
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
This article is updated as new information becomes available.
Canada's COVID-19 updates and resources |
We recommend using the Government of Canada's COVID-19 website or the Android or iOS apps for getting current and accurate information on the pandemic. These have excellent information, downloads and resources related to self-monitoring, self-isolation, vulnerable populations and how citizens can reduce the spread of COVID-19. |
COVID-19 Self-assessment |
If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment tool to help determine how to seek further care. |
Book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment |
Use Ontario's vaccine booking tool to check on eligibility and availability of a vaccine and book a vaccination appointment if one is available. |
Latest Updates
Highlands East to mirror Ontario and remove mask requirements
Published March 10, 2022
Individuals may choose to continue wearing masks and we ask everyone to remain kind, considerate and respectful.
Province announces end to masking requirements
Published March 9, 2022
The mandatory masking requirement will be removed for most settings on March 21, 2022 with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.
Highlands East offices reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 22
Published February 18, 2022
Appointments will no longer be needed for visits to the Building Department in Gooderham or the Municipal Office in Wilberforce. Residents and visitors are still welcome to make appointments to ensure timely service and allow for social distancing requirements.
Ontario moving to next phase of reopening on February 17
Published February 14, 2022
Improvements in key indicators allowing province to safely ease public health measures sooner.
Ontario outlines steps to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures
Published January 20, 2022
In the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care indicators, Ontario will follow a cautious and phased approach to lifting public health measures, with 21 days between each step.
Highlands East closes offices and recreational facilities
Published January 4, 2022
We have closed the Municipal Office in Wilberforce, the Building Department in Gooderham and our Arena, Community Centres and Curling Club in response to the high transmissibility of the omicron variant of COVID-19. This policy will be reviewed in 21 days.
Health Unit recommends remote work wherever possible
Published January 4, 2022
Dr. Bocking, HKPR's Medical Officer of Health makes recommendations to help stop the spread of the virus in the workplace.
Province moves to modified step two of the roadmap to reopen
Published January 3, 2022
Time-limited measures needed to preserve hospital capacity as province continues to accelerate booster dose rollout.
Ontario updating public health measures and guidance in response to Omicron
Published December 30, 2021
Changes include testing and isolation guidelines, restrictions on large indoor gatherings, fourth doses for long term care residents and a delayed return to class for students.
HKPR Health Unit urging residents to stay home for Christmas if ill
Published December 24, 2021
Staying home if you are ill is the best gift you can give friends and loved ones this holiday season. If you have COVID symptoms or get a positive result with a rapid antigen test, assume you have the virus and isolate to stop further spread.
Province extending call to arms to businesses, volunteers and retired health professionals
Published December 22, 2021
Ontario launching online and telephone portals connecting Ontarians and businesses with opportunities to further boost province’s vaccine rollout.
Ontario takes additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout
Published December 17, 2021
Social gatherings are now restricted to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors and many indoor public settings will be operating at 50% reduced capacity including retail venues, bars and restaurants.
Highlands East to require appointments for Municipal Offices
Published December 17, 2021
In order to address concerns of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, the Municipality of Highlands East municipal offices will be open to the public by appointment only as of Monday, December 20, 2021.
In addition, Highlands East will not be accepting any Community Centre bookings until further notice.
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
Published September 1, 2021
Province to launch enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Ontario makes COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory for high-risk settings
Published August 17, 2021
The province is taking action to increase protection for our most vulnerable, including frail seniors, immunocompromised individuals and young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. This includes making COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in high-risk settings, pausing the province’s exit from the Roadmap to Reopen and providing third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations. The government is also expanding eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine to children born in 2009 or earlier.
Previous Updates
Local Updates |
For updates made between March 2020 and August 2021 please view our Archived Local COVID-19 Information. |
Provincial Updates |
For updates made between March 2020 and August 2021 please view our Archived Provincial COVID-19 Information. |
National Updates |
For updates made between March 2020 and August 2021 please view our Archived National COVID-19 Information. |
Highlands East Media Releases
All media releases are emailed to stakeholders and added to the archive below when they are first published. The content is then made available in an enhanced and accessible format on our COVID-19 News and Notices page.
A list of all current media releases, downloadable in PDF format, can be found below:
For older media releases please contact us.
Haliburton County Updates
Please visit the County of Haliburton's COVID-19 Information page for county-specific news, notices and media releases.