The City of Ottawa has provided a comprehensive list of things you can still do in the city during the stay-at-home order issued last week by the Government of Ontario. The order requires everyone to stay home unless leaving for an essential purpose, such as going to work, attending a medical appointment, buying groceries or exercising.
Here the City answers all of your important questions about gathering and activity rules during this dark time.
How is the City enforcing the stay-at-home order?
The City is asking residents to comply voluntarily with the Provincial stay-at-home order, which requires everyone to stay home unless leaving for an essential purpose, like going to work, attending a doctor’s appointment, buying groceries or exercising.
We know that what one person considers essential might not be considered essential to someone else, which is why we will enforce the stay-at-home order on a complaint basis.
We will continue to focus enforcement primarily on businesses, social gatherings, the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law and limits around skating rinks and sledding hills.
Can I go outside to exercise?
Yes, absolutely! The City’s parks remain open. Just remember, if you’re going out to access these amenities, there is a 25-person limit at skating rinks and at the top and bottom of sledding hills. The same goes for other gathering areas, such as parking lots and trail heads.
When using skating rinks, sledding hills and trails, it is mandatory to practice physical distancing from people who are not within your immediate household. You must also wear a mask, unless you’re engaged in physical activity.
What should I do if I get to a skating rink or sledding hill and there are more than 25 people?
If you arrive at an amenity and there are more people than allowed, please consider leaving and returning at another time.
If you are using a skating rink or sledding hill, please be conscious of the amount of time you spend there to ensure everyone gets a turn.
While the City is proactively visiting these areas, we ask residents for their cooperation in respecting gathering limits.
Can I meet up with a group of up to five people to exercise or walk together?
Provincial Orders permit outdoor social gatherings of up to five people, as long as you practice physical distancing. Masks are also recommended when in contact with someone not in your immediate household.
It’s cold outside – can I visit my close friends indoors, or in their garage?
At this time, indoor social gatherings are not allowed. That includes gathering in a garage, even if the door is open.
If you live alone, you may choose to have close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation, as long as the contact is exclusive to only one other household.
We know this is difficult, but COVID-19 can be spread even at the smallest of gatherings.
Can I provide care for a relative in need?
Yes, the provincial stay-at-home order specifically allows you to assist family members not living with you by delivering goods or providing care or other support to a person who requires such assistance. This includes:
- Providing care for a person in a congregate care setting
- Delivering groceries to seniors
- Providing childcare for a parent who must work
- Taking a child to their parent/guardian or to their residence
What types of businesses can be open right now?
For general questions about the types of businesses that can be open, please call Ontario’s Stop the Spread Business Hotline at 1-888-444-3659.
Also see Provincial and City rules.
My boss is making me come into work, even though I can do all my work from my home. Can the City intervene?
If you have concerns about health and safety in the workplace, please call the Ministry of Labour at 1-877-202-0008, or email HSottawadistrict@ontario.ca (link sends e-mail).
What if I see a neighbour or business breaking the rules? How do I make a complaint?
Don’t approach the business or homeowner yourself. If you believe public health is at risk, call 3-1-1 to file a report. Reports cannot be made online or via social media.
When you call 3-1-1, the agent will ask for your contact information so the By-law Officer can call you with questions. You cannot make an anonymous report. Your personal information is kept confidential, unless you are asked to testify in court.
Overall, let’s be patient, considerate and understanding. These are difficult times, but we’re all in this together.
lead photo by thestrengthjournal.com
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