COVID-19 Updates

What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans.
What is a pandemic?
A Pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease, regardless of how severe the disease is. Typically they are declared when there is sustained person-to-person transmission. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the global outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic. Click the link below to learn more about the World Health Organization or their day-to-day global Situation Reports on COVID-19.
Incubation Period
The incubation period is the time from the moment of exposure to an infectious agent until signs and symptoms of the disease appear. In the case of COVID-19, it is believed that the symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. This is why self-isolation for a 2 week period is effective in mitigating the spread of the disease between asymptomatic carriers.
How does it spread?
As a respiratory infection, COVID-19, is most commonly spread from infected persons thru close prolonged contact. Coughing and sneezing release respiratory droplets into the air, which can then infect people in the immediate area. Contact with the virus can also occur when touching surfaces infected with the virus, then touching your face, primarily eyes, mouth or nose. Individuals should practice hygienic practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
What are the risks of getting it?
The risk of contracting COVID-19 increases when interacting with large crowds. There is minimal risk of contracting the virus due to contaminated products or foods, as the virus does live for long periods without a host. Certain individuals are more vulnerable after having contracted the virus. People 65 or older, those with immune system deficiencies or those with underlying medical conditions should take extra precautions to avoid infection.
Animals and COVID-19
Animal to human spread of COVID-19 is still being monitored, but there has yet to be a conclusive infections from one to the other. It is important for pet or livestock owners to be aware that some animals may get COVID-19 and that they should seek advice from veterinarians or other relevant authorities if issues arise.
Food Safety and COVID-19
There is currently no evidences suggesting that food is a likely source of transmission of COVID-19, though governments are still monitoring the possibility closely. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) monitores Canada’s food supply chain, ensuring that food remains available and safe for consumers.
What was Canada's response?
The Government of Canada is working in collaboration with the Provinces, Territories and Indigenous communities to protect the health and safety of Canadians during this global pandemic. To learn more about the Government of Canada's action on COVID-19 click the link below.
What was Ontario's Response?
On March 17, 2020, Ontario became the first government in Canada to enact a 'Declaration of Emergency' to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public. As a result of this declaration a number of establishments and public events (over 50 people) were closed immediately.

Since the initial declaration, their have been more closures & all organized public events of over 5 people are now prohibited for the duration of the order. These orders will remain in place until July 15, 2020 when the province will reassess for an extension or end closures.
'Emergency Law' Fines
Anyone caught violating the emergency orders could face up to one-year in prison or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual. A director of a corporation can be fined up to $500,000, and a corporation can face a fine of up to $10 million. Further more refusing to identify yourself to the police can also carry a fine of $750 dollars.

Burlington's Declaration of Emergency
The City of Burlington has issued a declaration of Emergency on March 21, 2020. The Mayor has advised that people stay home and self-isolate, engage in social distancing and only go outside for essentials, such as food and medical needs or appointments. Furthermore, they recommend that residents returning from March Break are to self-isolate at home for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to safely drop off supplies to them.
Burlington Mask By-law
Burlington City Council has extended a temporary mask by-law that will make masks or face coverings mandatory in enclosed public places in Burlington. This extended by-law will be in effect until Jan 31, 2021 unless revoked or extended by the city council. In an effort to keep people safe, the by-law applies to all indoor spaces that are openly accessible to the public such as:
- Retail stores
- Convenience stores
- Malls, shopping plazas\
- Grocery stores, bakeries, farmer’s markets (enclosed areas)
- Restaurants, bars (when permitted to open for indoor service)
- Libraries
- Community Centres
- Community service agencies
- Personal service settings
- Churches , mosques, synagogues, temples and faith settings
- Art galleries, museums
- Banquet halls, convention centres, arenas and other event spaces
- Real estate facilities such as open house, presentation centers
- Common areas in hotels, motels and short-term rentals (e.g. lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms)
- Entertainment facilities including concert venues, theaters and cinemas
- Business offices open to the public
You can read more about the by-law, any exemptions, as well as frequently asked Mask related questions submitted to the city, by following the link below.
Burlington Re-Opening Slowly
On May 19^th, 2020, the City of Burlington unveiled that they planned to re-open certain park parking lots and recreational areas to the public. Residents are encouraged to leave cars at home while they visit parks, and also maintain social distancing protocols. Furthermore family members are now allowed to use multi-use sport fields, though organized groups sports are still prohibited.

Cases in Halton
Halton Region has compiled a list of cases, tested, confirmed and resolved from across the region. This list is updated frequently.
City of Burlington Actions
The City of Burlington has created a rapid response teams to better inform residents of changes happening in government, and how those changes effect them. The City has also increased cleaning and sanitation of public facilities that remain open, to lower the likelihood of infection. The City of Burlington is also mitigating parking fees in the Downtown core,(as of Dec 1,2020) by providing 90 minutes of additional free parking after you first payment.

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City of Burlington: Physical Distance By-Law
Burlington City Council unanimously approved a new physical distancing by-law to support efforts in minimizing the spread of COVID-19. It will be in force until the end of the City's 'State of Emergency.' While on public property, individuals must be 2 meters distance from anyone who does not live within their own household. Those liable of infringing this by-law can face a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum of $100,000 fine.
Enforcement of Emergency Orders
For the Duration of the pandemic, if a member of the public wishes to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders, they may contact the Halton Regional Police Services’ COVID-19 Hotline @ 905-825-4722.
Halton Public Health's Response
As Halton Public Health are notified of potential cases, they immediately follow up with these individuals to inform them of the potential health risk and provide education and instruction on when and how to seek medical care. Halton Public Health has also enacted "The Infectious Disease Emergency Response Plan." An effective and coordinated response to any Infectious Disease Event.
Risk of Transmission in Halton
The risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 in Halton Region remains low. The majority of people infected with COVID-19 have mild, cold-like symptoms and recover fully on their own.
Summer Recreation Programs Cancelled
Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, as well as provincial and public health directives, the City of Burlington is cancelling all of it City-run summer programs. Renters of public facilities will be re-reimbursed, or be given credit.

Your Questions. Answered.