COVID-19 community closures, cancellations and service level changes (ongoing updates)

As the cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) climb in Ontario, organizations in Elgin county and beyond are taking measures to slow the spread.

The following is a list of cancellations, postponements, or changes in service delivery for businesses in the Aylmer and East Elgin area. For updates to be added related to your business or community group, please to comment on this article, our facebook post, contact 519-773-3126 or rhueston@aylmerexpress.ca. Last updated: March 23, 5:10 p.m. 

The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, “recommended closure of all recreational programs and libraries, private schools, daycares, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants,” except to offer delivery or takeout options, stated a release issued by the province on Monday, March 16.

Premier Ford said grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, manufacturing facilities, public transit, important public services, construction sites, and office buildings will all continue to operate. All municipal offices remain open to the public, but individuals are encouraged to avoid all but essential trips. Whenever possible, staff can be reached by phone or email.

Community Agencies / Services

• Long-term care homes including Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge have mandated restriction on non-essential visits. The Adult Day Program is cancelled until further notice, and the Terrace Lodge Pool is closed.
• All Elgin County libraries, the Heritage Centre and Elgin County archives are closed until further notice. Library due dates will be extended, and a range of online tools and resources are still available.
• Provincial Offences Act (POA) court proceedings scheduled from Monday, March 16 through to and including Friday, April 3 are adjourned and rescheduled to a later date.
• All Ontario publicly funded schools were ordered closed by the province until April 5.
• The EarlyON Child and Family Centres will be closed for now and the foreseeable future.
• Aylmer municipal office closed to the public until further notice. Available by phone during from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Aylmer Community Services is closed to the public, in person appointments and workshops are cancelled. They are available for calls and texting
• Aylmer Police asked that no one visit the police station unless it’s necessary. Forms for police checks can be found on their website.
• St. Thomas Police have locked doors giving access to the station’s lobby, and provided a phone in the vestibule to connect with a dispatcher.
• Aylmer Corner Cupboard is accepting food donations (check expiry dates) Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please use trailer in lot. For more information please phone 519-773-5773 or 519-773-5029

Health & Medical Services

• Aylmer Family Dental and Popp Dentistry are closed to all non-essential appointments. Popp Dentistry is rescheduling all appointments booked from March 16-29.
• East Elgin Family Health Team asks potential COVID-19 patients to call ahead and answer screening questions.
• Southwestern Public Health is closing most clinics and classes, including prenatal, breastfeeding, food handling and dental services.
• St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital now has a No Visitor Policy in effect since March 19. All elective surgeries have been postponed and non-urgent outpatient services are being ramped down. They are performing active screening with controlled entry for ALL patients and staff.

Businesses

• Miller’s Valumart is offering a Seniors (65+) and Immunocompromised Only shopping time from 8:00am until 9:00am daily (until further notice).
• Ryan’s No Frills is opening an hour earlier at 7 a.m. only for customers over 65.
• Restaurants are continuing with drive-thru, takeout and delivery service, but closing dining rooms. Ruby’s Cookhouse will be offering takeout service starting March 19. Domino’s Aylmer has reduced service and delivery hours but continues to offer takeout and delivery.  Peter’s Pizza is open for delivery and takeout. Small Town Catering is continuing to offer regular meal pickup service. The Family Central is offering takeout service. Aylmer Sub is offering takeout, please call ahead, reduced hours 11-8 daily.
• Restaurants closed until further notice: Johnny’s Restaurant (undergoing planned renovations for 6 weeks).
• Businesses closed until further notice: Aylmer Thrift Store, Divas and Dudes Hair Care, InStyle Salon & Spa, Epiphany (contact to arrange private sales/pickup), Ironmasters Gym closed until April 1.
• Aylmer IDA Pharmacy is open and is among businesses that will remain open in a state of emergency.

Recreation / Events / Activities / Halls

• All licensed child care centres, theatres, and concert venues were recommended to stay closed until March 31.
• All local arenas and community centres, including East Elgin Community Complex, Port Stanley and Belmont arenas, Malahide Community Place, South Dorchester Community Hall, St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Arena and the Joe Thornton Community Centre, remain closed until further notice.
• Royal Canadian Legion Brach 81 – Aylmer is closed until further notice.
• Springwater Maple Syrup Festival hosted by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) has been cancelled. The Maple Syrup Store from the CCCA administration centre community room remains open.
• Aylmer Wildlife Management Area is closed, ordered by the Ministry of Natural Re-sources and Forestry. Viewing stands and Swan Interpretation Programs are closed as a precaution. Swan feeding will continue.
• The Aylmer Curling Club Board of Directors have closed the club for the rest of the season.
• All minor and league hockey has been cancelled for the season, including season-ending championships.
• The March Break Day program offered by the St. Thomas has been cancelled
• Cy’s Bowling is closed until further notice.

Churches

• Trinity Anglican Church has cancelled worship services until further notice. Those needing services can reach out by telephone or via Facebook page.
• St. John’s Lutheran Church cancelled worship services for March 15, March 22 and March 29. The organization hopes to return to regular services on April 5.
• Aylmer Baptist Church, Aylmer Christian Reformed Church, Aylmer Full Gospel, Evangelical Missionary Church, and St. Paul’s United Church are all closed until further notice.