COVID-19 ESSENTIAL INFO

If you have your heart set on a summer or fall visit, we recommend making your plans now. Explore our website for inspiration.

Current Status – Capacity Limits and Mask Mandates No Longer Required Except in Certain Settings.

The County has shifted, like all communities in Ontario, to no longer requiring capacity restrictions and mask mandates for entry. Restaurants, wineries and breweries are open for indoor dining at full capcity, alongside retail, gyms, and other recreational facilities. Spas and salons, tours and attractions are open without restrictions. Inns, Motels, Hotels and Short Term Accommodations (Airbnbs, VRBOs) are all open without restrictions. Masks are still required in some indoor settings, but not in most retail/dining settings. 

For details on what is permitted and not at this time, visit the Province’s COVID-19 Public Health Measures Page.

Masks and Capacity Limits

While masks and capacity limits are no longer required in most settings, some businesses are doing more than is required by public health for the safety of their staff and comfort of their patrons. We ask that you please respect the mask and capacity limits set out by individual businesses when visiting different spots throughout The County. 

Passive Screening and Proof of Vaccination

As of March 1st, 2022 Proof of Vaccination is no longer mandated in settings where previously required.  However, as with everywhere in the province, some businesses are doing more than is required by public health for the safety of their staff and comfort of their patrons. As such, passive screening or proof of vaccination may be required for indoor access at additional locations. 

For visitors this means still coming prepared to:

• Show proof of vaccination at places like restaurants, breweries, wineries and venues
• Have the appropriate formats for proof of vaccination in Ontario ready to show, regardless of which province or country you reside in

 

Be Safe

• Please plan for responsible travel by staying aware of symptoms and opting not to travel if you feel under the weather. Keeping travel to your immediate family or a small group is still recommended at this time.
• Some businesses are doing more than is required by the Province and the public health unit to keep their customers and staff safe. Please cooperate with COVID-19 protocols at County businesses.
• Face coverings are no longer required in most settings, but are recommended in small indoor spaces. 
• While physical distancing of 2m is no longer mandated, it’s still a best practice to maintain a respectful distance from others in public spaces, especially while indoors. 
• Passive screening may still be in place at some restaurants, bars and on tours, so please cooperate with businesses as they fulfill this request.
• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer at every opportunity.
• Get vaccinated as it’s your best protection against COVID-19. 

Be Prepared

• Make a plan and call ahead. While capacity at restaurants, wineries, events and shops is back at 100%, it’s always a good idea to Plan Your Visit to The County. Accommodations book up quickly in peak season. Some businesses are still requiring appointments. Spontaneity is fun, but we don’t want you to be disappointed. Make a plan in advance.
• Wherever possible, make a reservation. Call ahead for takeout or curbside pickup. Check directly with businesses about their hours, services and protocols. Check here for ideas of things you can book in advance.
• If you are planning to visit Sandbanks or North Beach Provincial Parks in the Summer months  you will require a reservation. Do not head to the beach unless you have booked using the day-use permit reservation system.  All beaches in The County post their capacity updates on Twitter, and you do not require a Twitter account to view SandbanksPP, NorthBeachPP, QCLittleBluff or Shire_Hall (Wellington Rotary Beach).
• Know where the public washrooms are and use them! The County has prepared a map of public washrooms that are open and cleaned regularly. The only four-season public washrooms that remain open are behind the Bloomfield Town Hall and in Wellington Park, with a portable toilet available in Picton’s Benson Park.

Be Kind

• Please respect the natural spaces by:
  • Taking your garbage with you if there are no garbage bins nearby.
  • Avoiding crowded areas. Take a load off of mother nature.
  • Respect closures and capacity limits, they are there to keep everyone safe and to protect fragile natural areas.
  • Use public washrooms, or washrooms provided by the businesses you patronize, not the side of the road, the beach, the park, someone’s front lawn…
• Be patient and flexible. We’re all adjusting to a new reality and hiccups, lineups, mix-ups are bound to happen. Be patient and be kind. Everyone is doing their best.
• Consider visiting in the Fall or Winter. The cooler months are gorgeous in The County and the crowds are thinner. Let us welcome you with proper County hospitality when we have a bit more time and space.