WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has vaccinated over 71% of residents age 12+ with their first dose and over 10% with their second dose; and
WHEREAS over 73% of York Region residents age 12+ have received their first vaccination; and,
WHEREAS COVID-19 cases in York Region have dropped to under 25.5 per 100,000; and,
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario is entering Step One of the Reopening Plan on June 11, 2021, ahead of schedule due to strong provincial vaccination numbers, reduced ICU cases and reduced COVID-19 infections; and,
WHEREAS personal service businesses such as hair salons, nail salons and tattoo shops have implemented strict COVID-19 safety precautions as part of the Province’s previous re-opening plan to ensure the safety of their staff and customers; and,
WHEREAS personal service businesses have most recently been closed since April 3, 2021 and owners and staff have suffered greatly throughout the pandemic; and,
WHEREAS the closure of personal service businesses has led to illegal underground activity and confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to these activities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that York Regional Council request that the Province consider allowing personal services businesses and gyms to a maximum of 10 people or as deemed appropriate to re-open as of 12:01 am on Friday, June 18, 2021 as part of Step One with strict limited capacities; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be brought forward for ratification at the special Regional Council meeting being held on June 17, 2021; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy this motion be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Christine Elliot, Minister of Health, Dr. Dave Williams, Chief Medical Officer and all York Region MPPs and municipalities.