Here's what you can and can't do in Hamilton this long weekend in light of COVID-19

It's Victoria Day weekend in Hamilton, and Environment Canada says it'll be a sunny Saturday with a high of 19 C. Saturday is also the start of stage one the province's plan to reopen businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's what you can and can't do according to health officials. 

Can I visit with friends and family?

Not if they don't live with you, unless you stand at least two metres away from them.

The Ministry of Health says it understands that people want to see their loved ones, but for those who live in other households — especially if they're older than 70 —  physical distancing is key. In other words, nothing has changed yet.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said this week that her team is working with modeling experts and hopes to have more news "very soon."

"We've been talking about pooling or bubbling that has been happening in some other jurisdictions," she said.

"We don't have the final answer yet, but we are studying it very carefully because we know, especially with the warm weather coming forward, that that's what people want to hear about."

Hamilton's medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, says the city is following the province's lead on this. 

"Hamilton Public Health Services continues to recommend limiting activities to members of your own household to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining a physical distance of two metres from those outside of your household," she said in an email.

Can I host a barbecue?

Only if it's attended by people who already live with you. You can't have friends and family over, even if you're sitting outside. Paul Johnson, director of the city's emergency operations centre, specifically addressed this on Wednesday. "This isn't a chance to get together with friends and have barbecues yet," he said of the long weekend. "We're not there yet."

Can I go to the park? 

Yes, local parks are open, provided you stay two metres from anyone who doesn't live with you. The amenities are closed though, which means you can't sit on the benches.

Can I hike in a local conservation area?

City and Hamilton Conservation Authority trails are open, and conservation areas opened this week as well. You can't meet friends there who don't live with you though, and you have to stay two metres away from people. And you can't visit the area's many scenic waterfalls. Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge, Devil's Punchbowl and Tiffany Falls and other waterfall areas remain closed "due to their limited size and capacity to physical distance," the authority says.

Can my child play on a swing or climber?

Only if it's in your backyard. Playground equipment in local parks is closed because it's not disinfected, and the city says the virus could be present on it. For that reason, signs are posted and the equipment in many playgrounds is surrounded by caution tape.

Can I have fireworks?

The City of Hamilton has banned the sale and use of fireworks until at least end of day July 4, saying they encourage people to get together. The Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club is airing a virtual display on Cable 14 and online at 9 p.m. Sunday night. 

Brant County allows them as long as you adhere to the fireworks bylaw. Burlington hasn't banned them, but is discouraging them "due to the potential fire hazard and concerns around social gathering." For more information, email [email protected].