Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

With the support of Council, senior City staff, our Emergency Control Group, and senior staff at Joseph Brant Hospital, this declaration helps send a message to our community that times are serious and people's lives are on the line. It aligns us with the Province of Ontario's declaration earlier last week, and we are seeing many communities across North America do the same to ensure people understand the serious nature of what is going on, to support self-isolation and social distancing/physical distancing and help to focus our city on essential services and activities.

Yes, you can still go for a walk or bike ride and get outside to stay active and get some fresh air, as long as you are doing so with the people from within your own household. As far as other family, friends and neighbours go: no play-dates, no baseball games, no dinner parties or poker nights even with close friends, and no pick-up games of hockey in the street. If you encounter others while out for a walk, employ social distancing techniques and maintain at least a 6-ft distance from everyone except those in your own household and/or immediate family. These steps are critical in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, especially by those with mild or minimal symptoms. Ensure children stay off public playground equipment as it is not disinfected, and we know this virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 days. If you are sick or have been advised to self-isolate due to recent travel, stay home until you are fully recovered or have passed the 14-day self-isolation period with no symptoms.

An essential service is defined in Federal terms as any service, facility or activity of the Government of Canada that is or will be necessary for the safety or security of the public or a segment of the public.

Examples of government services or activities that may be considered essential include but are not limited to: border safety/security, correctional services, food inspection activities, accident safety investigations, income and social security, marine safety, national security, law enforcement, and search and rescue.

The Province of Ontario's defined Critical Infrastructure Sectors include food and water, electrical power, gas and oil, financial services, our healthcare system, and transportation networks.

At City Hall, we already closed facilities last week and asked staff to work from home with the exception of services that need to be delivered under one of the following categories:

• Are required to meet certain legislative requirements;
• Support employee and public health, safety and security;
• Enable critical community services and supports, including COVID-19 mitigation and recovery;
• Support services necessary to keep essential services operating;
• Protect and operate vital infrastructure; and
• Fulfill contractual, legal and financial obligations.

It's common sense. We need law and order, we need emergency services, we need groceries and home maintenance items, we need banks and telecommunication services, we need gas, and we need a supply chain of those products including trucks and drivers to deliver them. Our hospitals and emergency workers need equipment and supplies. We need continuity of government, and we need public safety and security. It's not as easy as coming up with one definitive list, but we need to use good judgement and give our decisions a second thought.

The Province of Ontario has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses. 

To increase security for those businesses throughout our Region, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is offering the following suggestions for properties that are temporarily closed:

• Remove valuables from storefront displays
• Keep the interior, front, and rear entrances well lit
• Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities 
• Remove valuables such as cash from the till and leave open. Place the cash tray in plain view
• Ensure the contact is up to date on any alarm monitoring system

• Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate: 
• Premise is monitored by alarm company;
• That no money is kept on premises; and
• Contact information for the police and business owner in the event a member of the public observes damage to property or suspicious activity
• Consider installing a surveillance camera system that can be monitored online
• Consider installing laminate on windows and glass doors to increase glass integrity from blunt force
• Ensure all doors are properly secured

The HRPS will also be conducting targeted and proactive patrols of businesses that have closed to ensure they are secure.

The HRPS would also like to urge managers of construction sites that may be closing to take measures to ensure the security of their sites and tools. Tools on vacant construction sites are a popular target for thieves and should be removed when possible.

As part of the Orders issued by the Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 17th, 2020, relating to the enforcement the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA), the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are initiating a planned response to ensure community safety and well-being. Should police receive concerns relating to complaints of violations of any of the aforementioned orders, they will consider a progressive response of dialogue, education, warning, and enforcement (if required). The HRPS will work with the Region’s health department to assist them in conducting their investigations as well. See the attached link for businesses on the list of the Province’s mandated closures.

As part of Burlington's State of Emergency, and in addition to the Province's list of mandated closures, I have encouraged all local businesses to voluntarily close except those that deliver essential goods and services. Neither myself nor the City of Burlington has the power to force a business to close. All I can do is ask. Please keep in mind that it may not be obvious to the general public what each business does - they could provide rental equipment for essential city services or supplies for our local hospital, for example. They may have a skeleton staff on-site and be able to maintain social distancing inside their building. Let's trust people to make the right decisions and remember to be sympathetic of the significant financial impact it will have on them and their employees to close as we encourage them to prioritize the health and well-being of our community at this time.

We know food is an essential. Whether you are picking up food from the grocery store or a take-out restaurant is not significantly different. As I mentioned before, the virus can live on surfaces for 2 days. The same can be said for picking up essentials from our local food banks, or accepting at-home deliveries from grocers, Wal-Mart or Amazon. We are relying on both types of business to exercise precautions in their food handling and staff hygiene, and to ensure sick employees and customers stay home. The most important thing is to use good judgement, employ social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home if you're sick.

As part of the State of Emergency, I have asked all our residents to stay home unless they are going to work, to a medical or other essential appointment, or to get essential supplies. Further, the Federal Government has mandated that all individuals who are returning from travel outside of Canada self-isolate for a period of 14-days and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. That means that recent travelers have additional restrictions and should not be going to work, the grocery store, or other appointments. They must rely on delivery services or ask healthy friends and neighbours to drop off supplies for them. We can help them by offering our support so that they don’t feel the need to go out.

Honestly, I don't know. From what we have seen in other countries, it could be weeks and it could be even longer. The most important thing we can do to help slow the spread of this virus and mitigate the impact it has on our community and our healthcare system is stay home. It only stands to reason that the more we do right now, the better off we will be later.

The most important thing I want everyone to know right now is to be thoughtful, responsible, and kind. Follow the advice of healthcare experts and local leaders. Avoid the temptation to blame others and treat people the way you would like to be treated. We are all in this together.

This past year I had the pleasure of meeting some of our local WWII veterans as part of the 75th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in France. I heard their stories of sacrifice and understood the bravery and courage it took to fight for our freedoms and safety. It gives me perspective in these challenging times. We are not being asked to leave our families and go overseas to storm a beach. We are being asked to be responsible, to stay home, and be patient. I think it's the least we can do for each other and our country.

Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our residents. We are committed to keeping you informed in clear and timely manner and encourage you to stay updated via the City’s dedicated website burlington.ca/coronavirus. Additional information on all COVID-19 related matters can be found at the Halton Region website, the Ministry of Health of Ontario’s website, and the Federal Government’s website.

Stay healthy, stay calm, and be kind to one another.

As of March 14, all travelers returning from outside of Canada should self-isolate [PDF] for 14 days from return. Some provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups such as health care workers.

Essential workers should seek guidance from their employer regarding the need to self-isolate or go to work.

Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home. Get rest, drink fluids, eat well and stay home. You do not need to contact Public Health.

If you have SEVERE symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately

Halton Region Public Health and health care partners continue to focus on those most at risk of COVID-19. Our current priority is to hear from the following people who have symptoms:

• those aged 60 and over;
• those with pre-existing medical conditions;
• those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• those living or working in a health-care or long-term care setting or institution; or
• First Nation community members living on-reserve.

Residents must have an appointment to attend an Assessment Centre. If you have symptoms and meet one of the criteria above, please call 311.

Individuals without symptoms are NOT being tested at this time.

Individuals with mild symptoms that do not meet the criteria above are asked to self-isolate for 14 days, or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. You do not need to contact Public Health.

If you have SEVERE symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

Please visit halton.ca/coronavirus for the most up to date information.

The best way residents can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19:

• Stay home. If you must go out for essential items only, practice social distancing:
  • Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least 1.85 metres (six feet) away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.
  • Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:
    • Working from home instead of at the office
    • Closing schools or switching to online classes
    • Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
    • Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings

• Self-quarantine if you have symptoms, have been travelling or have been in contact with someone who is sick or has been travelling.
  • Self-quarantine involves:
    • Using standard hygiene and washing hands frequently
    • Not sharing things like towels and utensils
    • Staying at home
    • Not having visitors
    • Staying at least 6 feet away from other people in your household
    • Once your quarantine period has ended, if you do not have symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to return to your normal routine.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Absolutely stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough into upper sleeve, not hand.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Fever or new cough or difficulty breathing
• Muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose or diarrhea
• Symptoms in young children may be non-specific (e.g., lethargy, poor feeding)

Severe symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath when walking, exercising, or at rest, which is unusual for the patient
• Chest pain, extreme fatigue, drowsiness, unstable vital signs

People of all ages can be infected with COVID-19. While most individuals infected experience mild symptoms and recover, risk of serious illness rises with age. Older adults seem to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus as do people with weakened immune systems and those with pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, heart and lung disease).

On March 21, the Mayor declared a State of Emergency for Burlington. The reason for the declaration is to send a message to our community; if you are not working in essential services, please stay home, except for necessary visits for groceries or medical supplies or appointments. If you do need to go out, please practice social distancing and stay at least 1.85 metres or 6 feet away from others. The next few days are critical in our effort to slow the spread of COVID19, especially with people returning from March Break.

The City has also closed all city facilities, parks and playgrounds and is focused on offering only essential and emergency services.

All City programs and public meetings are also cancelled until at least April 5, 2020. 

The City of Burlington has closed Lowville Park to the public, effective Monday, March 23. This is part of the City’s continuing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by following the advice of our public health officials to increase social distancing.

Lowville Park has been very busy with visitors using the closed playground and picnic areas. Although many of our visitors have respected social distancing, there are reported concerns with crowding in some areas, parking lot capacity and people entering areas that are marked as closed.

Considering these challenges, Lowville Park will remain closed indefinitely. Any vehicles parked in Lowville Park lot will be towed.

The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, residents should stay home, except for essential travel. No gathering in groups; keep away from the playground (it is not sanitized). Washrooms, skate parks, the beach at Beachway Park and leash-free areas are closed. Do not use the sports fields, basketball courts and no picnics. Please do your part to help protect everyone in the community and to help keep our parks clean.

STAY home. STOP the spread. SAVE lives.

No.

All City organized large public meetings and gatherings are also cancelled, with the exception of Committee and Council meetings at City Hall.

City Hall is closed to the public. 

On March 19, 2020, the Ontario government passed the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 which gives municipalities the ability to conduct meetings of Council electronically when faced with local and province-wide emergencies. More details about how this will look at the City of Burlington will be shared soon.

There are many tax payment options available to the public which do not require you to physically visit a City facility. Payment can be made as follows:  

• Directly through financial institutions – by internet, telephone banking or ATM
• Pre-authorized Payment Plans
• Regular mail or physical drop box (at the Locust Street entrance of City Hall)
• 3rd party credit card processing companies

We know many of our residents and businesses are struggling with concerns around health, finances and supplies so we are taking steps each day to help.

At the next scheduled Council meeting on Monday, March 30, Burlington City Council will be considering a temporary change to late payment charges to provide relief for the April 21 property tax installment for any residents and businesses experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Based on Council’s decision, this temporary change being proposed would mean that for the month of April 2020 and through to May 31, with additional extensions being considered on a monthly basis:

• No penalty or interest charges will be incurred related to the April 21 installment for all property owners; and
• No non-sufficient fund (NSF) fee charged by the City for any returned tax payments.

We encourage taxpayers on a pre-authorized payment plan (10-month plan, due date plan and taxpayer defined plan) to continue on these payment plans where possible.

Property taxes are the most important revenue source to ensure the City continues to provide the essential services for residents of the City of Burlington during these challenging circumstances.

No.

Provincial Offences Courts will be closed until at least April 5.

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020, through to and including Friday, April 3, 2020, have been adjourned and will be rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court.

A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court.
For more information, read the Halton Court Service closure notice.

Yes – for essential trips only.

Burlington Transit is continuing to operate public transit as an essential service so it should be used only for essential trips to ensure we are able to keep an acceptable distance between those passengers who need to use our service for essential travel.

Please enter from the back door of the bus and practice social distancing.

Burlington Transit continues to operate and is currently not charging riders fares. Free rides will be in place until at least until April 5. All Burlington Transit vehicles are being sanitized with a long-lasting disinfectant.

To contact Burlington Transit customer services, email contactbt@burlington.ca or call 905-639-0550. You can also follow Burlington Transit on Twitter @BurlONTransit.

At this time, Halton Region does not have plans to change the 3 bag limit for garbage. Region staff has told us  they understand that some residents may place additional garbage bags above the 3 bag limit curbside and have instructed their drivers that if the amount is reasonable, to collect. That said, the Region is still encouraging recycling over placing items in garbage bags. According to the Region, approximately 60% of household waste is recyclable material and organic waste. Recyclable material can be placed in clear plastic bags and the blue box, and organic waste can be placed in the green cart. These materials will continue to be collected once a week and there is no limit to the amount of recyclables and organic waste that can be placed for collection. 

Households can also place bulk waste on their scheduled garbage collection day, where a maximum of 3 bulk items may be placed for collection every other week. 

In addition, Regional staff have told us residents can still purchase extra garbage bag tags:

• via the Region’s website at: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Recycling-Waste/Recycling-and-Waste-Tools/Garbage-Bag-Tag-form. 
• at the Halton Waste Management Site at 5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton; and,
• at and the Maplegrove Home Hardware located at 511 Maplegrove Drive.

Halton Region's Landfill Site remains open to receive additional waste from residents. 

Halton Region has told us the individuals collecting Blue Boxes and processing recyclable material wear proper protective apparel as do the individuals working at the processing facilities. The contractors have taken the proper preventative measures to protect their employees and have not expressed any additional concerns at this time.

The recycling and processing of recyclable material is an important service that ensures not only items are recycled, but sufficient amount of material is available in order to manufacture products and packaging. If materials were not recycled for an extended period of time, there would not be enough raw material readily available to manufacture materials used in the healthcare and food industries, for example.

The Region has told us it will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed. For the moment, all municipalities are continuing to collect recyclable material and deliver standard curbside waste collection services. We do sincerely appreciate efforts by our residents to recycle.

The Province has released a list of Essential Workplaces and that list can be found here. Under this list, Construction work and services, including demolition services, in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors is included on the list, meaning the City of Burlington cannot stop this work from occurring. All applicable city permits, bylaws and inspections still apply to construction projects including noise bylaws.

Please continue to check the Provincial webpage and City’s communications channels for any updates to the Essential Workplaces list.

In light of the current situation with COVID-19 and the rapidly changing updates from healthcare professionals and our partners across all levels of government, we certainly understand and share the concerns of residents related to attending programs and events at City facilities.

We are evaluating things daily — and sometimes multiple times during the day — and will always put residents’ health and safety first.  The decision to close City recreation facilities for next three weeks and cancel programs including March Break, does not come lightly, but in meeting with our Crisis Management Team, we feel it is a necessary one to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

We thank our residents for their understanding as we continue to address this challenge together.

For residents looking to get or offer support, the City is aware of the following organizations and services:

• Ontario 211 is a free helpline that connects to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists. You can visit 211.ca or call 211 from your phone with questions related to food, family services, employment, community programs and crisis support.
• Online support groups, The Good Neighbour Project - GTA and Burlington Covid Response are both available on Facebook. You can visit those groups to either seek support or offer help to others. Please make sure you always follow the advice of healthcare experts while supporting others including social distancing, hand washing and staying home if you are sick.
• Local foodbanks: To donate money online or to visit the Burlington Foodbank, visit www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca
• Giving blood: Maintaining a blood supply is as important as ever during COVID-19. If you are eligible and well, please consider donating blood. Visit myaccount.blood.ca or call 1888 2 Donate

Please contact Burlington’s Members of Parliament:

• Karina Gould at 905-639-5757 or karina.gould.c1a@parl.gc.ca.
• Pam Damoff at 905-847-4043 or pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca
• Adam van Koeverden at 905-693-0166 or adam.vankoeverden@parl.ga.ca

City of Burlington: burlington.ca/coronavirus

Halton Region: halton.ca/coronavirus

Other resources:

• Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
• Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
• World Health Organization: www.who.int
• Joseph Brant Hospital: http://www.josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
• Chamber of Commerce: https://burlingtonchamber.com/team-burl-supporting-burl-business-during-covid-19/

Residents can stay informed at Burlington.ca as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington or online at burlington.ca/coronavirus

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in December 2019.