Georgina ‘moving forward cautiously’ with Stage 2 reopenings

Town navigates reopening public amenities after months of closures due to COVID-19

Yorkregion.com
June 18, 2020
Amanda Persico

Within a matter of days, Georgina, along with the rest of York Region, went from being left behind in the province’s Stage 2 reopening to being part of the reopening chaos.

But the town is taking a cautious approach as public safety remains the No. 1 priority, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“Navigating the many changes that COVID-19 has brought has been challenging for all communities,” she said in a statement.

“I want to thank Georgina residents for continuing to adhere to and support the many closures and cancellations that come with keeping our community safe.”

York Region’s neighbouring community, Simcoe County, was permitted to enter Stage 2 prior to other communities, which caused a stir in the business community that residents would venture to Bradford for services such as haircuts and dining on a patio.

The Georgina Chamber of Commerce kick-started a #ShopLocalGeorgina initiative to entice residents to shop local.

Mayor Quirk urged residents to be patient, and residents are still urged to remain patient as the town navigates its Stage 2 reopening plan.

“This is good news as we look to get our many local businesses back on track and reignite Georgina as a thriving community,” Quirk said.

“We will be moving forward cautiously and deliberately to ensure we are making the right decisions that are right for us.

“What may work in one community does not mean it will work for another.”

The town is looking at how it will ramp up its operations, with official start dates and reopening of public amenities to be announced in the coming week.

But as the town works its way through what Stage 2 will look like in terms of public spaces, residents are reminded we’re still in the midst of a pandemic and everyone has a role to play.

“We can only open amenities if (residents) continue to follow and adhere to the advice of public health officials,” Quirk said.

Although the province has increased social gatherings to 10 people, physical distancing measures are to still be taken, along with wearing a mask, washing hands often and staying home if unwell.

“We are still in a pandemic and this virus knows no boundaries,” Quirk said. “If these measures are not followed, we will be forced into a position where we will need to consider closing what has been opened.”