- The City of Dryden has announced restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 virus.
Council agreed Saturday to close the Arena, Pool, Gym, Museum and Public Works office starting on Sunday at midnight.
The Dryden Library Board has also closed its facility.
The closures are in place until April 5th and at that time the situation will be reviewed.
The ice on both rinks will be removed in the coming days resulting in the cancellation of the Last Chance Oldtimers Tournament, a Figure Skating event as well as other recreational events.
Chief Administrative Officer Roger Nesbitt says the move follows extensive consultations with staff as well as input and advise from the Northwestern Health Unit, Canadian Health officials and recent announcements from the World Health Organization.
Nesbitt stresses the restrictions are for the protection and safety of the public and the public, stressing they want to minimize large group gatherings.
He stresses municipal staff will be monitoring the local, provincial and national situation on a daily basis and notes additional action may come down.
Nesbitt will have the authority to adjust non-essential service for a 60 day period on a need be basis.
He notes user groups will be contacted and information will be provided on refunds.
The City says there will be limited impact on staff as they will conduct needed cleaning and maintenance duties during the closures.
Other restrictions approved include no travel for municipal work, meetings, training unless it’s absolutely required.
The March 23rd Council meeting has been cancelled and additional cancellations may be announced.
City Hall will remain open however preventative measures are in place including screening and barriers to limit social involvement.
Nesbitt says we are in uncharted waters and they are sorry for the disruptions but stresses the health and safety of everyone is priority number one.
