TOWN OF INNISFIL
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With soaring temperatures in the forecast, residents are reminded that the Town of Innisfil and Innisfil ideaLAB & Library have cooling centres strictly for those in need of a safe space to get out of the heat. These facilities are air-conditioned, offer free bottles of water and are available for use today from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:
- Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, Lakeshore Branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.)
- Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, Cookstown Branch (20 Church St.)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, anyone who visits these locations should be aware of the following:
- The ideaLAB & Library remains closed to the general public; public access will strictly be provided for those who need to get out of the heat.
- Visitors seeking access will be pre-screened for COVID-19. Anyone displaying any of the symptoms as set out by the Ministry of Health will be directed to the nearest assessment centre. If you believe you may have COVID-19, please follow the guidelines set out by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and do not make the trip to the cooling centre.
- Visitors will be guided to a specific space in the cooling centre where they will be asked to remain so they may cool off safely, while maintaining physical distancing. Access to washrooms, hand sanitizers and water will be provided. Visitors will not have access to any of the Library’s materials, resources, computers, etc. and are advised to bring their own devices or materials should they require them.
- If there is heavy demand, time restrictions may apply and visitors may be asked to leave so that others may access the space. People can re-enter as soon as space becomes available or if it is their turn again.
In order to protect those who enter the building, and contain the spread of COVID-19, inside there will be increased cleaning of public spaces, hand sanitizers, and signage to remind visitors about best practices (hand-washing, physical distancing, etc.). In addition, ideaLAB & Library staff are being provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and have undergone training in accordance with guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health and the SMDHU to ensure they are prepared to serve the public in the safest way possible. Protective barriers have been installed at screening stations to ensure protection of staff and the public.
“Cooling centres are so important to making sure that our most vulnerable have a place to look after themselves during extreme heat events,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. “Please only use the cooling centres if you have to so that those who need them most have access.”
Residents can use Innisfil Transit to travel to Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s Lakeshore Branch for the flat rate of $4. All other trips will receive $4 off the fare. In addition, the Town of Innisfil provides discounted fares for low-income households. For more information please visit www.innisfil.ca/transit.
For more information about heat illnesses and staying cool during the hot and dry weather, please visit the SMDHU’s website.
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