EOC Advisory Committee reinforces public health regulations to prevent further restrictions

Brantford-Brant ON: With the coronavirus pandemic now into its secondary surge, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee continues to focus on its main objective – protecting the health and safety of the people we serve, while balancing the need to provide ongoing essential services to the public.

The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to rise both provincially and locally and that means it is more important than ever for all of us to abide by current restrictions and follow public health guidelines. Brantford-Brant is currently designated within the Orange-Restrict level under the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. This means enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcements are currently in place to avoid additional restrictions and/or closures in our region. Below are some of the general public health measures in place:

Limits for events and social gatherings: 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors
Limits for organized, supervised public events and gatherings: 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors
Religious services, weddings and funerals: 30 per cent capacity indoors, 100 people outdoors
Requirement for workplace screening
Face coverings required in indoor workplaces and indoor public spaces
Where patrons without face coverings are within two metres of workers, workers must use additional protections such as eye protection
Physical distancing of at least two metres (six feet) must be maintained
Non-essential travel from areas of high-transmission to areas of low transmission should be avoided

On Friday November 20, 2020, the province announced moving certain public health unit regions to new levels in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, which includes moving Toronto and Peel into Grey-Lockdown. These necessary measures are being taken to limit community transmission of COVID-19 in order to keep schools open, safeguard health system capacity, and protect the province's most vulnerable populations.

The EOC Advisory Committee recognizes that at this point in the crisis, many people are growing weary of the rules that still need to be in place, however, we implore citizens to adhere to all COVID-19 public health guidelines so that we do not advance to a new colour designation level (i.e. Red-Control, Grey-Lockdown) where further restrictions would be imposed on our region.

With the holiday season approaching, residents are urged to observe current group gathering limits for any planned private gatherings. Social distancing should be maintained between those not in the same household. We recognize how hard it can be to be separated from loved ones, especially during the holidays, however keeping them safe has to collectively be our top priority. Please consider setting up a video call or phone call to connect with those we can’t physically be with at this time. Physical distancing does not mean cutting off contact with friends and loved ones.

Reporting COVID-19 Violations

The Brant County Health Unit continues to work in partnership with the City of Brantford, County of Brant, the Brantford Police Service, and Ontario Provincial Police to direct residents to the appropriate contacts to report COVID-19 violations depending on the nature of the violation and where it is taking place. Please visit the BCHU website for a complete list of COVID-19 Violations reporting options.

Stay Vigilant

The EOC Advisory Committee stresses that all residents and businesses play a very significant role in keeping our community open and safe. Wearing a face covering, frequent hand washing, not touching your face, frequently disinfecting multi-use surfaces and practicing physical distancing of being at least two metres (six feet) apart from others outside your immediate household are still the most effective tools at our disposal to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus. Physical distancing of at least two metres (six feet) should be maintained with people outside of your household, however, in cases where maintaining this distance is a challenge, face coverings must be worn.

About the EOC

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee is made up of organizations within The City of Brantford, The County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River, working together to reduce the risk of community spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in our region. The EOC Advisory Group is made up of representatives of the following organizations:

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Media Contact

Maria Visocchi – Emergency Information Officer
519.751.9900 ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca