Friday, November 27, 2020

PSA: Markham launches COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force

MARKHAM, ON – November 27, 2020 – The City of Markham has joined the Ministry of Labour, other York Region municipalities, and public health in an enforcement blitz to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe as we continue to see a rise in cases. The enforcement campaign starts today for Black Friday and will continue throughout the holiday season. York Regional Police will provide support as needed.

Markham’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and the other partners will increase inspection activity at malls, big box and retail stores, restaurants, food premises, fitness centres and various other locations to ensure compliance with the Government of Ontario’s orders and regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act and the Section 22 Class Order of the York Region Medical Officer of Health.

Businesses who fail to comply with COVID-19 safety measures will be ticketed and subject to fines, and repeat offenders could face temporary closures. We all need to do our part in an effort to protect our business community and avoid further restrictions or lockdown.

To report a business or individual not adhering to COVID-19 safety measures, please contact the Contact Centre from Monday to Friday 8.m. to 5 p.m. at 905.477.5530 or customerservice@markham.ca. For after hours and on weekends, call 905.477.7000 x2050.

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. Residents are asked to stay at home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household.

If you must leave the house for shopping, here are some tips to consider:

Before going out, check to see if what you’re looking for can be ordered online from a local business
If you must go into a store, time your trip during off-peak hours when it will be easier to maintain a safe distance of 2 metres/6 feet from others
Inquire about curbside pick-up and other safety shopping options
Plan ahead to limit the amount of time you spend in stores
Follow the rules set out by stores, respect occupancy limits and please be patient and kind
Follow directional arrows and safety signs as these are in place for everyone’s safety
A face mask or covering is required while in public spaces, including retail stores
Make sure you know the new regulations required of malls and retailers
Download the COVID Alert app

Visit markham.ca/CovidSafety to find out how else you can do your part to stop the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.

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 City is taking a responsible and measured approach to reopening, which is guided by the province’s new COVID-19 response framework and the City of Markham’s Response, Recovery & Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of our community remains our number one priority.

Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

For information and updates about the novel coronavirus and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.

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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