BRAMPTON, ON (January 12, 2020) – Yesterday, the Government of Ontario declared a second provincial emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), effective today, January 13 at 12:01 am.
Effective tomorrow, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Government of Ontario is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.
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.
The following additional public health measures are also being enacted:
- Outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people.
- Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open. Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can't physically distance more than two metres.
- All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 am and close no later than 8 pm. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.
These measures come into effect between Tuesday, January 12, 2021 and Thursday, January 14, 2021, including the provincial declaration of emergency under the EMCPA, orders under that Act, and amendments to regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
Read more about the second provincial emergency here.
New enforcement measures
Under the declaration of a provincial emergency, the Province will provide authority to all enforcement and provincial offences officers, including the Ontario Provincial Police, local police forces, by-law officers, and provincial workplace inspectors to issue tickets to individuals who do not comply with the stay-at-home-order, or those not wearing a mask or face covering indoors as well as retail operators and companies who do not enforce. Those who decide not to abide by orders will be subject to set fines and/or prosecution under both the ROA and EMCPA.
Those not following restrictions will be fined and/or ticketed. Charges for violations under the Reopening Ontario Act and City By-laws range from $500 to $100,000 depending on the nature of the offence.
Mandatory face coverings
Under the Mandatory Face Coverings By-law, non-medical masks or face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces in Brampton. Public establishments and businesses are required to ensure that masks or face coverings are worn in indoor public spaces under their control.
The by-law exempts certain individuals, including those who cannot wear a mask or facial covering due to medical reasons; children under the age of two; individuals engaged in an athletic activity in accordance with the Emergency Orders. For more information, visit: www.brampton.ca/masks.
City services and facilities
City Hall and corporate facilities
City Hall and corporate facilities remain open for in-person services by appointment only. Walk-ins are not permitted. To book an appointment, visit www.brampton.ca/skiptheline.
City recreation centres and amenities
All City of Brampton recreation facilities remain closed to the public. For online videos on staying fit and active, click here.
City of Brampton outdoor ice rinks remain open to help residents stay healthy, safe and active, weather permitting. Hours of operation can be found at www.brampton.ca/outdoorskating.
Community health and safety is the City’s main priority, especially during COVID-19. In line with Peel Public Health recommendations, a reservation system is in place to visit the rinks. This is to ensure capacity requirements are maintained and contact tracing is possible if necessary. Up-to-date information about outdoor programming adjustments can be found at www.brampton.ca/recreation.
Residents and businesses can call 311, visit www.311brampton.ca or use the 311 mobile app for more information and service requests.
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