Province working to put regions back into framework, lifting business restrictions

February 11, 2021 · 0 Comments

By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Local Journalism

Initiative Reporter

The Province is slowly working towards gradually lifting lockdown measures region by region as numbers continue to remain lower than previous months.

Ontario overall reported 1,022 new COVID-19 cases on February 9, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 280,494.

In known hotspots, 343 cases were reported in Toronto, 128 in York Region and 250 in Peel.

Peel Region has now seen a total of 56,979 cases, with 3,139 remaining active, 53,263 now marked as resolved, and a total of 577 deaths.

Though the province has extended the shutdown, which has been in place since December, and the Stay-at-Home order, for the past month, communities will be seeing the colour-coded framework return once restrictions are lifted.

Announced on February 8, the Provincial government has revised the framework to make necessary adaptions after coming out of a lockdown.

According to the Province, the Grey-lockdown will have a limit of in-person shopping as long as allowed through public health safety measures with a capacity of 25 per cent in retail stores. Masks continue to be mandatory, as well as physical distancing.

Three regions as of February 10 will be going back to the Green-Prevent level including Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health and lastly Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

Additionally, the Stay-at-Home order will continue for 28 regions until February 16. The last three hotspots, Toronto, Peel and York, will continue in the order until February 22, as long as numbers continue to remain low.

“Our number one priority will always be protecting the health and safety of all individuals, families and workers across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “But we must also consider the severe impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses. That’s why we have been listening to business owners, and we are strengthening and adjusting the Framework to allow more businesses to safely reopen and get people back to work.”

Though numbers have been reasonably low, the province is enforcing an “emergency brake” to bring immediate action to public health regions if numbers report a fast or sudden increase of cases, moving that particular region into the Grey-Lockdown level.

“While we are seeing our numbers trend in the right direction, our situation remains precarious as the variants of concern remain a serious risk,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams. “This is not a re-opening or a ‘return to normal’ and we must continue to limit close contact to our immediate households and stay at home except for essential reasons. By continuing to follow all public health and workplace safety measures, we can continue to reduce the number of new cases and the strain on our health system.”

Local businesses in Peel Region are looking forward to being able to reopen their doors for residents of the community but understand that February 22 may be a tentative date for now.

“Forster’s Book Garden are pleased to hear that reopening is being considered, even though we understand the date of February 22 is subject to change if necessary,” said Paul and Donna Forster, owners of Forsters Book Garden located in Bolton. “Should we be allowed to reopen on the 22nd, we will again have all safety protocols in place as before and are happy to welcome back all our loyal customers in limited numbers. Those who would like to keep their exposure to a minimum can still expect service curbside.”

While remaining in the lockdown position, the Town of Caledon continues to promote Love Local Caledon to keep residents shopping at local businesses in the community to continue supporting the businesses who need it the most.

Ward 5 Area Councillor Tony Rosa, along with others, continue to support our local business to providing online video promotions from restaurants to retail, such as Forsters.

“Thanks to the local councillors for promoting shop local and all the loyal customers who responded to the call,” said the Forsters. “While looking forward to reopening, we will respect all provincial directives as they unfold.”