Beaches, Trails and Piers Closed in Norfolk County

Tuesday, 14 April 2020 11:17

Norfolk County has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, but right now they are telling visitors to stay home.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Norfolk County is asking visitors to stay home right now.

Norfolk is home to some beautiful beaches in Long Point, Turkey Point and Port Dover. It is also a popular tourist destination in the summer. Right now though, they are asking people to stay home and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

All of the trails, beaches and parks are closed in Norfolk County.

Constable Ed Sanchuk did want to clear up one rumour.

"I guess there is a myth and rumour out there saying we are stopping vehicles, just letting you know, the OPP is not conducting random COVID-19 screening, however it is fair to say we will continue to educate all Ontarians on the importance of self-isolation and limiting travels and efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 during our daily interactions."

The road to Long Point is closed and Police don't want you checking on your trailer or cottage right now. Sanchuk says they don't want to have to hand out these hefty fines.

"If you are on the piers, or you are on our trails, you can get a fine, the last thing we want to do is give someone who just got laid off a $1,000 ticket, our whole goal here is to educate individuals and then we have the option of charging these individuals based on our decisions."

Sanchuk says they have issued fines to people who are breaking the social distancing protocols. Sanchuk says they had a real issue with this yesterday in Port Dover after the flooding.

"We still saw people going for a drive yesterday from Tillsonburg, Burlington, Hamilton, outside of Norfolk to check out the water levels and drive through the water and not only did that cause residents to be upset, it also wakes, which resulted in more damage to people's homes."

You can listen the full interview with Constable Sanchuk below, he also touches on the fact that police are still issuing speeding tickets during this pandemic.