PSA: Markham moves to RED-CONTROL to protect hospital system & keep community safe

MARKHAM, ON – November 13, 2020 – The Government of Ontario has lowered the thresholds for each classification level in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework as a result of the latest modelling showing that if new cases of COVID-19 continue to grow at its current rate, the province could register up to 6,500 new cases per day by mid-December. Within the next two weeks, the province will likely exceed its intensive care threshold of 150 beds under any potential scenario.
 
On Monday, November 16 at 12:01 AM, the City of Markham will move from the ORANGE-RESTRICT to the RED-CONTROL classification level as part of the Regional Municipality of York’s public health unit region.

Enhanced long-term care home visitor restrictions will also come into effect on Monday, November 16 at 12:01 AM.

Indoor dining and gyms will be allowed to operate with patron limits, group limits, patron contact tracing, and with health and safety measures in place. Please refer to Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for complete RED-CONTROL restrictions and recommendations from the Government of Ontario.

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 recreational outdoor, in-person and virtual program are 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:

• Stay at home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household
• 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.
 
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:

• View health and safety measures for each Zone
   
• Stop the spread of COVID-19
  • 立即阻止第二波COVID-19!
  • நிறுத்துங்கள்2 வது கோவிட் -19 அலையை இப்போதே!
• York Region Public Health
• COVID-19 Affected City Services
• Small business help
• Online services
• Access Markham mobile app
• What’s open & closed
• Sign up for eAlerts (City news & emergency alerts)
   

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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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