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The Township of Zorra is taking steps to support our community's response to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) and measures taken by Southwestern Public Health. We are monitoring our operations daily to ensure we are taking the right actions to protect our residents, employees and visitors. Visit our COVID-19 page for regular updates.

COVID-19

This is where we will be posting all updates related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For up-to-date COVID-19 information call the Southwestern Public Health infectious diseases team at 1-800-922-0096 (prompt #8).

Township Office Closed

The Township of Zorra is continuing to take action in response to the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Canada. 

Please be advised the Township Office will be closed for the holiday season as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 23. When we return to work on January 4, 2021, we will do so remotely. Should you wish to meet with municipal staff, an appointment will be required. Please contact the office at 519-485-2490 to discuss. Our recreation facilities will remain closed until at least January 23, 2021. If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.

The Township has implemented enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures at all Township facilities. The Township recognizes that these changing service levels may present a challenge to some citizens, however we would not take this action if we did not believe it was in the best interest of the community.

Date (2020) Time Item Description
Apr 1/21 Provincial Shutdown

Following today’s Provincial shutdown announcement, all Zorra recreation facilities will close to the public beginning April 3. All affected renters will be notified by email today. All drop-in programs will also be cancelled until further notice. Recreation staff are evaluating the operation of the Spring Break camp and will contact registered families as soon as possible.
Feb 12/21 Move to Red Zone

With SWPH being placed in the Red Zone effective next week, the Municipal will remain closed except by appointment only. Staff will continue to work remotely and are accessible through the Township phone system and by email. Recreation facilities will reopen on February 16th and will adhere to Red Zone measures. Drop-in programs (public skating, shinny, etc.) are cancelled until further notice.
Dec 21 Province-wide lockdown The Province of Ontario has placed southern Ontario, including Zorra Township, in lockdown from December 26, 2020 until January 23, 2021. The Municipal Office will be closed except by appointment only. In accordance with Provincial directives, staff that are able to work from home, will. Should a resident need to meet with municipal staff, please call 519-485-2490 to arrange an appointment or by email. These changes will take effect after our regular holiday shutdown.
Nov 13 COVID-19 Plan Starting Nov 16 at 12:01 a.m. the Province is moving the SWPH region, including Zorra Twp, into “Protect - strengthened measures” of their COVID-19 plan. 
Nov 9 TDRC visitor tested positive An individual who last visited the Thamesford District Recreation Centre on Sunday November 1, 2020 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. has tested positive for COVID-19. We have been in contact with Southwestern Public Health and will be cooperating with their guidance. 
Sep 19 Reduced limits for unmonitored and private social gatherings

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province, including functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:
10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100). 
Aug 21 New rental protocols The Recreation Department has implemented some new protocols for ice and hall rentals based on Stage 3 recommendations. Visit our recreation page for more info.
Jul 30 Masks Mandatory Southwestern Public Health has issued a letter of instruction to implement mandatory face coverings in all enclosed spaces in Oxford County. Visit SW Public Health website for more details.
Jun 19 11:30 Field Restrictions eased Baseball and Soccer field restrictions are eased immediately to allow practices and scrimmages for up to 10 players following posted precautions. League games remain prohibited at this time.
Jun 9 Summer Camps Zorra Summer Day Camp will proceed to operate this summer in Thamesford and Embro with limited spaces available open to residents of Zorra Township only. Visit our Day Camp webpage for more info.
May 27 8:30 Zorra Office Reopened

Township Office has reopened but residents are encouraged to carry out municipal services online, where possible. For assistance with online services, please call 519-485-2490. Physical distancing will be practiced at the Municipal Office and the number of residents permitted in the lobby area will be limited to two at a time.
May 20 14:00 Some outdoor amenities reopened

We have reopened the following Recreation amenities based on Ministry of Health guidelines: dog park, skatepark, sports fields for use by members of the same household only, teams and leagues are not permitted, benches and shelters in parks.The following items remain closed under an Ontario provincial order: playgrounds, Thamesford pool and splash pad. View Q&A document here.
May 19 10:30 Dog Park Reopened The Thamesford Dog Park has reopened but physical distancing requirements still apply. We continue to work with Southwestern Public Health to establish procedures before opening further outdoor park amenities.
May 12 10:55 Tax Payment Options Not sure how to make your Zorra property tax payment during this time? List of options here.
Apr 20 13:30 Lawn Care and Landscaping Township clarifies Lawn Care and Landscaping Operations during COVID-19. Full details here.
Apr 15 14:30 Report a COVID19 order violation Find out how you can get advice, make a complaint or report a violation in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas. Link to website here.
Apr 15 14:00 CES Oxford Support and resources for workers and the business community. Link to website here.
Apr 15 14:00 Resources for businesses Oxford County economic development agencies are working together to keep business informed as new resources become available. Link to website here.
Apr 14 9:00 4 Things about Waste Management The County of Oxford has developed a short video to provide some information about Waste Management Services during this time. https://youtu.be/CEtQxnpecm8
Apr 7 9:00 Emergency Provincial Order Gatherings of 5 or more persons prohibited by Emergency Provincial Order. $750 fines will be levied. If you see groups of more than 5 persons (except funerals) call OPP 1-888-310-1122.
Apr 3 15:00 SW Public Health FB Live Southwestern Public Health hosting Facebook Live weekly COVID-19 update at 1pm every Friday.
Apr 2 15:00 Council meeting schedule Frequency of Council meetings reduced to once a month through June 2020. Update on social media.
Apr 1 15:00 Twp reducing update frequency  Information flow has reduced so our updates will now occur Mon/Wed/Fri. Urgent matters will immediately be communicated through social media and our website. Posted on social media.
Mar 31 15:30 Province orders park amenities closed By provincial order recreational amenities including: playgrounds, sports fields, skate and dog parks are closed. Update posted on social media.
Mar 30 14:00 2 confirmed cases of in Oxford County Follow Southwestern Public Health on social media and visit their website for regular updates.
Mar 27 13:30 COVID-19 Update CAO Don MacLeod provides daily update regarding COVID-19. View full details here.
Mar 26 13:00 Playground Equipment Closed Playground equipment closed, parks still open. View news release here.
Mar 25 13:00 COVID-19 Update CAO Don MacLeod provides daily update regarding COVID-19. View full details here.
Mar 24 13:00 Township essential services Township services deemed to be essential and will remain operational. Read update here.
Mar 23 15:00 Oxford Mayors release update Mayors from all nine Oxford municipalities released a joint update today. Read update here.
Mar 23 13:30 Caution about use of Park Equipment Township issues caution about using equipment in parks. View today's news release here.
Mar 20 16:00 Building Inspections Limited Decision was made to limit building inspections on site. View full notice here.
Mar 20 13:00 COVID-19 Update CAO Don MacLeod provides daily update regarding COVID-19. View full details here.
Mar 19 13:00 COVID-19 Update CAO Don MacLeod provides daily update regarding COVID-19. View full details here.
Mar 18 13:00 COVID-19 Update CAO Don MacLeod provides daily update regarding COVID-19. View full details here.
Mar 17 13:30 Zorra divides staff into two shifts. The Township is dividing its workforce into two groups that will work on alternating days. News release with full details is available here.
Mar 16 12:45 Mayor's Video Mayor Ryan addresses decision to close office & facilities. Posted on social media.
Mar 16 12:30 Zorra closes offices and facilities to public Zorra Senior Management Team, Mayor, Deputy Mayor had conference call with SW Public Health this morning. Decided to close office and facilities to the public until further notice. News Release available here.
Mar 15 17:06 Getting your Workplace Ready SW Public Health released information for non-health care workplaces. Click here to view the document. Also shared on our social media pages.
Mar 15 16:10 All Recreation Programming Cancelled All recreation programming cancelled, including March Break Camp. Visit our newsroom for details.
Mar 15 12:00 CAO Update News update from CAO regarding COVID-19. At this time facilities and programs will continue as planned, following recommendations from SW Public Health.
Mar 14 15:36 Mayor's Video Mayor update video posted on social media.
Mar 13 22:15 Thamesford Arena Closing Social Media post advising ice coming out at Thamesford Arena March 16 due to Hockey Canada cancellation announcement.

COVID-19 Basics

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate both in humans and animals. Human coronaviruses are common and may be associated with mild illness, like the common cold and more severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Coronaviruses spread through droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Through these virus-laden droplets, it can spread to people who you spend a lot of time with (close contacts) such as household members – like how the flu and other respiratory illnesses spread. It can also live on surfaces and infect a person who touches that surface and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Complications can include serious conditions like pneumonia or kidney failure, and death.

80% of individuals have a mild illness.

For more information:

Vist the links below for more information regarding the Coronavirus.