March 16, 2020

GRAVENHURST, HUNTSVILLE REPORT MORE CLOSURES

MUSKOKA — Gravenhurst and Huntsville are the latest to all-but-shutdown town facilities in the wake of the escalating unprecedented COVID health emergency.

Officials in Gravenhurst said Monday that in consultation with neighbouring municipalities and health officials they “will continue to conduct own business with a calm and vigilant approach.”

In addition to the program and meeting cancellations identified on Saturday March 14 which included; The Gravenhurst Public Library, all Council and Committee Meetings for the remainder of the month, all March Break programming, the Town has added further closures. These additional closures include;

The Gravenhurst Centennial Centre – Graeme Murray Arena including rentals
The Gravenhurst Opera House
Gravenhurst Seniors Centre
All Town Community Washrooms

However, the town office will remain open with staffing operations business as usual while taking all necessary precautions.

They say if you must visit any town buildings or facilities, please ensure you are feeling well, use hand sanitizing stations and practice social distancing precautions.

See MuskokaTODAY.com for more information

Or go to www.gravenhurst.ca/covid19

HUNSVILLE ALSO SHUTTING SERVICES:

Meanwhile, effective Monday, in Huntsville they have also announced that all town-owned municipal facilities excluding town hall will be closed until April 5, 2020 to help mitigate the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Town closures include:

All community halls;
Canada Summit Centre;
Active Living Centre;
Algonquin Theatre box office;
Huntsville Public Library;
Club 55;
Muskoka Heritage Place

Madill Yard and fire Halls will continue to operate with no access to the public.

The Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinic will remain open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Wellness Hub, Canada Summit Centre.

Patients must call 705-789-5986 for access to the building and to make an appointment. Access will be by Canada Summit Centre entrance closest to Oliver’s Café.

Anyone who is COVID-19 symptomatic must call Tele Health Ontario at +1 866-797-0000.

Town Hall will continue to operate with recommended best practices from Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

As well:

Residents are encouraged to self-assess before visiting town hall and use alternate forms to contact staff such as phone 705 789 1751, email or huntsville.ca.

For a full list of up-to-date information on town facility closures and cancellations as a result of COVID-19 visit online at huntsville.ca/covid19.

The Cottage Country Family Health Team will continue to operate at the Port Sydney Fire Hall.

All March Council and Committee meetings the week of March 23, 2020 will be cancelled with the exception of a Special Council meeting at 5pm on Tuesday March 17, 2020.

Town staff will continue to monitor the situation and recommended best practices advised by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit

Facility closures are a precautionary measure to help slow the spread and flatten the curve of the global pandemic known as COVID-19. Regular handwashing, avoiding non-essential travel, avoiding large gatherings and practicing social distancing are the best defense against spreading illnesses, including COVID-19. For the most up-to-date health information visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.