As the Victoria Day long weekend approaches, the public is reminded that the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order remains in effect and will be enforced, said a May 19 media release from the Town of Saugeen Shores.

The order will remain in place until at least June 2 and requires individuals to remain at the residence at which they are currently residing at all times unless leaving for an essential reason.

“With a holiday weekend coming up, we recognize that everyone is looking forward to the summer,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over and as we work to get more of the population vaccinated, we all need to do our part by respecting the Stay-at-Home Order.”

The Town of Saugeen Shores offers the following reminders for this coming long weekend and the remainder of the Stay-at-Home order:

• If your primary residence is not in Saugeen Shores, the Stay-at-Home Order states that you can visit your secondary residence for less than 24 hours for an essential purpose only. If you would like to stay longer, you must intend to stay at least 14 days.

• Garage sales and yard sales are not permitted within the Order.

• Wearing a mask is mandatory if you enter a public washroom or visit a local business. Please bring a mask with you when visiting parks, trails or the waterfront in case you need to enter a building.

• Beaches and parks are open for walk through use and exercise only with proper social distancing. Gatherings are not permitted.

The Saugeen Shores Police Service will continue to maintain a complaint and proactive driven model of enforcement and compliance with the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order, read the release, adding that officers will continue to engage, explain, educate, and enforce when necessary.

Since the Order came into effect on April 17, Saugeen Shores Police have responded to 63 calls for service directly related to the Stay-At-Home Order, and issued over 50 warnings under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In addition, officers have initiated 15 charges for contravention of the Act, and educated countless others, the release said. Saugeen Shores Police Service has also completed 50 compliance checks under the Quarantine Act to ensure those required to isolate for 14 days after travel comply with the requirement. Those in violation have been charged.

During the summer months, members of the Saugeen Shores Police Service and Municipal by-law officer will be increasing police presence at the beaches within Saugeen Shores to promote safety and compliance with the Provincial orders, by-laws, and Liquor Licence Act.

For further details of Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, visit the Ontario Zones and Restrictions page. For information from the local health unit, visit the Grey Bruce Health Unit website. Changes to municipal services due to COVID-19 can be found at www.saugeenshores.ca/covid-19.