Do you have tips for shoppers?

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible; however, we recognize sometimes that is not possible. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to shop safely this weekend and into the holidays:

• Before going out, make sure what you’re looking for cannot be ordered online from a local business
• If you must go into a store, try to time your trip for off-peak hours where it will be easier to maintain physical distancing with others
• Inquire about curbside pickup and other safety shopping measures the store has in place
• Plan and know what you need from each store to limit the amount of time you spend there
• Follow the rules set out by the store and please be patient if you must wait in line due to occupancy limits; follow directional arrows and store signs set out by the staff, these have been put in place for everyone’s safety
• Wearing a face covering is required while in public spaces, including retail stores

Who is responsible for enforcement if a business is staying open in violation of the Provincial Order?

The Reopening Ontario Act can be enforced by public health inspectors, bylaw officers and York Regional Police.  

If there are people who have returned from travel that are not self-isolating, how is this reported?

Failure to self-isolate could be an offence under the Quarantine Act of Canada. Enforcement is the responsibility of the federal Quarantine Officer identified under the Act.

If there are people who have tested positive for COVID-19 who are not doing the mandatory quarantine who do they report this to?

A person who has an active case of COVID-19 that is not adhering to isolation protocols can be reported to York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Are staff included in the maximum number of persons allowed in indoor and outdoor gatherings for religious services, ceremonies or rites in weddings, funerals and celebrations of life?

Staff are not included in the maximum number of persons allowed at indoor and outdoor gatherings for religious services, ceremonies or rites in weddings, funerals and celebrations of life.

Are places of worship included in the Section 22 Class Order?

The Section 22 Class Order does not apply to places of worship in York Region such as churches, synagogues and mosques who, as part of Red-Control zone restrictions, currently are allowed to perform religious services, ceremonies and rites to 30% capacity of the room indoors if physical distancing of 2-metres can be maintained (including wedding ceremonies and funerals).

The intention of the Class Order is to limit the number of people gathering in spaces such as special event venues, banquet halls, hotel conference rooms and conventions centres.

Are malls, big box stores and retailers required to set a maximum capacity to ensure a distance of 2-meters and actively monitor distancing?

Malls and retailers are required to ensure people in the establishment maintain a physical distance of 2-metres, however current regulations do not explicitly require setting a maximum capacity.

The recent Section 22 Class Order imposes stricter rules, including setting a maximum capacity for common areas such as the corridors in malls where people congregate and also requires active management of lineups where patrons must maintain 2-metres distance

The order still requires businesses to meet all of the requirements of the Reopening Ontario Act

Who is responsible for enforcing the Section 22 Class Order?

York Region Public Health, York Regional Police and local municipal bylaw enforcement officers have authority  for enforcing the Section 22 Class Order.