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 & Facilities Closed to Public
The Township of Zorra is continuing to take action in response to the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Canada.
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, entry to the Municipal Office will be by appointment only. All recreation facilities are closed to the public until further notice. Anyone who wishes to conduct in-person business is advised to phone 519-485-2490 and discuss their needs with a customer service representative. Callers will be directed to online services if available, or offered other options as appropriate. If staff deem that an in-person visit to a Township Office is required, callers will be asked questions regarding their travel and health history prior to booking an appointment. Visitors with confirmed appointments should be prepared to show identification upon arrival.
The Township is also implementing enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures at all Township facilities. In addition, staff who have travelled internationally recently will be requested to self quarantine. 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 |
| 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.
