Markham continues scaling back non-essential services to 'flatten curve' of coronavirus

City looks into possible local measures in addition to $300M relief package

Yorkregion.com
March 19, 2020
Heidi Riedner

Effective March 18, all non-essential City of Markham service staff will work remotely where possible in an attempt to "break the chain of transmission" of COVID-19, Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced Tuesday.

Normal business activities will continue at the Civic Centre via email and conference calls when possible, but the facility, as well as 555 Miller Ave., remain closed to the public until April 5.

"We are taking the situation very seriously," Scarpitti said in a statement.

Hours at the City's Contact Centre have extended from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

"All essential municipal services will continue as usual," Scarpitti stressed.

The mayor is also in "full support" of the province's move to declare a state of emergency Tuesday, ordering the immediate closure of all recreation centres, privately licensed daycares, private schools, theatres, special venues, bars and restaurants until March 31 at the earliest, in an attempt to "flatten the curve" of new cases of infection.

“The vast majority of businesses, including those most vital to day-to-day life will not be affected,” Premier Doug Ford said during a Tuesday morning news conference.

"Grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, manufacturing facilities, important public services, construction sites and office buildings will all continue to operate."

Scarpitti said the province's "decisive action" is in the interest of the collective good and to help reduce the burden on the health care system.

Ford also announced a $300-million “first stage” relief package that will fund efforts to fight COVID-19, including 75 more critical care beds, 500 more acute care beds, 75 more COVID-19 response centres and a host of new personal protective equipment.

Applauding senior levels of government for including relief measures and support to workers and affected businesses, the Mayor added he has already had discussions or will be in contact with local Business Improvement Associations and the Markham Board of Trade to see what can be done locally.

"While financial assistance falls under federal and provincial jurisdictions, I will be looking into what we can do at the municipal level to support residents and business owners," he said.

To help ease the medical burden, Markham Stouffville Hospital will open one of three walk-in-only COVID-19 Assessment Centres in the region Wednesday, March 18. Serving residents in Markham, Stouffville, Uxbridge and the surrounding area experiencing possible symptoms, only patients who meet the criteria will be tested. The centre will not take appointments or phone calls.

In addition to the co-ordinated efforts of public health officials and governments, Scarpitti commended the people of Markham for coming together under extraordinary circumstances.

"I applaud local establishments that are already providing takeout and delivery services and thank them for taking the necessary precautions to protect the public," he said.

He thanked the people of Markham for helping one another, lending a helping hand and supporting the Markham Cares Food Drive in support of the Food Bank.

"We can all do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this together."

The City of Markham will continue to provide updated information on its website at markham.ca/covid19.