Remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19

COVID-19: Urban Toronto updates from the industry

Urbantoronto.ca
Dec. 15

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having far-reaching effects in Toronto, including major impacts to what have been booming real estate and building industries. To keep the public in the loop about the shutdowns, we'll be sharing information and status updates from around the industry on a regular basis.

In today's report: The City of Vaughan urges citizens to remain vigilant in the fight again COVID-19.

As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues and York Region -- including Vaughan -- moves toward the Grey-Lockdown level in the Province of Ontario’s tiered Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, the City is reminding citizens that everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

As a result of the City’s disciplined, measured and responsible approach to COVID-19, the Province’s lockdown announcement has limited impact on facilities. Swimming pools and arenas will close temporarily effective Monday, Dec. 14. Refunds will be issued automatically to all registered participants and permit holders without penalty during this closure. All memberships will be extended for the duration of the closure.

Enforcement and education efforts have been increased across the city. Greater attention and a more assertive, proactive approach to enforcement are underway. Public complaints, concerns and inquiries should be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.

To keep the community safe, York Region Public Health is asking residents to follow this advice:

• Stay home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household.
• Practise physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying two metres away from everyone else.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Practise respiratory etiquette.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Clean high-touch surfaces often.
• Download the COVID-Alert app.
• Visit York Region’s website to learn more about public health safety measures in the Grey-Lockdown level.

City facilities
Most City facilities--including Vaughan City Hall and the Joint Operations Centre--will remain closed to the public until June 2021, at the earliest. Services and programs will continue, as they have since the beginning of the pandemic, with modifications and online.

Staying active at home
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to provide the community with resources to stay active from home, Recreation Services is continuing to offer fitness equipment packages for loan to current Vaughan Fitness members over the age of 18 for the duration of the current facility closures.

Members can choose between a light or heavy package (while quantities last, limit of one package per household) and the program is free of charge -- all that is required at the time of booking is a security deposit. Equipment includes hand weights, resistance bands, tubes, gliders, aerobic step platforms and risers.

All equipment comes prepackaged and has been individually inspected, cleaned and disinfected. It is available through contactless curbside pickup at the community centre specified at the time of booking. Once the booking is completed, a staff member will be in contact to provide further information, including next steps, pickup arrangements and return process.

Short videos are posted on the Recreation Services social media channels on how to use the equipment safely:

• Instagram--@recvaughan
• Facebook--Recreation Vaughan 

Registration for the program is available through the online Registration Portal at reconline.ca. For more information or to obtain a member barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or TTY at 1-866-543-0545 or by emailing accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.

Virtual fitness classes
Looking to stay active or get fit this winter? Join in the virtual fitness classes via Zoom, free to Vaughan Fitness Members. Classes include yoga, total body conditioning, barre, HIIT circuit training and Zumba. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Free, full-length fitness classes (40-60 minutes long) are also streamed Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. on the RecVaughan YouTube channel. For more information on virtual fitness offerings, visit vaughan.ca/fitness.

Virtual recreation programs
Citizens of all ages and abilities can learn something new, get active and stretch their creativity with a variety of virtual programming. Participate in the livestreams of popular recreation programs via Zoom, with topics ranging from creative and culinary arts, health and wellness, to sports, science and technology, and professional development. Register now at vaughan.ca/RecOnline.

Vaughan Public Libraries resources
Based on the Province’s lockdown announcement, Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) three resource libraries -- Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton -- will be open for hold pickup and computer use in the foyer only. Staff will also continue to provide essential photocopy, WebPrint and email to print services as well as issue library cards. The current lockdown measures do not affect curbside pickup, which will continue to be offered at VPL’s seven community branches. Customers can place a hold as usual and can seamlessly arrange pickup at a library of their choice. For more information on this service, visit vaughanpl.info/curbside.

In addition, VPL’s fully digital library provides access to a robust collection of resources as well as online programming to enrich, inspire and transform. Digital resources include e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, music, a wide range of databases and more. Engaging online programming is provided for all ages across multiple platforms and includes everything from story times to guest speakers and virtual author visits. To access this service, visit vaughanpl.info/VPL_at_home.