NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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Due to the forecasted cold temperatures, the Town of Newmarket opened a temporary warming facility today in the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle St. West) main lobby to assist those in need. This warming facility will be open today (Jan. 29, 2021) until 4 p.m. Those who require assistance outside of today and these hours can reach out to York Region’s Transitional Shelter by calling 1-877-464-9675 or emailing [email protected].
Please note that the rest of the building will not be open to the public and there will be a maximum capacity of 10 people in accordance with regulations set out by Public Health and the Province of Ontario.
Residents who are using the warming station must follow public health guidelines by practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing a mask or face covering and staying at least 6ft./2m. away from others using the facility (physical distancing) at all times.
Residents will be screened by staff when they arrive and asked to sanitize their hands and wear a mask / face covering before entering. Disposable masks will be provided if they do not have one.
Residents who wish to use the warming station are also asked to participate in a self-health screening process prior to entering the building. Those who have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (noted below) are asked to refrain from entering the building and to seek assessment and testing as early as possible at a Newmarket’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre (596 Davis Drive).
Symptoms can include but are not limited to:
- Fever (temperature of 37.8 degree celsius or greater)
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
Other symptoms can include:
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- New smell or taste disorder(s)
- Nausea / vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Runny nose, or nasal congestion (unrelated to seasonal allergies, post nasal drip etc.)
Programming and support for vulnerable population
York Region continues to offer various support services and emergency and transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness in York Region. The Town is working with York Region and Inn From the Cold to offer daytime programming for those in need at the Ray Twinney Complex. This daily drop-in program is anticipated to open in early February. Those looking for additional assistance can contact Inn from the Cold at 905-895-8889 or York Region’s Outreach Team at 1-866-553-4053.
For more information on general COVID-19 information, visit york.ca/covid19. For more information on how to protect yourself against extreme heat, visit Health Canada’s website.
For more information on Newmarket’s warming station, call 905-895-5193 or visit newmarket.ca/covid19.
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