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 – Step 3 of Reopening
The County, like all communities in Ontario, is currently in Step 3 of the province’s re-opening plan. Restaurants, wineries and breweries are open with indoor and outdoor service. Retail is open with capacity limits. Spas and salons, tours and attractions are open with restrictions. All accommodations are permitted to open. Masks are still required in all indoor spaces and any outdoor space where physical distancing is not possible.
For details on what is permitted and not under Step 3, visit the Province’s Roadmap to Re-Open page.
As of September 22nd, 2021…
Proof of Vaccination Requirements
The province requires people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021. This includes restaurants and bars, meeting and event spaces, sports facilities, concerts, theatres and more. Click the links below for more information from the province.
>> More information about proof of vaccination
>> Frequently asked questions
For visitors this means 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
As with everywhere in the province, some businesses are doing more than is required by public health and proof of vaccination may be required in additional locations. Carry your proof of vaccination with you or call/message in advance to inquire about requirements.
Be Safe:
- Please plan for responsible travel by limiting your travel group to people within your own household or a group of fully-vaccinated individuals.
- 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 required in all indoor locations that are open to the public, as well as at farmers’ markets. Masking is encouraged in outdoor areas where physical distancing is not possible. For information about face covering requirements visit Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
- Physical distancing is in effect – All visitors are advised to practice physical distancing whether indoors or outdoors on patios, beaches, parks, sidewalks etc.
- Avoid crowded areas
- Maintain a distance of 2 metres/6 feet from those around you
- Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is asking visitors to the region to visit their Digital Guestbook to assist with contact tracing.
- The Province has mandated that restaurants, bars and tour boat operators take names/contact info of at least one member of each party. Please cooperate with businesses as they fulfill this public health directive.
- Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer at every opportunity.
Be Prepared
- Make a plan and call ahead. Capacity at restaurants, wineries, events and shops is reduced. Accommodations book up quickly in peak season. Some businesses are 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 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.