alone, you can celebrate with one other household.
  • Celebrate virtually or connect by phone with other family and friends.
General Holiday Tips
  • Stay home if sick. Use Ontario’s online COVID-19 assessment tool to help determine if you need further care.
  • Avoid non-essential trips, especially to parts of Ontario with high rates of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Limit your contact to only those in your immediate household. If you live alone, you can celebrate with one other household.
  • Follow food safety tips if preparing a holiday meal for your immediate household.
  • Connect virtually with family and friends. Pick up the phone or chat via social media and/or video-conferencing. Consider using these platforms to hold a virtual holiday party/celebration. If technology is not your thing, send a card or write a letter to a loved one.
  • Look after your mental health and that of your loved ones, especially people who may be alone and feel cut off from others.
  • Avoid the “3 C’s” – closed spaces, crowded places and close faces. 
  • Practise physical distancing as much as possible. Keep a 2 metre (6-foot) distance from anyone who is outside your household.
  • Wear a mask or face covering inside public places.
  • Shop online, by telephone or using curbside pickup/delivery. Support local businesses as much as possible. If shopping in person, try to avoid crowds and pick less busy times to go.
  • Individuals living away from home (including college/university students) should consider doing a self-quarantine, or reducing close contact with others, 10 to 14 days before returning home for the holidays.
  • If you decide to visit loved ones whom you do not live with, plan to do so at an outdoor holiday gathering, being sure to practise physical distancing. The current size limit for outdoor gatherings is 25 people.
  • If you still plan to host a gathering with others outside your household, ensure you take full precautions to prevent COVID-19.
  • If you plan to attend a gathering with others outside your household:
    • Do not attend if sick. Stay home instead.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after attending a gathering.
    • Check ahead with the host to see what COVID-19 preventive measures are in place.
    • Wave and greet others verbally. Do NOT hug, kiss or shake hands.
    • Practise physical distancing.
    • Wear a mask or face covering if visiting with others outside your household.
Safer Ways to Have Holiday Fun

Stay safe and have fun this holiday season. Try the following:

  • Build a snowman or go on a sleigh ride with people you live with. You can also attend other outdoor holiday activities, ensuring you maintain physical distancing.
  • Drive around local neighbourhoods to look at holiday lights.
  • Watch holiday or winter movies with the people you live with at home.
  • Decorate and put up lights outside and around your home.
  • Bake holiday treats together as a family. Try assembling a gingerbread house.
  • Donate to your favourite holiday charity or toy drive.
  • Send cards or gifts in the mail.
  • Organize a virtual carol singing with friends and family. In-person carolling is not recommended as it can put you at high risk of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Stop, drop and go. If buying a gift for a friend or loved one, drop gifts off on their porch or doorway to avoid gatherings.
If You Still Decide to Host a Holiday Gathering/Party

To slow the spread of COVID-19, you are strongly advised to connect virtually or by phone with anyone outside your immediate household. This is important with COVID-19 cases on the rise in Ontario.

If you still decide to host a gathering, be aware that the current size restriction for private indoor social gatherings is no more than 10 people. You could face fines for hosting a party that breaks this limit.

Follow that and these additional safety tips to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for you and your guests:

  • Ensure guests stay home if sick. Consider keeping a list of guests who attend for potential future COVID-19 contact tracing needs.
  • When entertaining, allow for physical distancing for your guests. Allow people to safely maintain a 2 metre (6 foot) distance, especially if they are outside your household.
  • Be upfront with your guests about the COVID-19 prevention measures you’re taking so they know what to expect before they arrive.
  • When possible, host your gathering outdoors. In colder weather months, go indoors but try to ensure the room or space is well-ventilated (e.g. open a window).
  • Arrange tables and chairs in advance to allow for physical distancing (if already set up, guests may be reluctant to move them).
  • People from the same household can be grouped/seated together, but should be 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other families.
  • When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact between those outside households. No kissing or hugging, for instance.
  • Encourage guests to wear masks when physical distancing is difficult. Consider providing masks for guests or ask them to bring their own.
  • Ensure there is enough soap and hand sanitizer for people to use during the gathering.
  • Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so guests do not share a towel.
  • Remind guests to wash their hands before serving or eating food.
  • Limit the number of people handling or serving food (including limiting access to where food is being prepared, such as the kitchen).
  • Avoid buffet-style meals. If serving any food, consider identifying one person to serve all food so that multiple people are not handling the serving utensils
  • Limit contact with high-touch surfaces or shared items. If possible, clean and disinfect these surfaces and shared items between uses.
  • If you choose to use any shared items that are reusable (e.g. seating covers, tablecloths, linen napkins), wash, clean, and sanitize them after the event.
Additional Resources

COVID-19

Access local COVID-19 data, and information to reduce your risk of COVID-19.

Scroll down this page for resources and links on how to stay safe and protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you need further help or guidance, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, or email info@hkpr.on.ca.

HAVE YOUR SAY! The Health Unit is launching a short, online survey to see how COVID-19 is impacting people in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Let us know how COVID-19 is affecting you, what you’re doing to prevent the spread and how your behaviours have changed during the pandemic. The survey is voluntary and confidential. Click here to start the survey.

Self-Isolation During COVID-19 – Class Order Under Section 22 (5.01.1) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act 

COVID-19 Community Update (Oct. 14, 2020) – For Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes

Cases of COVID-19 within the HKPR District area

Click here for the latest COVID-19 case counts in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Additional COVID-19 Data Links

Featured Items

COVID-19 Content

Influenza

With influenza season here, let’s fight flu by getting the flu vaccine.

Influenza (or the flu) is a serious respiratory illness caused by a virus. People of any age can get the flu and it can easily be spread to others through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms of influenza include: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and extreme weakness and fatigue. Most people who get the flu are ill for only a few days. However, some people can become very ill, possibly developing complications and requiring hospitalization.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the free flu vaccine!

Flu vaccine is free in Ontario and strongly recommended every year for anyone six months of age and older. Flu vaccine is safe and effective in protecting you from getting sick with the flu. The flu vaccine strengthens your immune system to build up antibodies against the virus. Even if you do get the flu, the vaccine helps ensure you have milder symptoms of the virus. The best way to prevent the flu is to be immunized every year.

Local Flu Vaccine Clinics – Individuals Aged 5 and Older

Flu vaccine is now available at local pharmacies and through health care providers. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist directly to get the vaccine. Click here for a list of flu vaccine locations in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Flu Vaccine Clinics for Children Under 5

If your child is under the age of five years, the Health Unit is offering flu vaccine clinics by appointment. At these clinics, your child will receive their flu vaccine with full COVID-19 prevention measures in place. Book your child’s flu vaccine appointment by calling the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507.

Flu Vaccine and COVID-19

During COVID-19, it’s extra important to get the flu vaccine. Getting the flu vaccine reduces your risk of influenza. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 because the viruses are very different and distinct.

But in getting the flu vaccine this winter, you will be better protected against the flu. This means there is less likelihood you will have to go to the doctor or hospital for influenza treatment. Getting your flu vaccine helps ensure needed health care resources can be deployed to respond to COVID-19.

Additional Resources:

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