What Ontario’s Return To Step 2 Public Health Measures Means Locally

Peterborough Public Health has released guidelines highlighting what a modified version of Step 2 will look like in Peterborough.

File Photo.

“We recognize this transition is another hardship for local businesses and we appreciate the efforts that most are making to modify their operations and once again, comply with new restrictions,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Many local operators have already reached out to us for advice and support, and we thank all businesses who are doing their part.”

On Jan. 5, the province returned to a modified version of Step 2 of the Provincial Roadmap to Reopen in response to increasing cases and strain on Ontario’s health care system. Highlights of the new regulations include:

- Workplaces must ensure workers work remotely, unless the nature of work requires the worker to be on-site,

- Enhanced capacity limits for businesses and workplaces; requirements to post capacity limits,

- Ongoing general requirements related to masking indoors, screening, and COVID-19 Safety Plans,

- Restrictions to operating hours and the sale and service of alcohol at applicable businesses,

- Food establishments must close indoor dining areas, take-out and delivery is still permitted,

- Restrictions for organized public events, and reduced social gathering capacities to up to 5 people indoors and 10 people outdoors,

- Indoor sports and recreational facilities must be closed, with very limited exceptions,

- Indoor meeting and event spaces closed, with very limited exceptions.

“Please adhere to the social gathering limits, make sure to screen for symptoms before leaving home, wear your mask in public settings, and consider alternative safe activities,” she said, adding that a list of Safe Activities During COVID19 has been updated on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. Shopping locally and avoiding travel outside the region are also other important ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 at this critical time.

Ingram said that the primary focus of Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 enforcement team is to help support local business with the Step 2 changes, however, they are still receiving and investigating public complaints related to noncompliance. Local residents can submit complaints online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the Reporting Complaints section.

“We need to be kind to those around us as each family situation is unique. Check in on each other and know that there are supports in our community to help you or someone you know. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should contact 911 immediately or present to the nearest emergency department,” said Ingram.

For more information about local mental health helplines and other supports, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on the section for COVID-19 – Supports for Mental Health & Substance Use and COVID-19 – Supports for Basic Needs. The Canadian Mental Health Association has a list of helplines and other resources available at https://cmhahkpr.ca/mental-health/links/.

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