April 6, 2021
By Nate Smelle
On Wednesday, March 31 the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit reported what at the time was the region’s highest daily case count since the start of the pandemic, with a record 32 new cases of COVID-19. According to the health unit’s website, as of Monday, April 5 HPE set a new record, adding 37 more active cases to the tally. In total, there are now 137 active cases in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. At the same time, public health acknowledged that there were 15 active cases in Central Hastings, as well as one more in North Hastings.
In light of this significant spike in cases locally, the health unit has enhanced the public health measures it has in place throughout the region. Now, under these restrictions: indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences cannot exceed more than five people; bookings for restaurants, personal service settings, and accommodations must not be accepted from anyone who resides outside of HPEC; and, all short-term accommodations (e.g. Airbnb’s, Bed and Breakfast businesses, cottages) are immediately closed, including all bookings made prior to March 30. Individuals who are travelling to or within Hastings and Prince Edward counties for essential reasons – health care staff, medical appointments, and emergencies – will however, be permitted to book accommodations.