July 13th, 2020 - HKPR Health Unit has Issued the Requirement for Mask Use in Commercial Establishments effective today, July 13th, 2020

Area Businesses are mandated to put a policy in place that requires people to wear a non-medical mask or face covering before entering their commercial establishment. Wearing a mask is about protecting other people, and reduces the likelihood that someone could unknowingly spread the virus to another person.

There will be some patrons who are unable to wear a mask for various reasons. If a customer refuses to put on a face covering, staff are not required to engage further; there is not a need to turn away or remove a customer to achieve the best effort standard. It is up to each individual business how they choose to handle this. As long as they have signs posted and give a verbal reminder to the customer, they are being compliant. 

Businesses do have the right to have a no mask no service policy. We encourage you to try to find an alternative way to accommodate that customer so that they are not being turned away i.e. telephone or online shopping, curb side pick up, or have them wait outside while a staff person gathers what that customer needs.

The objective of this mask wearing mandate is to achieve 60 - 70% compliance of the general public, to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The policy of the commercial establishment should be enacted and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should be used as an opportunity to educate about the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in indoor commercial establishments. The LDCC has created a facebook profile frame #maskupKawarthaLakes, we encourage our members to apply this to their profile pictures to help create awareness and acceptance.

If you can wear a mask, please do so. If you cannot wear a mask, please physically distance and follow the arrows, utilize curbside pick up or have someone else run your errands for you. And please for the love of everyone,BE KIND and don’t be a mask bully!

Please visit HKPR.on.ca for further information. The Q&A section is routinely reviewed and updated.

As new information is continually being released about COVID-19, the LDCC Team is working hard to gather and summarize the information to share with our stakeholders. There have been several government announcements in the last few days about assistance that will be provided to businesses and individuals. Below is a summary of some of those measures which might help your business / organization. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES BUSINESS RESOURCES:

The Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce is part of Team Kawartha Lakes (#TeamKL or #TeamKawarthaLakes) which includes Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Kawartha Lakes SBEC, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay Downtown BIA, Coboconk/Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce, Impact 32, the Innovation Cluster, Kawartha Lakes CFDC, VCCS Employment Services, Trillium Lakelands School Board, Fleming College, Trent University and OMAFRA Regional Staff.

The Team is working collectively and collaboratively to ensure that local businesses receive up to date and accurate information. We encourage you to connect with anyone on the team to access the support you need. A FULL CONTACT LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE BUSINESS RESOURCE PAGE

MP JAMIE SCHMALE UPDATES: 

https://jamieschmale.ca/update-of-covid-19/

MPP LAURIE SCOTT UPDATES:

https://www.lauriescottmpp.com/covid_19_updates