How province-wide shutdown impacts Markham residents

City, with the rest of Southern Ontario, in shutdown from Dec. 26 to Jan. 23, 2021

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 23, 2020
Heidi Riedner

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti applauded the province-wide shutdown as a means to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and lessen the demand on hospitals and healthcare.

Scarpitti said the most recent action of the provincial government is a stark reminder that although we have vaccines, the road ahead is still a long one until the distribution of those vaccines are widely implemented.

He added a reopening plan for business will be required well in advance of the end of the lockdown period and that significant effort should be made to ensure that all businesses, big and small, should have a fair chance to experience the benefits of a reopened and recovering economy.

"I will continue to advocate for more fairer options for small businesses," said Scarpitti, adding businesses should apply for financial supports to help pay for utilities and property taxes, along with other expenses.

Along with the provincial shutdown, the Ford government also announced the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, a financial support of up to $20,000 for businesses that must close or significantly restrict services due to the lockdown.

In the meantime, Scarpitti said everyone must do their part part and adhere to the safest possible Christmas and holiday experience.

"The fact is that almost 50 per cent of cases in York Region are coming from close contact transmission (family and friends). We can make a difference if we do the right things."

The Grey lockdown stage restrictions as set out in the province’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 response framework remain in effect for the City of Markham, however, the province-wide shutdown announced Dec. 21 has added further restrictions that must also be observed as of 12:01 a.m. Dec. 26.

Along with the rest of Southern Ontario, Markham will remain in shutdown until Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.

Gathering limits for organized public events and social gatherings remain as follows:

Indoor: 0 (limit interactions to those in your household)

Outdoor: 10 people maximum (while keeping a safe distance)

Weddings, funerals, religious services: 10 people indoors or outdoors (while keeping a safe distance)

These gathering limits do not apply to members of a single household. An individual who lives alone may also gather exclusively with one other household. Individuals should limit travel to essential trips only.

An extended holiday break announced for schools include:

All publicly funded and private elementary schools in York Region will be offering remote learning only the week of Jan. 4. In-person learning will resume on Jan. 11.

All publicly funded and private secondary schools in York Region will be offering remote learning beginning the week of Jan. 11. In-person learning will resume on Jan. 25.

The following activities and locations remain closed:

All indoor and outdoor dining, including patios. Take-out, drive-thru and delivery options remain available and are strongly encouraged to support local businesses.

All indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms, subject to limited exceptions. Seasonal outdoor recreational facilities and amenities may remain open with some restrictions.

Meeting and event spaces except for childcare, court services, government services and social services.

All non-essential retail, except for curbside pick-up or delivery.

All hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and tattoo parlours.

The following businesses are open at reduced capacity:

Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.

Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.

Convenience stores, hardware stores, safety supply stores, pharmacies and stores that sell liquor, including beer, wine and spirits, are permitted to remain open.

Enhanced long-term care home visitor restrictions will remain in effect.

Retirement homes will be on high alert with visitor restrictions as outlined in the Retirement Homes COVID-19 Visitor Policy.

In addition, long-term care homes must implement recently enhanced testing requirements. 

City of Markham services continue to be impacted as follows:

Community centres, arenas, pools, the Markham Museum and the Varley Art Gallery will remain closed until further notice.

Virtual and outdoor programs continue to be offered, including skating at the outdoor Civic Centre Ice Rink.

In-person fitness activities have been suspended until further notice, virtual fitness continues to be offered.

Markham Public Library will continue to offer virtual services. Curbside pick up of holds and returns will be available at Markham Village, Thornhill Village and Unionville locations.Visit the Library’s website for hours and additional information.

The Markham Civic Centre will continue to operate by appointment only and all essential municipal services will continue to be offered.

Markham Recycling Depots will remain open with COVID-19 health and safety measures in place. Visit the City website for hours of operation.

Residents are reminded to:

Avoid social gatherings and limit close contacts to your household or the people you live with.

Keep a safe distance from anyone outside your household (2 metres/6 feet).

Wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

Wear a mask or face covering when inside public spaces or when physical distancing is a challenge.

Clean high-touch surfaces often.
If you feel sick, stay home.

It is important to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek assessment and testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you've been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app

Individuals and families from higher transmission regions should avoid travel to lower transmission regions, except for essential reasons

Download the COVID Alert mobile app.

Visit markham.ca/CovidSafety to find out how else you can do your part to stop the spread of the virus.

For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected city services, visit markham.ca/covid19.