As declared by the Province of Ontario, the Province will move to a Provincewide Shutdown effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020. The Shutdown will remain in effect for 28 days, set to expire January 23, in Southern Ontario regions, including the City of Sarnia.
Measures include, but are not limited to:
- Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
- Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings – curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
- Restricting indoor access to shopping malls – patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
- Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.
What does this mean for Sarnia residents? The following framework outlines the City services affected as part of the shutdown:
City Hall
The City Hall building is closed to the public. Email Customer Service at customerservice@sarnia.ca, or use the online form: https://www.sarnia.ca/comment/ to connect with City Staff. Staff will be monitoring and responding during business hours.
Citizens who call City Hall during business hours will be required to leave a voicemail with contact name and phone number, and staff will return messages in a timely manner. Many online services are available: https://www.sarnia.ca/online-services/online-services-and-donations/
A secure drop box is located at the Christina Street doors at City Hall is available for residents wishing to drop off letters, applications, payments, etc. Additional information is available online: https://www.sarnia.ca/covid-19/
Sarnia Transit
Sarnia Transit bus routes are in full operation. We encourage riders to use our services for essential trips only and continue to operate with a reduced fare rate of $1.50. Transit continues to operate under the health and safety measures outlined by Lambton Public Health, practicing physical distancing and requiring passengers to wear face coverings.
Sarnia Fire
All fire stations are closed to the public and are not accepting food donations at the door. However, donation drop offs can be made to our donation barrels located at each Fire Hall.
Status of Community Services During the Shutdown:
Planning / Building / By-law Services
No disruptions. All services will continue to be offered to the community.
Parks
All parks remain open for use.
Arenas
Upon completion of final programming on Thursday, December 24, 2020, Sarnia arenas will be closed until January 23, 2021. Refunds will be made available for those who paid for ice time during this time.
Strangway Community Centre
Strangway will be closed after programming ends on Thursday December 24, 2020, and all winter programming is cancelled.
The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts
The Lawrence House will be closed to the public effective December 24, 2020. The online gift shop is still in operation. Preparations will be made to provide curb-side pick-up for the Floyd Gibson intake on January 30, 2021 should the lockdown extend past January 23, 2021.
Residents are reminded that these general health and safety measures remain in effect for the City of Sarnia:
- As the festive season continues, follow the limits on close contacts, social gatherings and events to protect you, your family, friends, and coworkers from COVID-19 this holiday season. Virtual gatherings or events are the safest way to visit or recognize occasions with people outside your household.
- People should only have close contact with their direct household.
- Workplace screening must take place.
- Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces, at workplaces, and recommended in places when physical distancing is not possible.
- Restrict all non-essential travel and outings.
- Monitor for symptoms and stay home if you are sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested.
The City of Sarnia remains committed to delivering high quality, critical services to the citizens of Sarnia and thank you for your patience through these ongoing challenging times.
Submitted by the City of Sarnia
