COVID-19

COVID-19 Safety Plan

These are unsettling times and COVID-19 is clearly impacting our personal and professional lives. We would like to wish you health and happiness through this difficult period. Please take care, stay positive and find some time for having fun and smiling. It is challenging to operate under the current restrictions, but rest assured that the Township is taking every measure possible to continue providing municipal services. We are confident that we will get through this together.

The safety and health of our community members is of utmost importance to us throughout the duration of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are encouraging members of our community to take precautions by learning about the disease and what you can do to help protect yourself and to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Temiskaming Shores Area Municipalities are working together to ensure proper communication is made with our community members and that community partners are engaged. We are working collaboratively to actively monitor the situation as it evolves and to ensure business continuity while following direction from the Public Health Agency, the Ministry of Health and the Temiskaming District Health Unit.

Please remember that 9-1-1 is for emergency calls only. For other police matters, including those related to COVID-19, call 1-888-310-1122.

Vaccination Information

The COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory, however it is recommended that everyone who is eligible be vaccinated.

While vaccines will be offered to everyone who wants one by the end of 2021, Ontario’s Vaccination Plan has prioritized the initial doses for those who need it most.

As information on the COVID-19 vaccines is constantly evolving it is recommended that you visit the Temaskiming Health Unit for the most up-to-date information.

You can also book your Covid-19 vaccine appointment on-line through the Government of Ontario website.

If there are no available local vaccination appointments on the provincial booking portal, please check back at a later date. Once more vaccine supply is distributed locally, more appointment spots will get added. If there are no appointments left in your community, the site will direct you to the clinic closest to you.

For further information please contact a Health Unit near you.

Phone Numbers

Municipal Office Update

Residents have several payment options for property tax and water bills that can be done from the comfort and safety of their own home. Payments can be made via online banking through a resident’s financial provider. Cheques can also be mailed to the Township office. All payments can also be made via cheque by dropping it at the dropbox located at the Township's main public entrance. Please do not deposit cash via the drop box. To pay by cash or debit, please ring the bell at the front door for service.

McGarry Township also offers pre-authorized payment for property taxes and water bills. Please inquire for a Pre-authorized form.

Contact 705-634-2145

Public Library Update

McGarry Public Library is on reduced hours. Please check reopening times by calling 705-634-2312

Fines for late items during closures may be waived. Speak to the Librarian for the current status. Wi-Fi networks will still be accessible from the parking lot when the library is closed.

Interactive Self Assessment Tool

Because of the severity of a COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario has launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool. This new easy-to-use tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.

Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms or may have travelled outside of Canada should self-isolate and use the interactive self-assessment tool or contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808.

Self Isolation and Social Distancing

Self Isolation is required for individuals returning from international travel or who meet certain criteria, such as having symptoms or having had close contact with an individual with COVID-19. Self-isolation is staying home to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues - from possibly getting COVID-19.

Social distancing measures are being put in place throughout Canada to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 from person-to-person. This is important so a large number of people do not get sick at the same time. We all share in the responsibility to keep one another healthy. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The earlier these social actions start the better protected we will all be. Social distancing does not mean you must stay in your home. You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. It is simply recommend that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) from those around you.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, wash your hands often, cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and stay home if you are feeling sick.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE COVID-19 PANADEMIC

Important Ways to Slow the Spread

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
Stay 6 feet apart from those who don’t live with you.
Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

If You are at Risk of Getting Sick

People of any age, even healthy young adults and children, can get COVID-19.
People who are older or have certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.

Getting a Covid-19 Vaccine

Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19.
You should get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
Once you are fully vaccinated, you may be able to start doing some things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

What to Do if You're Sick

Stay home except to get medical care. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider and get tested.
Isolate yourself from others, including those living in your household, to prevent spread to them and the people that they may have contact with, like grandparents.
Call 911 if you are having emergency warning signs, like trouble breathing, pain or pressure in chest.

How to Get a Test for Current Infection

Visit the Temiskaming Health Unit website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have not been vaccinated and have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, it is still important to stay home even if you are not tested.