Vital updates:
- The Government of Ontario today announced that more regions of Ontario, including Niagara, will be moving to Stage 2 of the provincial re-opening plan beginning on Friday, June 19 at 12:01am. Toronto, Peel, and Windsor-Essex will, as of Friday, be the only public health regions in Ontario that remain at Stage 1.
- The following businesses and institutions will be allowed to open in Niagara as of June 19:
- Personal care services
- Personal services
- Restaurants & bars
- Shopping malls & centres
- Photography
- Film & TV
- Tour & guide services
- Water recreational facilities
- Outdoor recreational facilities
- Beaches, parks & camping
- Outdoor recreational team sports
- Drive-in & drive-thru venues
- Weddings, funerals and similar gatherings
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Attractions & heritage institutions
- Small outdoor events
- The Government of Ontario continues to strongly discourage any non-essential in-person gathering, no matter what the size, even if now legal. The government also strongly advises any business that can continue working remotely to do so. It is up to everyone in Niagara to make Stage 2 a success by taking all possible precautions. While Niagara Region Public Health is not mandating the use of PPE for stores that are open, it is vitally important that businesses enforce physical distancing for staff and customers at all times. Ensure that any employee showing symptoms remains home and gets tested. Premises must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, especially any surfaces that comes into contact with or even in proximity to the hands or face.
- Businesses with questions about re-opening can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
Reading recommendations:
- Can Coronavirus Contact Tracing Survive Reopening? Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker
- I’m an ER Doctor. Here’s What I Feel OK Doing as My State Reopens, Amita Sudhir, Slate
- Young workers can thrive after coronavirus layoffs by leaving big cities, Louise Grogan, The Conversation
If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.
It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remain at home unless absolutely necessary. Minimize contact with other people. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. Maintain a 2-meter distance from others if you are required to be out in public. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Previous updates can be accessed here.
Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
