March 21, 2022 Update: All Section 22 orders regarding face coverings are rescinded.
July 14, 2020: The Provincial Government has announced that Ontario will begin to move to Stage 3 of the “Framework for Reopening our Province” on Friday, July 17, 2020. This next stage of the process will be applied regionally in Ontario based on the current COVID-19 situation within each region. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph is moving to Stage 3.
“Safely reopening our economy is an important step,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. “As we reopen, we must remain vigilant for any increase in cases and each do our part to prevent any spread of COVID-19.”
In response to the Stage 3 announcement, Dr. Mercer has updated her Section 22 Order on the use of face coverings in commercial establishments (The original order was issued on June 10 and revised on June 12). Changes to the order include:
Clarifying language around exemptions to the Order to ensure Commercial Establishment and members of the public know when face coverings are not required. The revised document also provides clear guidance for Commercial Establishments on how to respond to exemptions provided by patrons. Further information on these changes can be found under Section 1D of the Order and in the Section titled DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE OF THE ORDER.
An expanded list of Commercial Establishments consistent with the Provincial Government’s Stage 3 Reopening Announcement. The expanded list can be found on Pages 3 and 4 of the Order.
“Moving to Stage 3 is a positive sign that we are making progress against this virus,” said Dr. Mercer. “But, it doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. We must continue to balance health protection with economic progress in order to continue moving forward together. Each of us can continue to be there for each other by washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, maintaining physical distancing of two metres, and wearing a face covering where required. We all have a role to play as our region safely takes another step forward.”
Media contact:
Chuck Ferguson, Manager, Communications
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca
Danny Williamson, Communications Specialist
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca