Check this page for regular updates on the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic for Whitby residents, businesses and visitors. The health and well-being of our staff and community is our top priority.

You can view more information on how you can access Town services during the pandemic, view closures, cancellations and re-openings for all facilities programs and events, view COVID-19 business supports, learn more about our service changes and view resources to stay healthy and connected with each other.

View all news releases, advisories and notices published by the Town.

View how you can access Town services during the pandemic.

This page was last updated on Tuesday, January 12.

Province-wide Emergency

On Tuesday, January 12, the Ontario government announced a Province-wide Stay-at-home order beginning Thursday, January 14. This will require everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, like going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care, exercise or for essential work. 

In Whitby, the new restrictions will remain in place for 14 days.

The Ontario government will reassess the need for continued shutdowns after that period. The current COVID-19 Response Framework is paused during the province-wide shutdown.

The Stay-at-home order includes the full closure of non-essential businesses and wide scale measures and restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Facility Closures

Based on these new provincial restrictions, all Town facilities will remain closed to the public. View how you can access Town services during the pandemic.

Additional information about facility closures:

Stay Home

Under these new restrictions, the provincial government has advised you to only be in close contact with people living in your own household and stay home as much as possible, except for essential purposes. This includes work (where it is not possible to work from home), grocery shopping or medical appointments. If you live alone, you may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other household. 

Please continue to follow public health advice: maintain physical distancing, properly wear a mask, wash your hands, and if sick, stay home. Download the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app on your mobile device. 

Safe gatherings, physical distancing and social circles

The provincial government has advised you to only be in close contact with people living in your own household. You're required to keep a physical distance of two metres' space from everyone else.

Gathering limits are as follows:

• No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household.
• In outdoor settings, gatherings are limited to 5 people for all organized public events and social gatherings.
• Religious services, weddings and funerals:
• 10 people indoors
• 10 people outdoors
• Virtual and drive-in events and religious services, rites or ceremonies permitted
• Safe physical distancing is still required when interacting with individuals outside of your own household
• Masks should be worn indoors and outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained

Safe physical distancing is still required when interacting with individuals outside of your own household. Social circles are paused in Ontario.

Local Businesses

• Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars is no longer permitted. Take-out, drive-through, delivery and curbside pick-up can continue.
• Non-essential retail stores (with some exceptions) must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m.
• Indoor gyms and fitness centres must close, while outdoor sports, classes and use of amenities are now closed
• Personal care services (including hair and nail salons), movie theatres and performing arts facilities must also close. 

The Province is encouraging any business with questions about the impacts of the province-wide shutdown to call 1.855.216.3090 or visit Ontario's COVID Support page for more information. 

Learn about the time-limited restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures during the province-wide shutdown on the Province of Ontario’s website.

Regional health guidelines and current cases

View information on up-to-date current regional public health guidelines, including safe gatherings, cases in Durham Region, social gatherings and how to celebrate special occasions with Durham Region's COVID-19 updates.

Learn more about the Town's State of Local Emergency declaration around COVID-19.

Getting tested and COVID-19 assessments

If you think you may have COVID-19, come in contact with someone who has it, or want to learn more about Ontario's assessments, testing locations, opening stages and essential workplaces, visit the provincial government's COVID-19 resource centre or contact Durham Region Health Department.

You can also visit the Canadian government's COVID-19 resources.

Face mask requirements

Effective July 10, 2020, you must wear a non-medical face mask or face covering within enclosed public spaces and common areas of apartment buildings and condominiums in Whitby. These mandatory instructions are issued by the Durham Region Medical Officer of Health.

Learn more about wearing masks and face coverings in Durham Region.

Travelling

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, avoid any non-essential trips into the community and beyond, and work from home where possible. View the provincial government's advisory on returning from travel and view its latest travel health notices.

Tax relief, wage subsidies and financial benefits

You may be eligible for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax relief options and benefits if you have run into financial hardship. View the Canadian government's tax relief services, benefit programs and wage subsidies for workers, caregivers, seniors and students.

Shopping local: What's Open Whitby

We're helping make shopping local easier. Our What's Open Whitby tool helps you discover which businesses are open in the town, how to shop safely and browse businesses by category, address or name.

You can also add your business to the map by completing our short survey.

Visit What's Open Whitby

Roles and responsibilities between governments

The Town of Whitby (municipal government) is one of four levels of government playing an important role to help keep you and your family safe during the pandemic. Here are the various roles for each level of government.