York Region calls on businesses to stay COVID safe, in wake of recent violations

Some businesses have been 'relaxed' on public health measures, associate medical officer of health says

Newmarkettoday.ca
Aug. 31, 2021
Joseph Quigley

York Region Public Health is urging businesses to continue to follow public health measures as it says some have become “relaxed.”

In an Aug. 30 video update, associate medical officer of health Dr. Richard Gould said enforcement efforts show some businesses are faltering in implementing safety measures. In its latest enforcement report, York Region's COVID-19 enforcement task force laid charges against 16 businesses between Aug. 9 to 22, including two in Newmarket.

Gould said businesses need to continue following public health measures, such as maintaining distancing, capacity limits and masking.

"Our recent enforcement efforts have shown some businesses have been relaxed in their implementation of COVID-19 health and safety measures," Gould said. "We know most businesses are doing everything possible to keep their employees and patrons safe from COVID-19. We ask all businesses to ensure essential health and safety measures are being followed."

COVID-19 cases continue to rise, which Gould said should continue into the fall. In York Region's most recent update, Aug. 27, 91 new cases were reported.

The region is still considering the addition of other COVID-19 rules, but has yet to implement any. Medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji has said targeted measures could include capacity reductions for large events and requiring masking for kindergarteners.

“Discussions for additional measures to ensure the security and safety of both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals are ongoing,” Gould said. “The direction of any new measures will be determined in consultation with our partners, government officials and medical officers of health.”

With school starting next week, Gould asked parents to check protocols and screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day. Updated information on back-to-school measures is available at york.ca/safeatschool.

“We all have a responsibility to keep students and staff safe,” Gould said.

He urged the public to get vaccinated and said approximately eight of 10 new cases in York are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.

“These individuals have a greater risk of ending up in hospital and in the ICUs,” Gould said. “There are numerous mobile and pop-up clinics in convenient locations across all municipalities.

Clinic location information is available at york.ca/covid19vaccine.