Some outdoor spaces reopening in Sioux Lookout with restrictions

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is advising the public how some reopened outdoor spaces may now be used with restrictions, following the provincial government’s May 19 announcement that Ontario has officially entered the first stage of its Framework for Reopening the Province.
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout explained in a news release, “Following the recent relaxing of certain Provincial Orders respecting the use of outdoor spaces, the Municipality has, effective May 22, 2020, made the following outdoor spaces available for use, but with certain restrictions, as follows:
Baseball Diamonds
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6’ (2 metres) of separation at all times, including in the dugouts, unless everyone is from the same family.
2. Maximum of five (5) users at any given time.
3. Baseball Games are not permitted; for recreational use only (e.g., batting practice, catching practice).
4. Use of this facility is PROHIBITED if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms
Picnic Areas
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6’ (2 metres) of separation at all times.
2. Maximum of five (5) users at any given time (no large events, gatherings).
3. Only one person per table, unless you are from the same household.
4. Do not move the picnic tables or benches as they must remain 2 metres apart.
Skateboard Park
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6’ (2 metres) of separation at all times, unless everyone is from the same family.
2. Maximum of five (5) users at any given time.
3. Use of this facility is PROHIBITED if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
Tennis Courts
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6’ (2 metres) of separation at all times.
2. Maximum of five (5) users at any given time.
3. Doubles games will not be permitted, unless you are from the same household, and there are no users on the other court.
4. Use of this facility is PROHIBITED if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms.”
According to the provincial government’s document, A Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage 1, “Ontario will begin to restart outdoor, recreational and seasonal activities by:
further opening seasonal businesses, activities and services,
such as:

• golf driving ranges
• recreational services at
• marinas
• rod and gun clubs
• cycling tracks
• allowing sport activity for individual/single competitors, including training and competitions conducted by a recognized Provincial Sport Organization, National Sport Organization or recognized national provincial training centres. This includes indoor and outdoor non-team sport competitions that can be played while maintaining physical distancing and without spectators, such as:

• water sports on lakes and outdoor bodies of water (no swimming pool sports), such as rowing and sailing
• low-contact racquet sports like tennis, badminton, pickleball and ping pong
• athletics, such as track and field, gymnastics and figure skating
• animal-related sports, such as horse racing”

The provincial government had already announced that as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, golf courses were able to open, with clubhouses open only for washrooms and restaurants open only for take-out.
The Government of Ontario noted that outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, fitness equipment, public swimming pools, splash pads and similar outdoor water facilities will remain closed until later stages of the province's reopening plan.
“Although we are entering the first stage of our framework to reopen the economy, it's critical that we continue to do so in a safe and responsible manner,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The people of Ontario have been doing a fantastic job to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of this terrible virus. With warmer weather beginning, individuals and families will now be able to enjoy many outdoor amenities, but everyone must continue to maintain physical distancing from those outside of their household.”
“It's never been more important for people to continue following the public health measures and advice we've laid out, so we don't undo the tremendous progress we've made to contain COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While reopening parks and other outdoor spaces is important for our physical and mental health, we're encouraging people to be responsible by keeping a safe distance of at least two metres from members outside of their household.”
Each of the provincial government’s three stages that make up its framework for reopening the province is expected to last two to four weeks.
The Government of Ontario noted in its framework for reopening the province, “Key public health indicators will guide when Ontario progresses to each stage of the restart in order to help lower the risk of outbreaks and prevent a surge in the health system. Public health experts will carefully monitor each stage so that the province can benefit from best practices and lessons learned, and adjust measures as needed as we move towards Stage 2 and 3.”