COVID-19 Update

April 2, 2021 11:00 a.m.
COVID-19 Updates
City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

 

​Province-wide shutdown impacts some City facilities, programs and services


With the Province of Ontario’s announcement that all public health units in Ontario will be moved into a shutdown zone (emergency brake) for at least four weeks, citizens are urged to stay vigilant and continue to follow York Region Public Health guidance – such as staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask and physical distancing.
 
The City of Vaughan continues to take a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to COVID-19 – precautionary measures remain in place to protect everyone in the community from further transmission of COVID-19. The latest updates are available at vaughan.ca/COVID19.
 
Effective Saturday, April 3, the following changes to City facilities, programs and services will come into effect based on the provincial directive:
 
  • City swimming pools and fitness centres are closed. In-person fitness classes are cancelled. Refunds will be issued automatically to all registered participants and permit holders without penalty during this closure. All memberships will be extended for the duration of the closure. Virtual fitness classes will continue to be available via Zoom and YouTube. Maple Community Centre will continue to operate as a vaccination site by appointment only. Father E. Bulfon Community Centre will serve as a future vaccination site.
  • In-person April Break camps and aquatic leadership programs, scheduled April 12-16, are cancelled. Refunds will be issued automatically. Virtual April Break and spring programming will continue to be offered.
  • In-person special needs programming starting April 17 is postponed until May, pending provincial public health regulations.
  • All indoor and outdoor permits scheduled at City facilities have been cancelled until further notice. Contracts will be adjusted without penalty and refunds will automatically be issued.
  • Permits for outdoor dining patios will be temporarily suspended. Delivery, drive-through and takeout can continue to operate.
  • Vaughan Public Libraries’ three resource libraries (Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library) are closed. Curbside pickup will resume and be available at all locations except Maple Library. Virtual programs and Virtual Information Desk services continue.
Other facilities remain closed, including Vaughan City Hall, the Joint Operations Centre, the City Playhouse Theatre, the Vaughan Animal Shelter (except by appointment, for adoption purposes only) and all other Vaughan Public Libraries locations (although curbside pickup remains in place).
 
Essential services remain intact, including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services, building inspections and the Access Vaughan contact centre, which can be reached at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca, among many others.
 
For those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, amenities remain open subject to public health guidelines. This includes the off-leash dog park, playgrounds, basketball courts, singles tennis, exercise equipment, park parking lots and skateboard parks. Under the provincial directive, any sports or games, including team sports, that could result in players being within two metres of one another may not be practiced or played.
 
Please take precautions when using these amenities and always follow all York Region guidelines:
 
  • Stay home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household.
  • Practise physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying two metres away from everyone else.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  • Practice respiratory etiquette.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Clean high-touch surfaces often.
  • Download the COVID-Alert app.
The City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, in partnership with public health officials, York Regional Police and other levels of government, remains at the forefront in applying and enforcing provincial regulations and the directions of the Medical Officer of Health. Greater attention and a more assertive, proactive approach to enforcement are underway, including enforcement of the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law. Public complaints, concerns and inquiries should be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
 
QUOTES
“On Saturday, April 3, all Ontario municipalities, including Vaughan, will move into the Shutdown zone in the Province’s COVID-19 Framework for four weeks, at minimum. This action sends a strong signal that while we have done much in our collective fight against COVID-19, there is still more work to be done. While this is difficult news to hear, we recognize the Province is taking this step to safeguard our healthcare system capacity and protect our most vulnerable residents. From the beginning, our priority has been to ensure the health and safety of everyone who lives and works in Vaughan. I recognize the significant impact this shutdown will have on small businesses. I encourage all residents to show their support for our friends, family and neighbours by shopping locally, online or by curbside pick-up. Business owners can visit vaughanbusiness.ca to learn more about how we can support them during these unprecedented times. This holiday weekend, I urge citizens not to gather with people outside their immediate household. I know this is hard to hear, especially during Passover and Easter, but we cannot let our guard down now. We are in a marathon, not a sprint. Personal responsibility is more important than ever and following public health guidelines remains critical. Please continue practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask when making essential trips outside the home, and washing your hands thoroughly and often. Discipline will bring us to the finish line. The Vaughan spirit is ready, resilient and resourceful. I remain confident that by working together and supporting each other, we will emerge stronger.”
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
“The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve – and the City of Vaughan is ready and prepared to respond. As new provincial measures are implemented, the City’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of all citizens and staff. The facility and amenity closures are one of the many ways Vaughan continues to keep the community safe. Throughout the pandemic, Vaughan’s team of dedicated employees has not slowed down. Our important task of city-building continues. The quality public services people rely on every day will continue to be offered and Vaughan’s Enforcement team remains diligent in their proactive approach. Although the City’s physical doors remain closed, many virtual services are available for citizens – these include online recreational programs, digital permitting processes, virtual garbage and recycling bin sales and much more. I want to thank Vaughan’s entire workforce for remaining at the forefront of our fight against this virus – you continue to be the City’s greatest resource. For citizens who are looking for updated information on the City’s response efforts – including closures and new measures in place – please visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. I encourage residents to check this webpage regularly as new updates are issued frequently.”
-        Jim Harnum, City Manager
 
QUICK FACTS
  • Vaughan was the first city in Ontario and the first municipality in York Region to declare a state of emergency on March 17, 2020.
  • A Ready, Resilient, Resourceful Roadmap has been created and provides the key objectives and framework for the City’s response, mitigation and recovery related to the COVID-19 emergency.
  • Throughout the pandemic, the City of Vaughan has ensured quality services are delivered for families, businesses and all citizens. The priority remains the health, safety and well-being of everyone that lives and works in the community.
  • During the shutdown, Recreation Services continues to offer many activities to ensure residents can stay active and healthy from the comfort and safety of their homes. Virtual spring programs, delivered for all ages via Zoom, start the week of April 5. Virtual April Break programs will be offered for children from April 12-16, along with virtual April Break playdates. For details, view the Spring Recreation eGuide or visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
  • Citizens are encouraged to report any COVID-19 violations through Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All recorded cases are directed to the By-law department for investigation in priority sequence.
  • Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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