Coronavirus: Kitchener campground to open early for self-isolating snowbirds

A Kitchener campground is opening its doors early in an effort to allow returning snowbirds a chance to self-isolate.

Bingemans says many snowbirds have been forced to return home early from the U.S. without having a location to return to.

“We understand the need for our returning seasonal campers to have a place to come home to and the need to quarantine and self-isolate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Bingemans president President Mark Bingeman said in a statement.

“Bingemans is going to open our gates early to help alleviate the pressure that these groups are already experiencing and allow campers who do not have another residence to move back to their site or store their trailer earlier.”

The campground is among many that Bingemans says normally do not open until May 1.

“We will also be providing non-seasonal campers the opportunity to stay with us beginning Friday, April 3,” Bingeman said.

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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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