Connect virtually this holiday Monday

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Connect virtually this holiday Monday

5/18/2020 10:00 AM

Physical distancing measures continue to be enforced

With the arrival of Victoria Day, the City of Vaughan is urging citizens to avoid social gatherings and to connect virtually with friends and family to help break the chain of transmission of COVID-19.

Traditionally, this long weekend is considered the “unofficial” start of summer – a time that brings people together to celebrate. However, in response to the pandemic, citizens should continue to physically distance from others by keeping two metres away and postpone or cancel in-person gatherings with loved ones outside their household and reach out by phone or video instead.

As a reminder, all facilities within parks – including playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks and benches – remain closed in Vaughan to curb the spread of the virus. Congregating in parks and other public spaces while physical distancing measures are in effect is not permitted.

The City’s Emergency Measures By-law provides authority, subject to the Municipal Act, to Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and City staff to further enforce physical distancing measures, in addition to other orders during this state of emergency such as limiting access to public property. Failure to comply with this by-law is an offence and subject to fines ranging from $500 to $100,000.

While the City allows family fireworks to be lit without a permit on Victoria Day, citizens must limit backyard celebrations and firework displays to those living in the household. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is also urging residents to make firework safety a priority and follow tips, including:

Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
Onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
Fireworks should not be lit close to combustible materials like homes, buildings, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.
Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground in a bucket of sand. Never try to light a firework in your hand.
Ensure the firework will stay above your property once lit. Fireworks cannot be set off on private property not owned by the person setting off the firework or on City property, including roads, parks and fields.
Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can.

In addition to adhering to physical distancing guidelines, a valid fireworks sales licence is required for all qualified businesses selling these items in Vaughan.

Although disruptions and cancellations are in place, many City services continue to be offered online throughout the pandemic. For updates, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. To receive the latest news as it happens, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

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