FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2020

WELLINGTON COUNTY MOVES TO RED 'CONTROL' CATEGORY MONDAY

TOWN OF MINTO, ON - The Town of Minto continues to keep public safety as top priority during the unique circumstances surrounding COVID-19. As the numbers continue to climb, the Town of Minto remains devoted to ensuring all safety measures are followed, to protect our staff and the public.

At this time, due to the concerning upward trend of cases in Wellington County, the province has made the difficult decision to move the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit into the red ‘control’ category. These new restrictions will come into effect on Monday December 14th, 2020 and will include the immediate closure of the Norgan Theatre for a minimum of 28 days. Town of Minto recreational facilities will remain open for permitted uses under the red ‘control’ category. Facilities will close on December 25th and re-open as early as January 8th. We ask that the public continue to be patient with us as we navigate the restrictions that come with this new framework and do our best to keep the community safe.

The Town of Minto Municipal Office will remain closed to the public for the time being. As always, continuity of essential services such as fire, water, wastewater, and road maintenance will be ensured. The remainder of the municipal staff including building services, recreation, administration and economic development will be continuing to work from various alternate locations, to ensure that staff are distanced properly. Residents are still urged to call the municipal office, follow the appropriate phone prompts and leave a voicemail. Staff will be checking their voicemails remotely, and will return calls when possible. If residents know the email address of the person they need to reach; electronic communication is encouraged. All staff emails are listed under the Contact Us section of the town website at www.town.minto.on.ca/contact-us.

Other restrictions that will come into effect on Monday include;
• Maximum Indoor Capacity of 10 People in Restaurants and Bars
• Maximum Capacity of 10 People inside gyms or exercise classes
• Maximum of 25 people for outdoor exercise classes
• Maximum of 5 people for indoor social gatherings, and 25 people for outdoor social gatherings.
• Patrons of retail locations are now required to remain 2 metres from each other while standing in line.

Individuals who have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 should contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 or visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca/coronavirus.

The Town of Minto wishes to thank the public for their ongoing understanding during this unique circumstance.

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For further information contact
Derrick Thomson, CAO, Town of Minto
5491 Highway 89, Harriston, Ontario N0G 1Z0
Phone 519-338-2511 ext. 222 Fax: 519-338-2005; Email derrick@town.minto.on.ca

George Bridge, Mayor, Town of Minto
5941 Highway 89, Harriston, Ontario N0G 1Z0
Phone 519-338-2511 Fax: 519-338-2005; Email gbridge@town.minto.on.ca