West Nipissing has pushed back the opening dates of its arena and fitness centre due to increasing COVID-19 cases in Ontario.
The decision was announced Wednesday, stating they are now looking at Oct. 19 as a tentative opening date of both facilities.
The fitness centre was scheduled to open Monday while the arena was to open Oct. 13, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
“The health and well-being of our residents and staff is our priority,” a media release states. “It is best to delay the opening of these facilities and welcome residents back safely, rather than re-opening and potentially having to shut down again.”
The facilities may remain closed even longer.
“If the number of cases continues to increase, or further restrictions and guidelines are imposed by the province and/or health officials, the reopening may be further delayed,” the media release states.
Keeping the number of cases under control locally is the goal.
“While we are not seeing a large number of cases in our district, we must stay the course to ensure that the numbers continue this way,” it states, urging people to follow public health guidelines regarding wearing masks, washing hands, keeping a safe distance from others and stay inside social bubbles.