Today’s Daily Update has been delayed to incorporate the 4 p.m. announcement from the Government of Ontario.

Premier Ford announces extension of stay-at-home order and new restrictions

In a press conference this afternoon, Premier Ford announced that, effective immediately, the stay-at-home order would be extended by two weeks, to a total of six weeks. In addition, the following new measures will be taken:

• Effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, outdoor gatherings will be restricted to persons from the same household. People who live alone may join one other household.
• Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, non-essential construction must cease.
• Outdoor amenities, such as golf courses, playgrounds, and soccer pitches, will be closed.
• Big-box retail capacity will be reduced further, to 25%.
• Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, places of worship will be limited to 10 people indoors.
• Checkpoints will be set up at provincial borders, with travel limited to essential purposes (work and transport of goods) only, as of 12:01 a.m. on April 19th.
• Law enforcement will be given special powers to enforce restrictions. This includes stopping pedestrians and vehicles to verify the purpose of travel. Refusal to cooperate will result in a $750 fine.
• Workplaces and offices will be inspected to verify that stay-at-home orders are being followed. Everyone who can work from home must do so.

The Premier asked for stronger control of international borders, and implored the Government of Canada to do everything it could to increase the vaccine supply.

Regional Chair Bradley gives statement on issuance of provincial summons

I want to remind residents of the seriousness of the third wave of COVID-19 and the potential penalties that could be levied should you be found to have broken provincial directives. The provincial stay-at-home orders are designed to help protect the health and safety of residents, and willfully breaking these rules could result in serious fines and even jail time.

As Regional Chair, I fully respect an individual’s Charter right to peacefully assemble and express themselves. However, all residents are strongly reminded that such gatherings cannot breach any applicable statues or municipal by-laws.

I would encourage residents who may be planning to attend future demonstrations to seriously reconsider. Even if these residents struggle to accept the legitimate health and safety risks associated with large gatherings, I suggest they consider the potential personal repercussions of significant fines and jail time.

Click here to read the full statement.

Canadian Chamber releases Vaccine Resource Hub and Workplace Recovery Toolkit

With Canada in the midst of the third wave of COVID-19 and variants of concern accelerating, Canadian businesses want to see a plan to get us all back on track and make this lockdown our country’s last.

The Canadian Chamber released today two critical items for businesses.

• A Vaccine Resource Hub to provide businesses with a one-stop shop to help them play their role in building vaccine confidence amongst their workforce.
• A workplace recovery toolkit provides the latest information and best practice for businesses to operate safely.

To access the Vaccine Resource Hub, click here.

To access the Workplace Recovery toolkit, click here.

Click here to read the media release.

Niagara Health pens open letter to Niagara

Now more than ever we are #InItTogether and need to support one another as we fight through the third wave of this dreadful pandemic.

We’ve vaccinated more than 24% of Niagara’s residents, beginning with those in the highest risk populations. More than 125,000 doses have been administered in our community, and the number of COVID-19 vaccinations increases each day by the thousands.

At the same time, however, there is reason for concern. Niagara Health is experiencing unprecedented pressures and is asking for your help to protect capacity for life-saving critical care and other patient services. This is also the case for hospitals across the province and beyond.

Let’s remember the 379 people who contracted COVID-19 and died, along with their loved ones who are grieving these terrible losses. There are currently 1,405 active cases in our community, a number that’s been growing at a concerning rate over the past number of weeks.

There have been so many challenges thrown our way over the past 14 months. We know people are hurting and we know you are frustrated.

Now more than ever we need to support one another. Follow public health guidelines – masking, physical distancing, handwashing and keeping contact with members of your household only. Support local businesses – stores, restaurants, wineries and other merchants. And be kind.

We are #InItTogether

The letter was co-signed by representatives of many community organizations and leaders, including the GNCC.

Click here to read the media release and see the full list of signatories.

City of Port Colborne partners with Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) on Farmers’ Market

The City of Port Colborne forms partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) to manage the Farmers’ Market for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Approved by Council early March, the Downtown BIA will manage the popular Friday morning Farmers’ Market as part of a two-year pilot project. As the City plans creative and strategic ways to boost the local economy, this is an opportunity to partner with key players like the Downtown BIA to expand and attract new businesses.

For more information, follow the Downtown Port Colborne BIA on social media or visit their website.

Click here to read the media release.