New Public Health Measures Implemented Provincewide to Keep Ontarians Safe
Government Reinforcing the Importance of Following Public Health Advice to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
September 25, 2020
TORONTO — In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health experts, the Ontario government has amended order O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, to tighten public health measures in response to the recent rise in cases of COVID-19.
Over the past five weeks, Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases. Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, including strip clubs, with most cases in the 20-39 age group. To ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks of COVID-19, the amended order will apply province-wide effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday September 26 and will:
Apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) by prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the premises after 12:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (including employees), and requiring establishments to close by 12:00 a.m. and remain closed until 5:00 a.m. except for takeout or delivery;
Close all strip clubs across the province; and
Require businesses or organizations to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19.
"Last week our government took immediate action to respond to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, by setting new limits for certain social gatherings and organized public events across Ontario. As the number of cases have continued to rise, it is evident that despite the tremendous efforts of Ontarians further action is required to prevent the spread of the virus," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "On the advice of Ontario's public health officials, we are moving forward with these measures to help keep Ontarians safe by limiting the potential for exposure in locations where the current risk of transmission is higher, and to avoid future lockdowns. Protecting the health and wellbeing of Ontarians will always remain our top priority."
In addition, the province will work with the municipal sector and other partners to encourage increased enforcement of existing businesses, facilities, workplaces, etc. to comply with all public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in the Stage 3 regulation.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise if public health measures need to be further tightened.
On September 22, the government began releasing details on its comprehensive plan to prepare the health system for a second wave of COVID-19. The plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, has so far committed to:
Investing almost $70 million to purchase flu vaccines to deliver a robust and expanded campaign this year, including ordering 5.1 million flu vaccine doses in partnership with the federal government and other provinces and territories, 700,000 more than was approximately used last year. This includes 1.3 million high-dose vaccines for Ontario seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions;
Starting on September 25, you can get tested for COVID-19 at select pharmacies if you are not showing symptoms and eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Beginning next week testing will be expanded to pharmacies in southwestern Ontario including London, Brantford, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Windsor.
Investing $1.07 billion to enhance and expand COVID-19 testing and case and contact management in order to quickly identify and contain new cases. This includes opening more testing locations, expanding specimen collection methods for COVID-19 testing, increasing testing capacity and hiring additional contact tracing staff. Health behaviour surveillance will also be conducted across the province to track adherence to and improve communication of the importance of following public health measures.
Investing $30 million to build on the province's efforts to rapidly identify and contain any COVID-19 outbreaks, including deploying hospital infection prevention and control (IPAC) resources to provide ongoing support to long-term care homes, and developing a COVID-19 surveillance strategy to monitor the disease and detect cases and outbreaks in a timely manner.
It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice in order to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and protect our communities This includes: staying home when ill or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild symptoms; practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle or at gatherings; protecting your circle; wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so; washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and adhering to gathering limits and rules.
For additional protection, the Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province
Province Takes Decisive Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province. Earlier this week, the government imposed these restrictions in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa.
The details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
"Over the past several days, we have seen an alarming growth in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province," said Premier Ford. "Clearly, the numbers are heading in the wrong direction. That's why we are taking decisive action to lower the size of unmonitored private social gatherings in every region of Ontario. We need everyone to follow the public health rules in order to prevent another provincewide lockdown, and protect all our citizens, especially the elderly and the vulnerable."
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:
10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.
"We are taking further action to slow the spread and limit new cases of COVID-19 by reducing the size of private social gatherings across Ontario. This action is based on the increasing case counts that we are seeing," said Minister Elliott. "As we continue to closely monitor the spread of this virus, we will never hesitate to take further action to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians."
The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures for these businesses and facilities, continue to be in effect.
These new limits are effective immediately.
To support better compliance with public health guidelines, amendments to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act would, if passed, establish:
A new offence regarding hosting or organizing a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds limits under an order.
A minimum fine of $10,000 for organizers of these gatherings.
Authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to prescribe additional types of premises for the purpose of the new offence.
Authority for a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to order the temporary closure of a premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe that any gathering exceeding the number of people allowed is taking place and require individuals to leave the premises.
"It is critical that we continue to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. "We are making it easier for communities to keep people safe through a broad array of tools and deterrents including stiffer penalties for organizing social gatherings at private residences that violate the applicable size restrictions. Today's expansion of gathering restrictions across the province shows that we remain agile in our response to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Ontario."
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened.
It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice. This includes:
staying home when ill, or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild symptoms;
practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at gatherings;
protecting your social circle;
wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so;
washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and
adhering to gathering limits and rules.
For additional protection, the Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
South Niagara Hospital RFQ/RFP Information Session - October 1, 2020
In preparation for the South Niagara Hospital Project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ), scheduled to be released in the spring of 2021, Niagara Health in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario are hosting an online information session targeted to Niagara businesses and the community to learn more regarding:
Planning status and timelines of the South Niagara Hospital Project;
Process and opportunities associated with the release of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP), and;
Public-Private Partnerships (P3) model and benefits.
Regional Curbside Waste Collection Changes Starting October 19
Outside Designated Business Areas (DBAs)
Mixed-Use (MU)/Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) properties outside DBAs using Regional curbside collection will move to every-other-week garbage collection (eight garbage bag/can limit). Recycling and organics will be collected weekly. Limit of eight Blue/Grey Carts and eight Green Carts per collection for IC&I properties.
Inside DBAs
MU/ICI inside DBAs will have weekly collection of four garbage bags/cans, weekly unlimited collection of recycling and organics. Collection limits/ frequency may vary depending on the additional services purchased by municipalities.
For more information, visit niagararegion.ca/waste and/or download the Niagara Region Waste app.
Canada Summer Games Moved to 2022
Together with the Canada Games Council, the local Niagara Games Committee have made the difficult decision to postpone the Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games until the summer of 2022 to better protect the health and safety of Games participants, the Niagara community, and visitors from across the country.
From the moment the Games Committee won the bid in March 2018, they have been working tirelessly with many volunteers to plan a phenomenal Canada Games for 5,000 participants from across Canada.
Although postponed a year, the Committee will continue to move forward with the same passion and excitement as they prepare to host the nation in 2022.
Applications are now open for Starter Company Plus!
If you have a great idea for a new or existing business and the entrepreneurial drive to see it through, Starter Company Plus is here to help you succeed.
Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Starter Company Plus is a training and mentorship program for businesses less than two years in operation. Qualifying applicants will receive:
Training in business plan writing, marketing and small business finance
Mentorship from local entrepreneurs and professionals
Networking opportunities with small business owners
The opportunity to pitch for a grant of up to $5000
MADE IN NIAGARA magazine is a prestige publication that spotlights many of the region’s most innovative and internationally inclined firms.
Nominations Open for the 2020 Women in Business Awards
Since 2000, the Women in Business Awards have been honouring enterprising women whose businesses and community contributions have made a significant difference in the region, and in the lives of Niagarans. The awards are a symbol of achievement for those women who are an inspiration for others, exemplifying excellence, commitment and vision.
Nominate a deserving woman today using the online form! Please submit your nominations by October 9, 2020.
Niagara Falls Business Openings!
New Niagara Falls Seniors Complex first of its kind in Niagara Region
Chapel Heights: Retirement Home and Assisted Living, opened its doors to its first residents on August 4, designed to offer services from independent living to full enhanced care, while ensuring residents feel at home.
The Pioneer Elder Care teamed up with a group of local investors to launch a new company called Sedona Communities Inc. to own and operate the 83-room, 65,000-square-foot facility, designed to accommodate up to 97 residents.
The facility was created after a 10-month, $5-million renovation of a building that used to be The Peninsula Inn at 7373 Niagara Square Drive.
Chapel Heights executive director Connie Spiece said there have already been quite a few couples who have moved in, including one couple who were reunited after previously being separated at another long-term care home.
“We wanted to provide retirement living for the elderly that need full care, so they don’t need to be pushed into a nursing home. And they can still enjoy a nice environment, property, higher levels of staffing,” she said.
Unlike other long-term care homes in the region, she said couples who have lived together for decades are not separated when they check in.
“Couples can stay together which is huge,” she said.
The facility can also accommodate couples with varying needs, without separating them.
Shailina Halani, owner of Sense of Beauty Spa & Salon opened her Lundy’s Lane business several years ago. Resulting from that business success, Shailina was interested in establishing a second spa location in the North end of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Economic Development staff worked with Shailina to find the ideal site for her second location in the city. The opening of the 3487 Portage Road, Sense of Beauty Spa & Salon II was delayed due to the COVID-19 emergency orders, but officially opened on Monday September 14, 2020. The salon is open and accepting clients by appointment only. Located in the Stamford Green Plaza, just a few doors from RBC and next door to Tide & Vine restaurant. Free-parking is available in the plaza and clients will call in shortly before their appointment. Shailina and her staff team are looking forward to seeing their clients this fall.
MONTREAL (QC) Thursday, September 10th, 2020 – BeaverTails, makers of your favourite Canadian treats, is delighted to announce the newest Niagara Falls location is open for business.
Already operating in 160 locations worldwide, BeaverTails is thrilled to announce that not only has the original Niagara Falls location moved, it is now a full shop. Located at 4967 Clifton Hill, the team is excited to welcome both locals and tourists to try a taste of Canada and enjoy a true BeaverTails moment! Stop by to enjoy all of your favourite BeaverTails® treats; BeaverTails® pastries, poutine, and BeaverDog. The shop also offers a collection of ice cream treats, including ice cream cones and BeaverTails® sundaes…the only place in the Niagara region to have your ice cream served on top of a BeaverTails® pastry!
The Owner-Operator of this location is local business owner, Zahir Ismail. Part of the BeaverTails franchisee family since 2011, Zahir is bringing Canada’s favourite pastries to a new location in the Niagara region. Not only is the newest shop located around the corner from the original Clifton Hill location, a BeaverTails can also be found at the Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “I am happy to be part of the Canadian Tradition. I was born in Ottawa and always remembered the joy of visiting the market as a child and enjoying a BeaverTails® pastry with my family. I am happy to provide that experience to families who visit my locations,” says Zahir.
The newest shop can be found at 4967 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON, next door to the House of Frankenstein and Burger King, and is now open for business Mon-Thurs 11am – 10pm, Fri-Sat 11am – 2am, Sun 11am – 12am for all of your treat cravings. Go on…grab life by the Tail!
Summer isn't over yet! There is still lots of time to enjoy the beautiful weather on a patio and there is no need to look further than in our very own city! Before making those weekend reservations, be sure to check out Niagara Falls' Summer of the Patio directory. Visit a favourite spot or discover somewhere new! There’s something for everyone.
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