Town Hall remains closed and services requiring appointments have been suspended until at least Feb. 10, in keeping with the provincial government’s stay-at-home order.
“It is imperative that residents help stop the spread of COVID-19 and adhere to these new guidelines,” said Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt. “Please stay at home unless absolutely necessary.”
Ontario has declared a second provincial emergency in response to COVID-19 that orders all residents to stay at home except for essentials, effective Thursday, Jan. 14 at 12:01 a.m. Essentials include going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health-care services, for exercise or for essential work. Non-essential businesses will continue to allow for curbside pickup.
This order and other new and existing public health restrictions are aimed at limiting people’s mobility and reducing the number of daily contacts with those outside an immediate household. In addition to limiting outings to essential trips, all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home.
Under the declaration of emergency, the town will amp up COVID-19 enforcement and officers will continue to issue tickets to individuals who flout the stay-at-home order, those not wearing masks when required and retail operators who don’t adhere to the regulations.
Skating rinks and town trails, including those at the Stouffville Reservoir, will remain open. Residents are reminded to adhere to social distancing practices and that not all municipal trails are maintained during the winter. The library will continue to offer curbside service on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. The Leisure Centre will continue to offer virtual programming.
“We ask that everyone please play your part and only venture out for essential reasons,” Lovatt said. “Get some exercise, get some sunshine, walk the dog and enjoy time with your family. We will get through this.”
Residents are urged to following York Region Public Health reminders and can visit www.stouffvillereopens.ca for all community COVID-19-related updates.
**Story was updated January 15, to indicate that skating rinks will remain open.
