'Lipstick to go': Newmarket reacts to its 'restrict' status in new COVID-19 framework

'The public needs to remain fully committed to the public health guidance of social distancing if we are going to remain in the new current category of 'restrict',' Newmarket mayor cautions

Newmarkettoday.ca
November 5, 2020

Newmarket is reacting to the new COVID-19 response framework with a mixture of relief and resignation.

The new colour-coded system revealed yesterday by the province has Newmarket and the rest of the York Region classified as level "orange-restrict," which will allow businesses such as restaurants and gyms currently in modified stage 2 to reopen on Nov. 7, with a list of restrictions specific to their sector.

Mayor John Taylor welcomes the new framework, which he said is clearer than the stage-based system the province has used up until now.

"I am very pleased with the new framework and the greater clarity it provides in relation to what data will drive decisions in the future. I am also very pleased that our restaurants and gyms can reopen in a safe manner," the mayor said.

"I will continue to rely on the direction of public health experts. I hope that we can reopen safely without a significant upward impact on COVID-19 numbers. The public needs to remain fully committed to the public health guidance of social distancing if we are going to remain in the new current category of 'restrict' and not move into the more restrictive category of 'control'," Taylor added.

On Monday, York Region Public Health presented regional council its own recommendations for what restrictions should be in place for the reopening.

Some of these were much stricter than the ones unveiled by the provincial government the next day. For instance, public health initially recommended that only 10 patrons be allowed in gyms at any given time, while the province decided on a limit of 50.

Despite these differences, York Region medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji is praising the new framework as a way to let businesses reopen while protecting public health during the pandemic.

"We are pleased with the announcement. We are perfectly aligned with the province because this balanced approach seems to balance out a proactive public health response, while mitigating impacts to the business in York Region," said Kurji.

"As we go forward, I think we expect our businesses will assist in being compliant with the new rules put forward. It's very important we follow these new rules because this has been a balancing act between keeping our residents safe and allowing folks to maintain their livelihoods," Kurji said.

Some business owners affected by the new framework are feeling more ambivalent. While relieved to reopen, some pointed out that the new framework's restrictions are largely the same as the ones before the region was placed under modified stage 2 last month.

Some of the new restrictions under the new framework are a bit frustrating.

Diana Ovtchinnikova, a Newmarket makeup artist and the owner of DIO Makeup and Hair, said one of the restrictions that will impact her business is a prohibition against any personal care services that require taking off a face mask.

"I guess I'll just do their eye makeup and send them with lipstick to go," she quipped.

Similarly, Villa Risi restaurant owner Peter Risi said he found the requirement that only a maximum of four people can be seated together at a table to be irritating.

"What am I supposed to do when a family of six comes in? Just separate two of them and put them somewhere else?" he asked.

However, business owners agree they will comply with whatever restrictions are in place.

"I still don't understand how limiting of table seating to 4 is going to prevent the virus from spreading," commented Helen Stamatopoulos on NewmarketToday's Facebook page. "What a joke. We are a family of five. You want us to support local businesses and dine-in, well clearly that's not going to work."

"Sometimes I wonder with these arbitrary policies. The current spike in cases have nothing to do with eating dinner in a restaurant. As if the virus cares how many are in your party," commented Darren Crooks. "Open the restaurants and retailers, and clamp down hard on parties, weddings, etc."

Both Taylor and Kurji are asking business owners and residents not to become complacent about restrictions.

"We have to continue following public health guidelines for some months now -- and for some months to come -- until a vaccine becomes available," said Kurji.

"Our risks haven’t actually gone down, and while we may be plateauing, the risks are still there. Therefore, both businesses, as well as residents, need to take care and remain vigilant."