The following is an update from the Municipality of Highlands East on staying home during the coming holiday.

In light of the upcoming Easter long weekend it’s imperative more now than ever that we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within Highlands East and Haliburton County. We need to stay home practice physical distancing and avoid hosting gatherings whether inside or outside for people who do not already live with us. This will mean the unfortunate cancelling or postponing of family gatherings such as Easter dinners and other traditional ceremonies that accompany these celebrations.

Many more holidays will be coming and warmer weather is on the way. We continue to remind our local and seasonal residents to please stay home. Under the order of Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) public events and social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Failing to comply with this emergency order is an offence under the EMCPA and parties may be subject to a fine.

In previous years the Easter long weekend is a popular weekend for cottage rentals or for cottages visits by the seasonal residents. Under the Provinces list of Essential Business every person who provides short term rentals in rental accommodations shall ensure that all rentals booked after April 4 2020 are only provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period. As a reminder to all parties failing to comply with this emergency order is an offence under the EMCPA and parties may be subject to a fine. Highlands East will welcome all travellers into our community once it is safe to do so.

We encourage residents to stay connected with friends and family this Easter weekend by hosting virtual dinners through telephone or through online video chatting services. It will not look or feel the same as a traditional dinner but protecting everyone’s safety now ensures we have future gatherings to attend.