Tuesday, December 15, 2020

PSA: Additional health and safety measures for Markham retail and malls during lockdown

Businesses permitted to operate during lockdown will be required to post capacity limits and monitor line-ups

MARKHAM, ON – December 15, 2020 – As the City of Markham enters GREY-LOCKDOWN zone to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Dr. Karim Kurji, the Medical Officer of Health for The Regional Municipality of York, has issued a Class Order under Section 22 of the Government of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act.

This new Class Order will replace the previous Class Order issued on November 22, 2020. It supports and strengthens the mandatory rules under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) relating to York Region businesses that engage in retail sales to the public. The Class Order has been issued to further balance the health and safety of our community with the economic realities facing businesses during the pandemic.

The new Class Order is now in effect and requires:

All stores and shopping mall operators permitted to operate or deliver service in the GREY-LOCKDOWN Zone to comply with all requirements set out under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, as well as the requirements set out in this order

Retail stores must:

Comply with the 50% maximum capacity limit
Prominently post the total number of persons permitted in the store
Monitor for capacity purposes at all entrances and ensure physical distancing of at least 2 metres/6 feet is maintained by patrons and staff in all areas including, but not limited to, common areas, washrooms, hallways and entrances
Actively monitor all line-ups of patrons congregating inside or outside the premises to ensure physical distancing of at least 2 metres/6 feet is maintained and masks or face coverings are worn
Follow all further instructions from York Region Public Health pertaining to COVID-19 that apply to the premises

Shopping malls, which may permit patrons to enter for the purpose of picking up orders from businesses or places inside the mall, must:

Actively monitor all inside and outside line-ups of patrons permitted to enter the premises to ensure physical distancing of at least 2 metres/6 feet is maintained and face masks or coverings are worn
Follow all further instructions from York Region Public Health pertaining to COVID-19 that apply to the premises

Businesses that are open are reminded of the requirement to prepare and post a safety plan that describes how the requirements of the Ontario Regulation 82/80 will be implemented in the location, including by screening, physical distancing, requiring masks or face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects, and the wearing of personal protective equipment.

The Class Order is the next step in a series of enhanced measures put in place by York Region to limit the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus. Failure to comply with the Class Order is an offence for which offenders may be liable, on conviction, to a fine of up to $5,000 (for a person) or $25,000 (for a corporation) for every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

The City of Markham is working 24/7 to keep the community safe. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are prioritizing COVID-19 related calls during this busy shopping season. If you see something, say something. To report a business or individual not adhering to COVID-19 safety measures, please contact 905.477.7000 x2050 or customerservice@markham.ca.

Does your small business need help? The Markham Small Business Centre offers a variety of free seminars, resources and advice to help your business adapt to the evolving COVID-19 restrictions. These resources include:

e custom websites via Digital Main Street's ShopHERE – powered by Google
SkipTheDishes 30-Day holiday promotion for restaurants
“Open for Business” program by Ritual and DoorDash
Funding opportunities
Temporary Patio Program extension

Visit markham.ca/msbc to learn more.

The City is taking a responsible and measured approach to the pandemic, which is guided by the Province’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 response framework and the City of Markham’s Response, Recovery & Reinvention Plan. As we navigate the pandemic together, the City of Markham continues to monitor and follow advice from public health officials at the federal, provincial and regional levels. The health and safety of our community and staff remains our number one priority.

It is critically important that we each continue to do our part to keep one another safe. It is not the time to let your guard down. Every action counts.

Related links:

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 240 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

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