Enforcement blitz wraps up with charges for Promenade Mall, Longo's, Dollarama in Vaughan

York Region laid 10 additional charges Sunday for COVID-19 infractions, tallying 42 in total, after 1,039 inspections last weekend at malls, box box and retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores and fitness centres

Newmarkettoday.ca
Dec. 2

At the direction of York Regional Council, the York Region COVID-19 enforcement task force increased inspection activity over the weekend. Members of the task force concluded the weekend blitz with an additional 172 inspections at businesses across the Region to ensure compliance with current public health restrictions and measures.

Inspections carried out indicate most businesses and customers across York Region are adhering to COVID-19 safety measures and protocols. However, there were 10 additional charges laid against residents and businesses as of end of day Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.

Since Friday, Nov. 27, on-going enforcement activities resulted in 1,039 inspections, 42 charges and 737 education and compliance activities. Compliance education activities are lower than previously reported on Sunday due to data corrections.

“Protecting the health and safety of residents remains the top priority of York Regional Council and increased enforcement activity sends a strong message to those who choose not to comply with public health measures,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “We all must do our part to bring case numbers down.”

The following York Region businesses were issued charges under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act and Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act:

• Promenade Mall, City of Vaughan (Four charges)
• Miniso, Promenade Mall location, City of Vaughan
• T&T, Promenade Mall location, City of Vaughan
• Dollaramma, Promenade Mall location, City of Vaughan
• Jolly Bee Foods, Promenade Mall location, City of Vaughan
• Longo’s, 2810 Major Mackenzie Drive location, City of Vaughan
• Dollarama, 1400 Major Mackenzie Drive location, City of Vaughan

“There is currently a high incidence of COVID-19 in our communities and every trip outside the home increases your chances of coming into close contact with someone who has the virus,” said York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji. “The best advice is to remain home and only shop for essential reasons.”

Throughout the weekend, officers from the COVID-19 task force visited malls, big box and retail stores, restaurants, food premises, fitness centres and various other locations to ensure public health measures are being met.

A complete list of charges and closures is available on york.ca/COVID19

Businesses failing to keep their customers and employees safe by not adhering to the mandated COVID-19 safety measures will be subject to fines. Repeat offenders could face temporary closure.

Task force members are composed of representatives of Bylaw officers from all nine municipalities in the Region, York Region Public Health Inspectors, York Regional Police, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Provincial Offense Act court prosecutions.

As we move into the holiday season it’s important to be cautious as we continue to experience an increase of COVID-19 in our communities.

Here’s some tips to shop safely throughout the holidays:

• Before going out make sure what you’re looking for cannot be ordered online from a local business
• If you must go into a store, try and time your trip for off-peak hours where it will be easier to maintain physical distancing with others
• Inquire about curbside pick-up and other safety shopping measures the store has in place
• Plan and know what you need from each store to limit the amount of time you spend there
• Follow the rules set out by the store and please be patient if waiting in line due to occupancy limits
• Follow directional arrows and store signs set out by staff as these are in place for everyone’s safety
• A face mask or covering is required while in public spaces, including retail stores
• Know the new regulations required of malls and retailers
• Guidance and resources to help businesses operate more safely during COVID-19 are available at Ontario.ca/covidsafety and york.ca/preventcovid19atwork

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices