THE COUNTIES, Ontario – Members of the public will be welcomed back to in-person Counties Council meetings, starting this month, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry announced today.

In addition, as COVID protocols across the province begin to ease, many of the requirements for entering the Counties Administration Building in Cornwall are likewise being relaxed. Beginning March 21 those entering the administration building will no longer have to complete active screening measures to guard against the spread of COVID-19. Passive screening (posters) will be displayed at the administration building and all worksites reminding staff and visitors to self-screen and stay home if exhibiting illness.

Masks will not be required at the Counties Administration Building as of March 21. Staff and visitors are being encouraged to conduct their own personal risk assessment to determine if they should continue masking.

Most provincially mandated masking protocols end on March 21. Masks will continue to be mandated while using public transit, visiting long-term care and retirement homes, as well as health care, congregate living and shelter facilities.

By April 27 all remaining masking protocols in Ontario will be lifted. “It has been a long two years,” said Warden Carma Williams. “But because of the sacrifice of so many people in Ontario, including residents of SDG, we are now able to welcome members of the public back to our Council Chambers. COVID is not over, and individuals who are not yet vaccinated should do so.”