While municipal offices and facilities have closed across the region to help prevent further spread of COVID-19, the Regional Municipality of York's offices and facilities remain open.
"At this time, our buildings and facilities remain open and safe for staff and the public," said Patrick Casey, York Region's director of corporate communications.
"As public servants, our staff are here to provide direct service to our residents; more than 1.2-million strong," he said. "These include some essential services our public rely on, including paramedic services, transit, social services and supports for many residents, some who are our most vulnerable."
York Region's main administrative centre is at 17250 Yonge St. in Newmarket, and it also operates in locations across the region, including York Region Paramedic Services headquarters in East Gwillimbury, York Region Community and Health Services in Richmond Hill, and York Region Transit headquarters in Richmond Hill.
To date, there are no confirmed community transmission COVID-19 cases in York Region, Casey said, "and we encourage everyone to do all they can to break the chain of transmission."
The Region will continue to review and update its business continuity plans as it relates to COVID-19, Casey added, acknowleding the regional municipality is in "unchartered territory."
The Region of York — recently named one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers and as a Top Employer for Young People in Canada for 2020 in Mediacorp Canada's annual rankings — employs 3,743 full-time and 868 part-time employees.
The Town of Newmarket closed its offices at 395 Mulock Dr., the Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre at 1275 Maple Hill Court and all Central York Fire Service Offices to the public as of 5 p.m. Monday, March 16.
