Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Boat launches across Greater Napanee remain closed until further notice.
That was the decision made by town council during a special virtual meeting held Thursday, with councillors John McCormack and Terry Richardson casting votes in support of opening the launches, while the remaining five council members voted no.
Prior to the vote, KFLA Public Health chief medical officer Dr. Keiran Moore provided council with a brief update on COVID-19 within the region and then fielded some questions from council. Among those questions was his take on the risks associated with opening the boat launches, which were closed April 1 as part of ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
“The use of a boat launch in itself is low risk of transmission if it’s done properly,” said Moore. “We don’t want to bring crowds to one physical location, we want to maintain social and physical distancing, hand washing and hygiene etcetera. The closing of the boat launches is more consistent with the provincial recommendation to stay home, practice physical distancing, avoid social gatherings.”
Moore said while Greater Napanee residents using the boat launch don’t concern him, the idea that it would bring outsiders to the region was something to consider.
“Opening our boat launches could attract people from afar, which to me, we’re in a bit of a bubble locally,” added Moore. “We have a low risk of infection. I would be happy if we could somehow limit the boat launches to people from KFLA because we know we have a low risk of infection. My other concern is this will attract others with a high risk of infection and we’d be left with the consequences of it.”
Council went on to note that although official launches are closed, long time residents would likely know of a few spots where they could successfully get a boat into the water.
-During his presentation Moore once again spoke favourably of the region’s ability to limit the spread of COVID-19.
As of Friday the local health unit reported 61 total cases, of which 56 were resolved with no deaths reported relating to the virus. Moore says KFLA has been in steady decline since reaching its peak on April 1.
On the topic of masks, Moore said he would only recommend them in situations where someone would be in close proximity to others.
“If you can not maintain that physical distancing, so that’s two metres distancing, you’re on an elevator or you’re in a smaller space, those are instances when wearing a mask would be appropriate,” said Moore. “The mask can give a false sense of security, you may not be putting it on properly or taking it off. If you’re putting on a mask you should be washing your hands first, you should be tying it behind your ears, putting it over your nose, under your chin. And taking off the mask, because during the time you wore it it could be contaminated by someone else, you must be very careful to not re-infect yourself. You should take it from behind the ears, drop it into your cleaning bag for the washing and then re-wash your hands every single time.”
He says he wouldn’t wear one if he were walking in an open space such as a nature trail or downtown Napanee.
On the topic of mental health relating to isolation, Moore says local hospitals haven’t reported a spike in cases relating to mental health or suicidality. He did however note the OPP was starting to see a ‘pattern’ of increased domestic assault calls.
He added anyone experiencing mental health issues can call 2-1-1, where they will be linked with professional support.
-Council asked staff to put together a report on short-term accommodation rentals, such as Air Bn’B, for their next council meeting. Before council passes any by-laws pertaining to short-term rentals, they would seek public input as well.
-Council voted to amend restrictions surrounding waste disposal sites, starting Saturday.
A maximum of two cars per waste stream, for a total of six cars on site at a time, will now be permitted, as opposed to two total.
A report submitted to council indicates a total of 150 cars visited the South Fredericksburgh Waste Disposal Site on April 18, while another 92 used the site on April 25. At Roblin they saw 82 cars on April 18 and 85 on April 25.