South Frontenac urging cottagers and recreational visitors to delay plans

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve locally, South Frontenac Township is encouraging cottagers and recreational visitors to delay their arrival to the area.

This is being done “in an effort to keep our community safe and reduce the impact on regional healthcare centres and local supply chains,” the township said in a press release on Friday, Apr. 3, 2020. While some families may be thinking it’s best to venture to their cottage, camp, or secondary residence to self-isolate at this time, it is not recommended by healthcare officials.

“This practice has the unintended consequences of spreading COVID-19 in our rural communities and exhausting local resources, including healthcare,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A). Moore is urging visitors to temporarily delay such activity, and recommending that these measures stay in place until May 1, 2020.

Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Theresa Tam is echoed those sentiments.

“Urban dwellers/Cottagers should resist the urge to head to the cottage and rural properties, as these communities have less capacity to manage COVID-19,” Tam said.

In addition to visiting private seasonal properties, South Frontenac Township is asking that individuals to also refrain from visiting trailer parks and campgrounds. KFL&A Public Health has issued the following requirements for trailer park establishments:

The township stressed that this request does not apply to those who must return home to their primary domestic residence, but underlined the importance of the federal government’s mandatory 14-day isolation period for those returning from abroad.

The township is encouraging seasonal property owners and visitors to do the following:

• Temporarily delay visits to secondary or seasonal dwellings, including cottages, trailers, rental properties and hunting camps.
• If you reside locally in a trailer or RV during the spring and summer months, please consider temporarily parking at a friend or family member’s property for the duration of the pandemic where you are still able to maintain physical distancing.
• If you are a resident returning home from abroad to your primary domestic residence, then this request does not apply; however, the Federal government’s mandatory 14-day isolation period applies to all those returning from abroad

“I understand cottagers desire to escape to their camp or secondary residence at this time. While we would normally welcome these visitors with open arms, we ask that you delay your visit to South Frontenac until we can ensure this pandemic has come to an end,” said South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal.

For more information on South Frontenac Township’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website at www.southfrontenac.net. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 locally, including links to resources and information on closures, cancellations and changes to services, visit our COVID-19 quick reference guide here.