- Ministry of Health: Health Identification and Risk Hazards
- Ministry of Health: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Key Messages
- Northumberland County: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Information Sheet
- Government of Ontario: Total Solar Eclipse Safety
Solar Eclipse
Watch a Solar Eclipse Livestream
It's never safe to look directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse. If you don't have ISO-certified glasses, watch a livestream!
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a solar eclipse when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth.
In the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit area, Northumberland County will experience a total solar eclipse between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak happening at approximately 3:20 p.m., while the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton will experience a partial eclipse.
It is dangerous to look directly at the sun any time — especially during a solar eclipse. Even looking at a small sliver of the Sun during a solar eclipse can be harmful to vision and could cause:
- Retinal burns
- Blurred vision
- Temporary vision loss
- Permanent eyesight loss
Since the retinas of the eyes do not have pain sensors, eye damage from looking at the Sun it may take several hours to notice. These symptoms include mild to severe pain, eye redness, blurred vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light, difficulties reading, dark spots in vision and headache. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms within 24-48 hours following the solar eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse
Northumberland County | April 8, 2024
Visit Northumberland County's website
for more information.
Protecting Your Eyes During a Solar Eclipse
You can safely experience the solar eclipse by ensuring you prepare and protect yourself.
- Glasses with specialized filters adhering to the ISO 12312-2 international standard can be worn to prevent eye damage. Glasses should be inspected for wrinkles or scratches ahead of use and should not be used if damaged. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters will not protect your eyes.
- Do not use a camera or phone camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device to look at the Sun.
- Closely monitor infants and children, especially those without proper eye protection. Discuss the safety concerns and engage children in learning and preparing for the solar eclipse.
- If you do not have proper eye protection, it is recommended that you watch the solar eclipse through a virtual live stream, such as NASA or Totality on the Bay (Belleville).
If you plan to view the solar eclipse with friends and family, remember to monitor your respiratory symptoms to avoid spreading illness to others. Stay home if you feel sick, practice proper hand hygiene, ensure your immunizations are up-to-date and encourage gathering outdoors (with proper eye protection), if possible.
