Newmarket, along with the rest of York Region, is heading into the grey lockdown zone of the province's COVID-19 pandemic reopening framework on Monday, Dec. 14 as of 12:01 a.m. for at least 28 days.
All Town of Newmarket buildings, facilities and in-person programs will be closed/cancelled, with the exception of the Newmarket Public Library, where 10 visitors will be allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes per day with strict health and safety measures in place.
All scheduled virtual programming will continue.
Outdoor skating at Riverwalk Commons will continue, however, skaters are required to register in advance.
Newmarket trails, parks and playgrounds will remain open and residents are encouraged to use them while following all health and safety measures as outlined by the province.
Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are not permitted, except with members of the same household. Outdoor organized public events or social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
While in lockdown, indoor and outdoor dining is prohibited, while take-out and delivery options are permitted. Retail is generally permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only, with some exceptions.
The town is urging the community to continue to shop local and support local businesses through curbside pick-up, online shopping, take-out and delivery options and by purchasing gift cards when possible. Visit newmarket.ca/ChooseLocal for more info.
"This is going to be another very difficult time for our community and particularly for our local businesses who have had an incredibly tough and unpredictable year," said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor in a statement. "Please everyone, let's continue to come together and do our part by staying vigilant with physical distancing, wearing masks, hand washing and doing whatever we can to demonstrate our unwavering support for our businesses through this unprecedented holiday season."
Town of Newmarket customer service associates are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 905-895-5193. For after-hours service, call 905-895-5193 and press 3.
Other essential municipal services will continue to operate, including waste and recycling pickup and general maintenance of roads, sidewalks and trails.
Residents are reminded to wear a face mask or covering when in enclosed public spaces or when physical distancing of at least 6ft./2m. is not possible and wash your hands frequently to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
Here are more details about what's open and closed as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14:
- All indoor public events and social gatherings (with people outside one's own household) are banned.
- Organized public events held outdoors are restricted to 10 people.
- Religious services, funerals and weddings are restricted to 10 people both indoors and outdoors.
- Schools and daycare facilities can remain open in accordance with adherence to evolving public health guidelines.
- All post-secondary institutions are limited to virtual classes.
- All indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants is banned, although delivery, takeout and drive-thru are permitted.
- All indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities and fitness centres are closed, although outdoor rinks, trails and ski hills can operate with restrictions.
- All meeting and event spaces are closed except for specific exceptions like mental health and addictions support programs.
- All retail stores are limited to curbside pickup, except for:
- supermarkets
- grocery stores
- liquor stores
- pharmacies
- hardware stores
- All personal care services are closed.
- Car dealerships and indoor garden centres can remain open for appointments only. Outdoor garden centres can remain open outdoors and for curbside pick-up or delivery.
- Housekeepers, nannies, babysitters and other household staff are permitted to keep working.
- Cleaning, maintenance and repair-related services and businesses are allowed.
- Cinemas and performing arts centres are closed.
- Regulated health professionals (chiropractors, dentists, massage therapists, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists, podiatrists) are allowed to operate.
- Libraries are open for contactless curbside pickup and delivery. Patrons can go inside for pick-up and drop-off or to access computers, photocopiers and similar services.
- Indoor individual and team sports, as well as training, aren’t allowed except for high-performance athletes and professional leagues.
- Real estate agencies may operate, but open houses must be by appointment only.
