Burlington’s Recreation Facilities Closing for 3 Weeks to Help Reduce COVID-19 Spread

*Please see media release below issued by the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. — March 13, 2020 — Earlier today, the City of Burlington activated its Crisis Management Team (CMT) to coordinate City efforts to protect public and staff from the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining essential City services to the community.To aid efforts in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the community, the City of Burlington has made the decision to close all City recreation facilities for a minimum of three weeks, as of this evening.With the recreation facility closures, the following services will be suspended: March Break programming, arenas, pools and community centres, including the Seniors Centre.All City organized large public meetings and gatherings are also cancelled, with the exception of Committee and Council meetings at City Hall.  The CMT will be reviewing internal City meeting guidelines and issuing an update on Monday, March 16.  City Hall will remain open for business with enhanced health and safety protocols for staff.

“At the City of Burlington, we understand the decision to close recreational facilities will have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities. We are also very aware that this needs to be done as a precaution to help keep people in Burlington stay safe and aid in containing the spread of COVID-19.  We continue to work closely with Halton Region Public Health and make our decisions based on the latest scientific evidence on COVID-19. We thank our residents for their understanding as we continue to address this challenge together. We will continue to share City updates daily with the public.” — Tim Commisso, Burlington City Manager

Quick Facts

• Further operations decisions about City services will be made based on the most up-to-date information and advice from our healthcare partners.  The health and well-being of our community and staff is the top priority for everyone at the City of Burlington.
• The best way residents can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19:
  • 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.
  • 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.

PLEASE NOTE: To read the Mayor’s statement on what the city is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit this dedicated page, which will be updated daily as new information becomes available.MAYOR MEED WARD’S TAKE: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, I certainly understand and share the concerns of residents related to attending programs and events at City facilities.We are evaluating the situation 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.Please continue to look after your health, follow the advice of healthcare professionals and support one another. Let’s always be our best through these trying times.Links and Resources:burlington.ca/healthandsafetyHalton Region: www.halton.ca/coronavirusGovernment of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirusGovernment of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirusWorld Health Organization: www.who.int Residents can stay informed at Burlington.ca as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington.—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist