Update: Vaughan’s response to COVID-19

March 17, 2020 1:00 p.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 and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 
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The City of Vaughan continues to implement precautionary measures to ensure public safety. Effective Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m., Vaughan City Hall and all other City facilities will be closed to the public until Monday, April 6, 2020. This is the latest action taken by the City to break the chain of transmission of this global pandemic.
 
Many City services continue to be offered online or via telephone. For questions, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca or vaughanpl.info. Please check ahead for the latest update on City cancellations, postponements and disruptions.
 
Public closures and cancellations:
  • Vaughan City Hall
  • Joint Operations Centre
  • All community centre and library branches
  • All Council, committee and task force meetings up to and including April 9
  • All community centre permits/rentals, recreational and library programming, swimming pools, arenas and fitness facilities (memberships will be extended for the duration of the closure)
  • All City and library March Break camps and daycare programming (refunds will be issued automatically to all registered participants and permit holders without penalty during this timeframe)
  • Vaughan Animal Shelter (for adoption information or other animal inquiries, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281)
  • City Playhouse Theatre
  • Tours at Fire Stations
At the Joint Operations Centre, the following counter services are impacted: green bin and blue bin exchange and purchase; tree removal permits; curb cutting applications; garbage tags; general inquiries; and the topping up of bulk water sales.
 
Upcoming City-led events are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The following events are no longer taking place:
  • Family Night with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service on Wednesday, March 18
  • Local Off-leash Dog Area Open House on Tuesday, March 24
  • Earth Hour Vaughan on Saturday, March 28
  • Kleinburg Parking Strategy Drop-in Information and Feedback Session on Wednesday, April 1
  • Animal Services Microchip and Rabies Clinic on Tuesday, April 7
Please check the Events page at vaughan.ca for the latest updates about non-City led event cancellations.
 
York Region and the City of Vaughan support and are aligned with the Ontario government’s recommendation on the closure of private schools, churches and faith-based settings, licensed childcare centres and bars/restaurants, except those that can offer takeout or delivery.
 
Services that will remain available to the public:
  • Fire and emergency response
  • Waste collection
  • Winter maintenance operations
  • Water/wastewater services
  • Access Vaughan call centre (905-832-2281)
  • Economic and Cultural Development department frontline services via telephone, teleconference or online

For any other service, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
 
While Vaughan parks and sports fields remain open, citizens are encouraged to avoid common areas – such as play equipment and benches – and to consider activities that allow social distancing, such as walking, biking and hiking.
 
It is important that every citizen take the following steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from new and emerging diseases:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces like toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, countertops, etc. using regular household cleaners
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks/water bottles and towels

Should you feel unwell and if you believe you have symptoms related to COVID-19, please contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has issued a statement today on Vaughan’s efforts to support the community in response to COVID-19.
 
For more information about City matters, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca. Visit vaughanpl.info for information about Vaughan Public Libraries.
 
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