Vaughan closes fitness centers, swimming pools and some libraries due to COVID-19 staff shortages

Bestinau.net
Jan. 4, 2022
Mohd Kamran

The city of Vaughan is temporarily closing all of its fitness center and swimming pool, as well as some of its libraries, due to pandemic-related staff shortages.

The city announced this in a statement issued Tuesday morning.

It says all of its fitness centers and swimming pools will be closed from Thursday, and recreational programs in the community houses will also be canceled.

The city says “decisions regarding a personal winter hobby program have not been made at this time and are dependent on Omicron’s data and human resources.”

Meanwhile, Vaughan Public Libraries will also close its community branch starting Thursday, although its three resource libraries -- Bathurst Clark, Civic Center and Pierre Berton -- will remain open for the time being.

Pick-up from the door is also still offered at the window’s own offices every day from 1 pm to 5 pm.

The closure of the city’s facilities is taking place in the midst of an increase in COVID-19 infections, which is expected to pose new challenges for employers, as a large number of people will have to be isolated after a positive test or exposure to a confirmed case.

In a statement, the city of Vaughan said it was “short of staff because of COVID-19,” although it pointed out that key services are “uninterrupted.”

“All decisions to close and open facilities and services will continue to be based on Vaughan-specific data and will reflect guidance from the York Public Health and County Government -- with public safety as a top priority,” the statement said. “The city of Vaughan remains committed to continuing to work with all levels of government as the pandemic progresses, enabling the city to make informed, responsible and proportionate decisions to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

It is not immediately clear when the facilities will reopen. The city says payments to anyone who is a member of the city’s fitness center or swimming pool will be automatically suspended for the duration of the closure.