On Tuesday, February 16, the Durham Region Public Health Unit – including the Town of Whitby – moved to the Red-Control Level of the provincial Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.  

At the Red-Control Level, broader-scale measures and restrictions, across multiple sectors, continue to be in effect to control the transmission of COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know:

STAY HOME

Under this level of restriction, residents continue to be strongly encouraged to limit close contact to those in their immediate household and stay home as much as possible, except for essential purposes. This includes work (where it is not possible to work from home), school, grocery shopping, medical appointments and physical activity.  

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.

GATHERING LIMITS

Gathering limits under the Red-Control Level are as follows:

• 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors for all organized public events and social gatherings; and,
• 30% of capacity indoors and 100 people outdoors for religious services, weddings and funerals.

BUSINESSES

Restaurants and bars are limited to 10 people indoors and no more than 4 people per table, must stop serving liquor at 9 p.m., and must close by 10 p.m. (except for takeout or drive-through service). Gyms/fitness centres are allowed to open and offer indoor classes with capacity limits of 10 people, while maintaining physical distancing of 3 metres. The Province is encouraging any business with questions about the impacts of moving to the Red-Control Level, to call 1.855.216.3090 or visit ontario.ca/covidsupport for more information.

TOWN FACILITIES

The Town’s top priority continues to be the health and well-being of its staff and residents. That’s why the Town is taking a phased approach to the safe reopening of its facilities.

Not all facilities will open immediately as re-staffing and facility preparation is underway. Facilities will begin to reopen as follows:

Select Services By Appointment

As of Monday, February 22, some services will be offered in-person by appointment. These services include:

• civil marriage ceremonies and licences,
• lottery licensing,
• commissioner of oaths, and
• property tax roll assessment viewings.

To view the complete list of services available online, by phone, in-person or to book an appointment, visit whitby.ca/appointments. Before entering a Town facility, members of the public are required to wear a face mask or covering and complete a health and safety screening.

Whitby Public Library

As of Monday, March 1 the Central Library will reopen for in-person access to physical collections, staff assistance and computer use (limited to 45 minutes, no extensions). Study space and seating will not be available at this time. Before entering the library, members of the public are required to wear a face mask or covering and complete a health and safety screening.

Contactless Pickup continues at all three Whitby Public Library locations while the Central Library prepares for reopening. Masks are required while in line. Exterior Book Drops at all locations are open. Please note: the Book Drop at the Rossland Branch is open during hours of operation only.

Next Steps

The Town is currently reviewing next steps to safely reopen additional facilities, including some community centres and is committed to keeping our community informed.

The Town thanks residents for their patience and for continuing to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe.

MORE INFORMATION

The Government of Ontario’s full framework, including all sector-specific regulations, can be found online.

For ongoing updates on what is closed, cancelled or reopening in Whitby, visit whitby.ca/reopening.

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