Friday, November 20, 2020

Markham Stays in CONTROL-RED Zone with New Restrictions

MARKHAM, ON – November 20, 2020 – Today, the Government of Ontario announced stricter gathering restrictions for regions in the CONTROL-RED Zone as part of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.

On Monday, November 23 at 12:01 AM, the City of Markham’s private gathering limits will be as follows:

Indoor gatherings: 5 people maximum
Outdoor gatherings: 25 people maximum

At this time, there are no changes to City service levels, including those offered through Markham Public Library, Recreation Services, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham and the Markham Museum.

Individuals should limit travel to essential trips only and limit close contact to members of their household only. Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other household.

Enhanced long-term care home visitor restrictions will remain in effect. Retirement homes will be in high alert with visitor restrictions as outlined in the Retirement Homes COVID-19 Visitor Policy.

Indoor dining and gyms will continue to operate with patron limits, group limits, patron contact tracing, and with health and safety measures in place. Residents and businesses can refer to the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for complete CONTROL-RED Zone restrictions and recommendations from the Province.

City-owned and operated Markham Fitness Centre locations continue to remain closed at this time. The City of Markham 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 visitors, community and staff remains our number one priority.

Residents are encouraged to visit markham.ca/recreation to see what programs are currently available.

The City of Markham understands the social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged. During the pandemic, the City will continue to provide fun, educational, creative and active programs for all ages that are adapted to ensure the health and safety of participants.

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.

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:

Keep a safe distance from anyone outside your household (2 metres/6 feet)
Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve
Wear a mask or face covering when inside public spaces or when physical distancing is a challenge
Clean high-touch surfaces often
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. Every action counts. Help keep the City of Markham from LOCKDOWN-GREY Zone.

It is important to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek assessment and testing, if necessary.

For more information and updates about COVID-19 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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