Provincial Government Announces 28-Day Shutdown to Impede Virus Spread
BELLEVILLE – On Monday, December 21 the provincial government announced a province-wide shutdown which will begin at 12:01 a.m. on December 26. Travel and socializing during the holiday season was deemed an additional risk in connection to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The province’s current increase in case numbers prompted the decision to implement measures to impede the spread to protect residents and the health care system. The City of Belleville will be required to follow this mandate for a minimum of 28 days beginning Saturday, December 26.
The doors to City Hall will be closed to the public however staff will continue to work behind the scenes, while exercising COVID-19 safety precautions, to ensure services are provided for residents. Roads and sidewalks will be plowed, transit will carry residents across the city and garbage will be collected. Garbage tags, parking permits and transit passes can be obtained online at BELLEVILLE.CA. Bag tags are also available at many grocery and convenience stores. The transit terminal will remain open at 165 Pinnacle St. where transit passes can be purchased in addition to the B-Tap App option. Appointments can be arranged to obtain building permits and wedding licences. The Belleville Public Library will offer curbside service and details will be made available on their website at bellevillelibrary.ca.
As of December 26, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, John M. Parrott Art Gallery, Community Archives and Glanmore National Historic Site will be closed for the duration of the province-wide shutdown.
”I know many are disappointed but we are in a better position now than we were in March,” said Mayor Mitch Panciuk. “Many more businesses are open with curbside pickup. Our outdoor park spaces are open for us to enjoy and we have learned a great deal during the past few months about operating safely and effectively within the COVID-19 precautions. Our community has shown such strength and unity and I ask that you keep this momentum going. We will get through this and the vaccine will be distributed. Just a little longer Belleville – we can do this.”
For updates visit the City COVID-19 Information page.
(City of Belleville Press Release)
