July 22

Rising COVID-19 trends in the region: Public Health urging caution

The local COVID-19 risk level has been at “moderate” for the last two weeks and increasing trends signal and a potential increase to “high risk” in the coming week. The Health Unit is urging the community to be extra vigilant and practice all recommended personal protective measures.

July 13

Expanded eligibility for second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts

As of Thursday, July 14, 2022, all Ontarians aged 18 and over are eligible for a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This expanded eligibility (Ontario.ca) is accompanied by a reminder to those at high risk to get their second booster dose as soon as possible. Individuals at high risk include those aged 60 and over; residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, or Elder Care Lodges and other older adults living in congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; and those 18 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or who are First Nation, Inuit or Métis, including their household members.

Second booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available to all eligible individuals in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, starting Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 8 a.m. The recommended interval between a first and second booster dose is five months and at least three months minimum, with informed consent. Individuals are recommended to wait at least three months following a COVID-19 infection to receive a booster dose.

To book an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

March 24

COVID-19 Update from PHSD. Read the complete update here.

This is the last Weekly Update issued by Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Regular reporting of COVID-19 data, including vaccination coverage rates, is available at phsd.ca/COVID-19/data. In addition to regular reports for data related to vaccination, testing, and cases, weekly detailed epidemiology summary and detailed vaccination report continue to offer regular updates. PHSD is further assessing their public reporting of COVID-19 data as the pandemic evolves and they remain committed to keeping our communities informed of any changes.

Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/data for regular updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, as well as outbreaks and potential exposures in Greater Sudbury, the Sudbury District, and the Manitoulin District.

March 10

Wearing masks continues to be strongly recommended as provincial COVID-19 requirements lessen.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe continues to strongly recommend the use of masks in indoor public settings to protect against COVID-19 infection. This recommendation comes in the wake of yesterday’s announcement by the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health that mask requirements in most settings will end on Monday, March 21, 2022. Read the complete statement here.

March 2

Current COVID-19 Regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act

The following changes to public health and workplace safety measures are in effect as of March 1, 2022. For the full list of measures in effect, see O. Reg. 364/20.

  • capacity limits have been lifted in all indoor public settings
  • proof of vaccination requirements have been lifted
    • businesses and organizations may choose to require proof of vaccination upon entry
  • other protective measures, such as mask/face covering requirements and passive screening of patrons remain in place
    • passive screening is required by posting signs at all entrances in a conspicuous location that informs individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entry.
    • please note there are no longer any active screening requirements for patrons or workers under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.
    • the online worker screening tool is available for individuals or employers who may want to screen before work.
  • businesses and organizations that are open must continue to have safety plans in place
  • sector-specific restrictions such as limits on dancing and singing, requirements to remain seated, requirements for appointments/reservations, etc. have been lifted

February 10

Clarification of COVID-19 Regulations for PHSD Service Area

Message from Public Health Sudbury and Districts:

To all businesses and organizations (workplaces) within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts Service Area:

In response to key public health and health care indicators starting to show signs of improvement, the Government of Ontario eased COVID-19 public health measures effective January 31, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. by moving to Ontario’s Step 3 Rules. In comparison with the province, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is no longer experiencing marked differences in key COVID-19 metrics and trends. Our area, as with the rest of the province, is experiencing widespread circulation of the highly transmissible Omicron variant resulting in elevated hospitalization rates, outbreaks in high-risk settings, case and test positivity rates and, sadly, deaths. The protection provided by public health measures and high vaccination rates remains critically important. However, as our local COVID-19 trends now align with those of the province, our local Medical Officer of Health has determined that our local public health measures should also align with those in force across Ontario.

On February 5, our local Medical Officer of Health, rescinded the Letter of Instruction that came into effect January 13. As a result, businesses, organizations, places and individuals within Sudbury and Manitoulin districts are subject to the measures in Ontario’s Step 3 Rules. Please refer to O. Reg. 364/20 Rules for Areas at Step 3 for the complete list of measures and conditions that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places, and individuals.

Mandatory proof of vaccination is still required in many settings throughout Ontario, including our service area. Requirements are in effect for:

  • restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments
  • meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres
  • indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities
  • casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
  • concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
  • strip clubs
  • horse racing tracks, car racing tracks, and other similar venues
  • places where commercial film and television production takes place

In addition, certain business can “opt-in” to require proof of vaccination under the rules for areas at Step 3 in order to operate at a greater capacity. Businesses that “opt-in” are not required to limit the number of members of the public to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two meters. However, they must continue to follow any capacity limits set out in the regulation for their specific setting (with the exception of real estate agencies, for all “opt-in” settings the requirement is to not exceed 50% capacity for members of the public who are permitted to be in the indoor areas of an establishment at any one time). This applies to:

  • real estate agencies, in respect of open houses
  • personal care services
  • indoor recreational amenities
  • outdoor recreational amenities, in respect of indoor clubhouses
  • photography studios and services, in respect of indoor areas
  • museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar attractions, in respect of indoor areas
  • amusement parks, in respect of indoor areas
  • fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals, and similar events, in respect of indoor areas
  • businesses that provide tour and guide services, including guided hunting trips, tastings and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries, fishing charters, trail riding tours, walking tours, and bicycle tours, in respect of indoor areas
  • businesses that provide boat tours
  • marinas, boating clubs, and other organizations that maintain docking facilities for members or patrons, in respect of indoor areas

Thank you for your ongoing support in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection within our community. For information about local vaccination opportunities, visit www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/vaccines-immunizations/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/upcoming-vaccination-clinics-for-specific-priority-groups/.

February 7

PHSD Rescinds Letter of Instruction

On February 5, Public Health Sudbury and Districts announced that it has rescinded the Letter of Instruction dated January 12, and effective January 13, 2022, effective immediately. Below is the summary of local restrictions that are NO longer in place. These restrictions were in addition to the proof of vaccination requirements of the Step 2 Rules:

  • Businesses that provide personal care services relating to the hair or body, including hair salons and barbershops, manicure and pedicure salons, aesthetician services, piercing services, tanning salons, spas and tattoo studios, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by the rules in Step 3, continue to be mandated to require clients show identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities must ensure each person, age 12 years and older, at the point of entry, who attends the indoor area of the Facility must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Photography studios and services in respect of indoor areas, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by the rules in Step 3, continue to be mandated to require clients show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Proof of vaccination requirements for businesses that provide boat tours, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by in the Step 3 Rules continue to be mandated to require clients show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.

The Sudbury and Manitoulin districts are subject to the measures in Ontario’s Step 3 Rules. Please refer to O. Reg. 364/20 Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step (Ontario Government) for the complete list of measures and conditions that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places, and individuals. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200364

Read the complete announcement here.

January 13, 2022

Letter of Instruction and O.Reg.263/20

TO: Persons responsible for a business or organization that is open in the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin

As you are aware, Ontario has temporarily moved into Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen with modifications that take into account the province’s successful vaccination efforts. Please refer to Ontario’s Step 2 Rules, Ontario Regulation 263/20 for the complete list of measures and conditions that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places and individuals. Individuals that have questions about what is open or impacts to their business or organization can call the Stop the Spread Business Line at 1.888.444.3659. As of January 5, 2022, the following measures are in place across the province for at least 21 days (until January 26) subject to trends in public health and our health system:

·      Social gatherings and Organized public events are limited to five people or fewer indoors. Social gatherings outdoors are limited to 10 people or fewer with no limit to attendees for organized outdoor public events but face coverings and/or masks must be worn when distancing (two metres or more) cannot be maintained.

·       Weddings, funerals, religious services, rites and ceremonies are permitted but limited to 50 per cent the capacity of the room for indoor services, and outdoor services are limited to the number of people who can maintain two metres distance.

  • drive-in (motor vehicle) services permitted
  • social gatherings associated with these services must adhere to the social gathering limits

Please click on the link below that applies to the type of establishment to see a summary of the restrictions that apply:

In addition, the Letter of Instruction that was initially issued on November 8th and updated December 22nd by Dr. Sutcliffe, our local Medical Officer of Health, has been amended and replaced effective January 13, 2022. The new amended Letter of Instruction simplifies understanding and compliance by our community with the current provincial and local public health measures. Our local MOH has removed redundant instructions that are now required through Ontario’s Step 2 Rules, Ontario Regulation 263/20 issued under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.  In addition to the current proof of vaccination requirements of the Step 2 Rules, the new Letter of Instruction maintains enhanced sector specific proof of vaccination requirements (beyond those required by the Step 2 Rules) that were already in place locally. The following summarizes those requirements:

 

  • Businesses that provide personal care services relating to the hair or body, including hair salons and barbershops, manicure and pedicure salons, aesthetician services, piercing services, tanning salons, spas and tattoo studios, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by the rules in Step 3, continue to be mandated to require clients show identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities must ensure each person, age 12 years and older, at the point of entry, who attends the indoor area of the Facility must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Photography studios and services in respect of indoor areas, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by the rules in Step 3, continue to be mandated to require clients show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.
  • Proof of vaccination requirements for businesses that provide boat tours, that were established on an “opt-in” basis by in the Step 3 Rules continue to be mandated to require clients show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption.

These instructions are legally enforced by Public Health officials and by Provincial Offences Officers and failure to comply with these instructions throughout the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area (including Sudbury and Manitoulin districts) is an offence. These protective measures will help reduce the spread of the Omicron virus, protect our communities, and preserve the capacity of our health system.

 

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

 

January 13, 2022

Guidance for Workplaces where a Case of COVID-19 Infection has been Identified

To all businesses and organizations (workplaces) within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts Service Area:

 

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect the health of area residents. It is through our collective efforts that we will keep our communities safe. In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern (VOC), the Ministry of Health has provided additional guidance on case, contact and outbreak management for Public Health.

 

In the past when Public Health became aware of a positive case of COVID-19 infection associated with a workplace, the workplace would receive a call from Public Health.  At the time of the call the workplace would be provided with details relevant to the exposure such as the date(s) and time(s) and any other pertinent information that would be required for accurate assessment of contacts.

 

Moving forward, in light of the evolving situation and the rising case counts throughout Ontario, the provincial process has changed and public health focus is now on timely and efficient case and contact management in the highest risk settings in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our population. As a result, Public Health will now only be proactively following up with workplaces if it is determined that a positive case lives, works, attends, volunteers or is admitted to a highest risk setting as defined below. All other workplaces will no longer be actively called by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, and are encouraged to follow directions provided on the Ministry of Health website in response to workplace related exposures to COVID-19. Workplaces are encouraged to designate a most responsible person in the workplace to support this follow-up.

 

Symptomatic individuals, as well as individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 (including via rapid antigen test, rapid molecular test, or PCR) are required to immediately self-isolate and follow directions provided on the Ministry of Health website. Individuals who have been identified as high-risk close contacts may be directed to self-isolate or self-monitor depending on the type of exposure, their vaccination status and their health status and are to follow directions provided on the Ministry of Health website. A close contact is anyone a case was less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without personal protective equipment in the 48 hours before the cases symptoms began or positive test result, whichever came first.

 

Under the current provincial testing strategy, availability of COVID-19 testing is limited. Only highest-risk individuals have access to testing. Please support your employees who have been identified as COVID-19 cases or contacts so that isolation activities, as required by Public Health under the legally enforceable Class Order, can be maintained. In addition, please do not report RAT positive results or individuals you suspect to have COVID-19 based on symptoms or exposure history to Public Health unless they live, work, volunteer, or are admitted in a highest risk setting:

  • hospitals and health care settings, including complex continuing care facilities and acute care facilities,
  • congregate living settings and institutions including Long-Term Care Homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
  • health care workers providing care to immunocompromised people,
  • paramedics

 

Public Health will follow-up with highest risk settings for case and contact management within the setting, as well as to assess if criteria has been met to declare an outbreak.

 

All other individuals should follow directions on the Ministry of Health website if they are symptomatic, have tested positive, or been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection within our community.

 

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury& Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

December 22

Latest Instructions from PHSD for Sudbury and Manitoulin Businesses and Organizations

“TO: Persons responsible for a business or organization that is open in the districts of Sudbury and ManitoulinPlease note that many of the provisions outlined within the Letter of Instruction are now redundant as they were captured within the updated Regulation 364/20. Per earlier communication, we have cross-referenced the new provincial Regulation with the local Instructions. This email highlights the remaining additional local requirements in the Instructions.Capacity and Gathering Limits

The Government of Ontario has required the following establishments have the maximum number of patrons permitted to be in the indoor areas at any one time at 50 per cent capacity:

  • Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs
  • Personal care services
  • Personal physical fitness trainers
  • Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)
  • Shopping mall
  • Indoor recreational amenities
  • Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities
  • Tour and guide services
  • Photography studios and services
  • Marinas and boating clubs
  • Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities
  • Entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas
  • Racing venues
  • Meeting and event spaces
  • Studio audiences in commercial film and television production
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
  • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
  • Fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals

The updated Letter of Instruction goes further to require some of these to be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least 2m from every other person. Additionally, these capacity limits apply to each room in these types of establishments. The Letter of Instruction also goes further to require that patrons seated at different tables are separated by a distance of at least two metres, or plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. The Letter of Instruction also applies the social gathering and event gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors to any establishment hosting or permitting a social gathering or organized public event. Finally the Letter of Instruction limits the total number of members of the public permitted to be in an outdoor portion of the establishment at any one time to not exceed the lesser of 75 per cent capacity, 30,000 persons in the case of a seated meeting or event, or 15,000 persons in the case of an unseated meeting or event.

Proof of Vaccination

The Government of Ontario has also strengthened Proof of Vaccination requirements removing exemptions for patrons under 18 years of age who are entering a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport. This was already required within the Letter of Instruction. However, the updated Letter of Instruction further requires that businesses and facilities identified in O.Reg. 364/20 that have “opt-in” proof of vaccination for patrons, must require proof of vaccination. This includes:

  • Real estate agencies, in respect of open houses hosted by the real estate agency.
  • Businesses that provide personal care services relating to the hair or body, including hair salons and barbershops, manicure and pedicure salons, aesthetician services, piercing services, tanning salons, spas and tattoo studios.
  • Indoor recreational amenities.
  • Outdoor recreational amenities, in respect of indoor clubhouses.
  • Photography studios and services, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Amusement parks, in respect of indoor areas
  • Fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals and similar events, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Businesses that provide tour and guide services, including guided hunting trips, tastings and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries, fishing charters, trail riding tours, walking tours and bicycle tours, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Businesses that provide boat tours, if the business is otherwise permitted to operate by the Step 3 Rules.
  • Marinas, boating clubs, and other organizations that maintain docking facilities for members or patrons, in respect of indoor areas.

Safety Plans

The Government of Ontario does require every business and organization to have and make available a safety plan under O.Reg. 364/20. In addition, the Letter of Instruction requires that the safety plan describe the measures and procedures which have been implemented or will be implemented to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements for capacity limits, social gathering and organized public event limits, physical distancing (including ensuring compliance with applicable physical distancing requirements), active screening, contact tracing information, and masking (including the sector-specific). Moreover, the safety plans should be reviewed with workers regularly, at least once per month, and adjusted as necessary. These meetings must be documented and include attendees, the date of meeting, and a summary of the discussion.

Masking

In addition to the masking requirements outlined under O.Reg. 364/20, the Letter of Instruction requires patrons/members of the public in outdoor areas of an establishment/facility to wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin (exceptions apply) or maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from every person outside their household. Furthermore, the Letter of Instruction requires businesses or organizations to ensure that any person in the indoor area of the premises wears a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period when they are in the indoor area unless physical distancing exemptions apply. This requires active monitoring to ensure that any person not actively engaged in consuming food or drink is properly masked.

Active screening

In addition to the screening requirements outlined under O.Reg. 364/20, the Letter of Instruction does requires all patrons/members of the public entering an establishment/facility to be actively screened before they enter the indoor premises of the establishment/facility. This is required for persons entering the premises of the establishment/facility whether indoors or outdoors.

Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments

In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires the establishment be configured so that patrons seated at different tables are separated by a distance of at least two metres, or plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. It also states that no buffet-style service may be provided, and that music must not be played at the establishment/facility at a decibel level that exceeds  the level at which normal conversation is possible.

Shopping malls and retailers

In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that music must not be played at the shopping mall at a decibel level that exceeds the level at which normal conversation is possible. It also requires that no member of the public may be permitted to line up or congregate inside the mall unless they are maintaining a physical distance of at least two meters from other groups of persons inside or outside the mall, and properly masked.

Personal physical fitness trainer

In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that services may not be provided, at one time, indoors or outdoors, to more than the number of persons who can maintain a physical distance of at least three metres from every other person in the space where the services are provided. It also requires that team sports or games that may result in personal contact must not be practised or played unless the sport has been modified to avoid personal contact.

Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities

In addition to the current requirements of O.Reg. 364/20, and to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that team sports or games that may result in personal contact not be practised or played at the facility unless the sport has been modified to avoid personal contact (exemptions apply for a sport league or association identified in Column 2 of the Tables in Schedule 1 of the Letter of Instruction). In addition, the facility must set, monitor, and enforce occupancy limits for change rooms, washrooms, and bathrooms based on maintaining a minimum distance of 2 metres between occupants. The facility must also develop policies to minimize the amount of time persons attending the facility spend in enclosed spaces, specifically:

i.   Not permitting persons attending the facility to enter the facility more than 15 minutes before the start of the event and requiring them to vacate the facility within 15 minutes following the event;

ii.   Giving direction to participants in all sports and recreational fitness activities to arrive at the facility fully or partially dressed to minimize time spent in changing room facilities; an

iii.    Giving direction to participants in all sports and recreational fitness activities to remain masked as long as possible before engaging in their sport or recreational fitness activity, e.g., including in changerooms.

Strip clubs

In addition to the current requirements of O.Reg. 364/20, and to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that performers at the establishment must maintain a physical distance of at least 3 meters.

 Work from home

Finally, in addition to everything noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires any person responsible for a business or organization that is open to ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on site at the workplace (not applicable for the operations or delivery of services by any government in Ontario or any person or publicly-funded agency or organization that delivers or supports government operations and services, including operations and services of the health care sector). It is also required that for those workers who cannot work remotely, operators limit the gathering of workers as much as possible by using virtual options for meetings, ensuring physical distancing in lunchrooms and breakrooms, as well as other locations where workers may be eating and/or drinking, and staggering lunches and breaks.

These instructions are legally enforced by Public Health officials and by Provincial Offences Officers and failure to comply with these instructions throughout the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area (including Sudbury and Manitoulin districts) is an offence.

These protective measures will help reduce the spread of the virus, protect our communities, and preserve the capacity of our health system. For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).”

December 22

PHSD Announces Additional Measures Required Under the Letter of Instruction

From Public Health Sudbury and Districts to Persons responsible for a business or organization that is open in the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin:“In response to growing COVID-19 case counts across the province and the new threat of the Omicron variant of concern, the Government of Ontario introduced new public health measures that align with the Medical Officer of Health’s instructions first issued on November 8, 2021, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and in response to persistently high and growing case counts in Sudbury and districts. However, these new measures introduced by the Province, although necessary, do not reflect all of the requirements outlined within the updated Letter of Instruction. The following highlights the additional requirements of the updated Letter of Instruction. Please refer to O.Reg. 364/20 and the revised Letter of Instruction for complete details on what is required.

Capacity and Gathering Limits
The Government of Ontario has required the following establishments have the maximum number of patrons permitted to be in the indoor areas at any one time at 50 per cent capacity:

  • Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs
  • Personal care services
  • Personal physical fitness trainers
  • Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)
  • Shopping malls
  • Indoor recreational amenities
  • Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities
  • Tour and guide services
  • Photography studios and services
  • Marinas and boating clubs
  • Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities
  • Entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas
  • Racing venues
  • Meeting and event spaces
  • Studio audiences in commercial film and television production
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
  • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
  • Fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals

The updated Letter of Instruction goes further to require some of these to be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least 2m from every other person. Additionally, these capacity limits apply to each room in these types of establishments. The Letter of Instruction also goes further to require that patrons seated at different tables are separated by a distance of at least two metres, or plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. The Letter of Instruction also applies the social gathering and event gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors to any establishment hosting or permitting a social gathering or organized public event. Finally the Letter of Instruction limits the total number of members of the public permitted to be in an outdoor portion of the establishment at any one time to not exceed the lesser of 75 per cent capacity, 30,000 persons in the case of a seated meeting or event, or 15,000 persons in the case of an unseated meeting or event.

Proof of Vaccination
The Government of Ontario has also strengthened Proof of Vaccination requirements removing exemptions for patrons under 18 years of age who are entering a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport. This was already required within the Letter of Instruction. However, the updated Letter of Instruction further requires that businesses and facilities identified in O.Reg. 364/20 that have “opt-in” proof of vaccination for patrons, must require proof of vaccination. This includes:

  • Real estate agencies, in respect of open houses hosted by the real estate agency.
  • Businesses that provide personal care services relating to the hair or body, including hair salons and barbershops, manicure and pedicure salons, aesthetician services, piercing services, tanning salons, spas and tattoo studios.
  • Indoor recreational amenities.
  • Outdoor recreational amenities, in respect of indoor clubhouses.
  • Photography studios and services, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Amusement parks, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals and similar events, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Businesses that provide tour and guide services, including guided hunting trips, tastings and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries, fishing charters, trail riding tours, walking tours and bicycle tours, in respect of indoor areas.
  • Businesses that provide boat tours, if the business is otherwise permitted to operate by the Step 3 Rules.
  • Marinas, boating clubs, and other organizations that maintain docking facilities for members or patrons, in respect of indoor areas.

Safety Plans
The Government of Ontario does require every business and organization to have and make available a safety plan under O.Reg. 364/20. In addition, the Letter of Instruction requires that the safety plan describe the measures and procedures which have been implemented or will be implemented to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements for capacity limits, social gathering and organized public event limits, physical distancing (including ensuring compliance with applicable physical distancing requirements), active screening, contact tracing information, and masking (including the sector-specific). Moreover, the safety plans should be reviewed with workers regularly, at least once per month, and adjusted as necessary. These meetings must be documented and include attendees, the date of meeting, and a summary of the discussion.

Masking
In addition to the masking requirements outlined under O.Reg. 364/20, the Letter of Instruction requires patrons/members of the public in outdoor areas of an establishment/facility to wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin (exceptions apply) or maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from every person outside their household. Furthermore, the Letter of Instruction requires businesses or organizations to ensure that any person in the indoor area of the premises wears a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period when they are in the indoor area unless physical distancing exemptions apply. This requires active monitoring to ensure that any person not actively engaged in consuming food or drink is properly masked.

Active screening
In addition to the screening requirements outlined under O.Reg. 364/20, the Letter of Instruction does requires all patrons/members of the public entering an establishment/facility to be actively screened before they enter the indoor premises of the establishment/facility. This is required for persons entering the premises of the establishment/facility whether indoors or outdoors.

Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments
In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires the establishment be configured so that patrons seated at different tables are separated by a distance of at least two metres, or plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. It also states that no buffet-style service may be provided, and that music must not be played at the establishment/facility at a decibel level that exceeds  the level at which normal conversation is possible.

Shopping malls and retailers
In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that music must not be played at the shopping mall at a decibel level that exceeds the level at which normal conversation is possible. It also requires that no member of the public may be permitted to line up or congregate inside the mall unless they are maintaining a physical distance of at least two meters from other groups of persons inside or outside the mall, and properly masked.

Personal physical fitness trainer
In addition to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that services may not be provided, at one time, indoors or outdoors, to more than the number of persons who can maintain a physical distance of at least three metres from every other person in the space where the services are provided. It also requires that team sports or games that may result in personal contact must not be practised or played unless the sport has been modified to avoid personal contact.

Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities
In addition to the current requirements of O.Reg. 364/20, and to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that team sports or games that may result in personal contact not be practised or played at the facility unless the sport has been modified to avoid personal contact (exemptions apply for a sport league or association identified in Column 2 of the Tables in Schedule 1 of the Letter of Instruction). In addition, the facility must set, monitor, and enforce occupancy limits for change rooms, washrooms, and bathrooms based on maintaining a minimum distance of 2 metres between occupants. The facility must also develop policies to minimize the amount of time persons attending the facility spend in enclosed spaces, specifically:

  1. Not permitting persons attending the facility to enter the facility more than 15 minutes before the start of the event and requiring them to vacate the facility within 15 minutes following the event;
  2. Giving direction to participants in all sports and recreational fitness activities to arrive at the facility fully or partially dressed to minimize time spent in changing room facilities; and
  3. Giving direction to participants in all sports and recreational fitness activities to remain masked as long as possible before engaging in their sport or recreational fitness activity, e.g., including in changerooms.

Strip clubs
In addition to the current requirements of O.Reg. 364/20, and to the capacity limits, event and social gathering limits, active screening, safety plan, and masking requirements noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires that performers at the establishment must maintain a physical distance of at least 3 meters.

Work from home
Finally, in addition to everything noted above, the Letter of Instruction requires any person responsible for a business or organization that is open to ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on site at the workplace (not applicable for the operations or delivery of services by any government in Ontario or any person or publicly-funded agency or organization that delivers or supports government operations and services, including operations and services of the health care sector). It is also required that for those workers who cannot work remotely, operators limit the gathering of workers as much as possible by using virtual options for meetings, ensuring physical distancing in lunchrooms and breakrooms, as well as other locations where workers may be eating and/or drinking, and staggering lunches and breaks.

These instructions are legally enforced by Public Health officials and by Provincial Offences Officers and failure to comply with these instructions throughout the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area (including Sudbury and Manitoulin districts) is an offence.

These protective measures will help reduce the spread of the virus, protect our communities, and preserve the capacity of our health system. For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).”

December 10

Summary of Expectations for Businesses and Organizations (workplaces) within the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area

From Public Health Sudbury and Districts:The Letter of Instruction that was initially issued on November 8th and updated most recently November 26th by our local Medical Officer of Health was to businesses or organizations that are open within the City of Greater Sudbury. However, persistently high and growing COVID-19 case rates have prompted Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Medical Officer of Health to expand the legally enforceable Letter of Instruction with additional measures and that the instructions be followed  throughout the agency’s service area including the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts. Taking effect Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., the new  Letter of Instruction includes:

  • Reinstated capacity limits and physical distancing requirements relaxed by the province in early fall.
  • Strengthened masking requirements at organized public events.
  • Strengthened proof of vaccination requirements for those participating in organized sports at indoor facilities.
  • Reinstated the former requirement that people work remotely (for example from home) unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.

This new Letter of Instruction also adds new protections as follows:

  • Businesses and organizations that are open must limit the size of social gatherings and organized public events in their premises and venues to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
    • Please note that there is a distinction between capacity limits and gathering limits detailed with the Letter of Instruction.  Capacity limits that are currently in effect for respective venues and sectors within the City of Greater Sudbury will remain the same as outlined within the current Instructions but are now expanded to include venues and sectors throughout the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area.
    • Gathering limits (social gatherings or organized public events) are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors as of December 11, 2021. In some venues there will be a requirement to respect both. For example, a gathering limit of 10 people indoors would be respected by a restaurant with a capacity limit of 100 persons if they admitted 10 such gatherings of 10 persons (no more than 10 per table in this example). In other venues, only the capacity limits and other applicable public health protective measures will apply (e.g. masking, distancing, active screening, proof of vaccination). As an additional example, for spectators in the symphony or cinema, the capacity limit would apply, with no applicable gathering limit in these settings. Please note that this is clearly articulated in the Letter of Instruction for every sector to which this applies.
  • Proof of vaccination requirements (for those 12 years of age and over) for all non-essential businesses and organizations for which it is currently voluntary (opt-in) under the Step 3 Rules, while maintaining capacity limits. This will apply, for example, to personal care services, indoor recreational amenities, and museums, galleries, and science centres, among others. A full list of settings is available in the detailed technical brief (PDF). This measure will not be in effect until Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 12:01 a.m.
  • Strengthened requirements for basic public health measures across sectors including masking, physical distancing, active screening, and contact tracing. For example, masks will be required outdoors in places where people cannot maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres from those not part of their households (subject to exemptions for mask use).
  • Strengthened requirements for safety plans for all businesses and organizations, including detail for what these must contain. This includes for example, conducting and documenting regular reviews of the plan with workers.
  • Food and drink establishments will be required to reimplement some protections from Step 2, including no buffets and ensuring that patrons generally remain seated (except when dancing in establishments where that is permitted).
  • In facilities used for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities, and for personal physical fitness trainers:
    • Returning to a physical distancing requirement of 3 metres (instead of 2 metres) for some activities.
    • Establishing new protections to enhance the safety of the facility, for example, in washrooms and change rooms.
  • Team sports or games that may result in personal contact must not be practised or played at the facility, indoors or outdoors, unless the sport or game has been modified to avoid personal contact. Limited exceptions apply to professional and elite sport leagues or associations. School-related extra-curricular team sports or games are subject to separate measures previously communicated.
  • Requiring shopping malls to reduce the volume levels of music and prevent line ups and congregating unless physical distance of 2 metres is maintained.
  • For those who cannot work remotely, strengthened workplace health and safety measures, for example, requirements for virtual meetings and staggered breaks to the fullest extent possible.

These instructions are legally enforced by Public health officials and by Provincial Offences Officers and failure to comply with these instructions throughout the Public Health Sudbury & District Service Area (including Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts) is an offence.

Furthermore, O. Reg. 364/20 under the Reopening Ontario Act continues to outline the minimum requirements that all workplaces in Ontario must meet for COVID-19 safety. Please familiarize yourself with this regulation as it outlines the general requirements that all businesses must take as well as specific requirements for different workplace settings. The Government of Ontario also outlines on its website, the rules for all businesses allowed to be open to the public at this link. You can also review the sector specific guidance available on our website at https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/diseases-infections/coronavirus/guidance-for-employers-covid-19/sector-specific-guidance/.

As reminder, all businesses are required under the Reopening Ontario Act to ensure:

  • Staff, employees, contractors, and patrons continue to screen daily for any COVID-19 symptoms, and seek testing if they have a COVID-19 symptom.
  • Individuals stay home, self-isolate, and seek testing even if mildly ill (including contractors and patrons).
  • Ensure a physical distance of 2 meters is maintained between individuals.
  • When indoors, ensure everyone is properly wearing a mask (the mask must cover the nose, mouth, and chin).
  • In select sectors when an employee interacts with a patron, they are required to wear proper eye protection.
  • The COVID-19 safety plan is up-to-date and in accordance with O.Reg.364/20.

In addition to what is outlined above, Public Health Sudbury & District has made strong recommendations to all workplaces. The actions recommended are not required under law. However, taking these actions immediately will further limit the spread of the virus, protect lives and livelihoods, and protect the health system. The strong recommendations are as follows:

  • Implement a Workplace Vaccination Policy.
  • Avoid in-person gatherings, both social and professional.
    • Limit in-person staff meetings and gatherings to only those essential.
    • Implement virtual meetings and gatherings.
  • Plan a virtual holiday celebration to ensure everyone can participate safely.
  • If instead you decide to plan an in-person holiday celebration, take all precautions reasonably available to you:
    • Limit the number of people attending to the lowest number possible; do not exceed the social gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as required by the new enhanced Letter of Instruction (dated December 9th).
    • When possible, plan for an outdoor event, or ensure there is sufficient ventilation in indoor spaces.
    • Ensure guests self-screen checking for any of the COVID-19 symptoms and stay away if even a mild one is present.
    • Consider the vaccination status of guests.
    • Consider requiring proof of vaccination at private events, including those that occur outside of establishments that already require proof of vaccination in accordance with O.Reg.364/20, and the new enhanced Letter of Instruction (dated December 9th).
    • Require masking and physical distancing, especially if you are indoors with people from multiple households whose vaccination status is unknown or not complete.
  • If you choose to serve food or drinks at your gathering, you should wear a mask, wash your hands before and frequently during preparation and serving, and have everyone wash their hands before and after eating.
    • Whether hosting a gathering at your residence, workplace, or a restaurant, limit the number of guests not from the same household seated together to the number that can be physically distanced 2 meters apart.
    • When guests aren’t eating or are leaving the table, they should wear a mask.
  • Make a list of guests attending in case Public Health needs it for contact tracing.
  • Visit our Guidance for events planning page for more information.

Finally, an email was sent to all hotels within the City of Greater Sudbury that host sports tournaments. The actions that were recommended are not required under law. However, commitment to these strongly recommended actions, combined with additional protective measures already in place will reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Although it was sent to hotel managers in the City of Greater Sudbury due in part to large tournaments taking place and case counts in the area, implementing these measures at any place for short term accommodation would reduce the risk of additional spread:

  • Close pools and fitness facilities as these are high risk activities for the transmission of COVID-19.
  • Discourage congregating in floor hallways and discourage group parties.
  • Limit number of individuals in elevators.
  • Ensure alcohol based hand rub is available at entrances to public areas.
  • Proactively reinforce physical distancing and the masking for individuals indoors.

These protective measures will help reduce the spread of the virus, protect our communities, and preserve the capacity of our health system.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury& Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

December 9

Sudbury Health Unit Issues Additional COVID-19 Measures

On December 8, Public Health Sudbury and Districts announced that it is expanding legally enforceable Instructions currently in place locally under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act. The Health Unit is implementing new protective measures throughout the agency’s service area and those currently in force in Greater Sudbury are being expanded to reach across the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.The Health Unit is requiring that the following measures be in place across Greater Sudbury, Manitoulin District, and Sudbury District, effective Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 12:01 a.m.

The new Instructions expand the measures currently in place for the City of Greater Sudbury to apply across the agency’s services area, including:

  • Reinstated capacity limits and physical distancing requirements relaxed by the province in early fall.
  • Strengthened masking requirements at organized public events.
  • Strengthened proof of vaccination requirements for those participating in organized sports at indoor facilities.
  • Reinstated the former requirement that people work remotely (for example from home) unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.

These new Instructions also add new protections as follows:

  • Businesses and organizations that are open must limit the size of social gatherings and organized public events in their premises and venues to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
  • Proof of vaccination requirements (for those 12 years of age and over) for all non-essential businesses and organizations for which it is currently voluntary (opt-in) under the Step 3 Rules, while maintaining capacity limits. This will apply, for example, to personal care services, indoor recreational amenities, and museums, galleries, and science centres, among others. A full list of settings is available in the detailed technical brief (PDF). This measure will not be in effect until Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 12:01 a.m.
  • Strengthened requirements for basic public health measures across sectors including masking, physical distancing, active screening, and contact tracing. For example, masks will be required outdoors in places where people cannot maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres from those not part of their households (subject to exemptions for mask use).
  • Strengthened requirements for safety plans for all businesses and organizations, including detail for what these must contain. This includes for example, conducting and documenting regular reviews of the plan with workers.
  • Food and drink establishments will be required to reimplement some protections from Step 2, including no buffets and ensuring that patrons generally remain seated (except when dancing in establishments where that is permitted).
  • In facilities used for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities, and for personal physical fitness trainers:
    • Returning to a physical distancing requirement of 3 metres (instead of 2 metres) for some activities.
    • Establishing new protections to enhance the safety of the facility, for example, in washrooms and change rooms.
  • Team sports or games that may result in personal contact must not be practised or played at the facility, indoors or outdoors, unless the sport or game has been modified to avoid personal contact. Limited exceptions apply to professional and elite sport leagues or associations. School-related extra-curricular team sports or games are subject to separate measures previously communicated.
  • Requiring shopping malls to reduce the volume levels of music and prevent line ups and congregating unless physical distance of 2 metres is maintained.
  • For those who cannot work remotely, strengthened workplace health and safety measures, for example, requirements for virtual meetings and staggered breaks to the fullest extent possible.

Read more about this announcement here.

November 26

UPDATE:  Health Unit Issues Strong Recommendations for Additional COVID-19 Protective Measures

Today, the Medical Officer of Health issued legally enforceable instructions to businesses and organizations, further rolling back the clock to reinstate work-from-home requirements.

In ADDITION to those measures announced earlier today, the Medical Officer of Health has issued strong recommendations for all workplaces. It is strongly recommended that all workplaces within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area immediately implement the following actions:

  • Implement a Workplace Vaccination Policy.
  • Ensure that any person who performs work for your business or organization conducts their work remotely.
    • This action is legally enforceable for businesses or organizations in the City of Greater Sudbury. Effective 12:01 a.m., November 29, 2021, all persons responsible for a business or organization that is open in the City of Greater Sudbury is required under Instructions from the Medical Officer of Health to reinstate the former provincial requirement that people work remotely (i.e. from home), unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace. Certain exceptions apply.
  • Avoid in-person gatherings, both social and professional.
    • Limit in-person staff meetings and gatherings to only those essential.
    • Implement virtual meetings and gatherings.
  • Plan a virtual holiday celebration to ensure everyone can participate safely.
  • If instead you decide to plan an in-person holiday celebration, take all precautions reasonably available to you:
    • Limit the number of people attending to the lowest number possible; do not exceed the social gathering limit of 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, as required by provincial regulation, unless an exception applies.
    • When possible, plan for an outdoor event, or ensure there is sufficient ventilation in indoor spaces.
    • Ensure guests self-screen checking for any of the COVID-19 symptoms and stay away if even a mild one is present.
    • Consider the vaccination status of guests:
      • Consider requiring proof of vaccination.
      • Require masking and physical distancing, especially if you are indoors with people from multiple households whose vaccination status is unknown or not complete.
  • If you choose to serve food or drinks at your gathering, you should wear a mask, wash your hands before and frequently during preparation and serving, and have everyone wash their hands before and after eating.
    • Whether hosting a gathering at your residence, workplace, or a restaurant, limit the number of guests not from the same household seated together to the number that can be physically distanced 2 meters apart.
    • When guests aren’t eating or are leaving the table, they should wear a mask.
  • Make a list of guests attending in case Public Health needs it for contact tracing.
  • Visit our Guidance for events planning page for more information.

Read the complete letter here.

November 26

Today, the Medical Officer of Health is reinstating work-from-home requirements, revoked by the province on July 15, 2021, issuing strong recommendations for COVID-19 protections to area schools, businesses, and organizations, and enacting stricter measures for the follow up of contacts of cases of COVID-19.

Effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2021, the updated Letter of Instructions will require businesses and organizations open in the City of Greater Sudbury to ensure that workers are conducting their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace. Certain exceptions apply.

Recommendations for businesses and organizations (COVID-safety and holiday gatherings) – throughout Public Health’s service area:

  • Every available precaution should be taken, and business conducted in the most COVID-safe ways possible—for example, implementing vaccination policies, strengthening masking requirements, and ensuring physical distancing, in addition to daily symptom screening for employees and patrons, staying home even when mildly ill, and getting tested if individuals have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Limit outings and avoid in-person gatherings, both social and professional. Public Health will provide a Workplace Checklist to help businesses plan COVID-safe gatherings, whether they be virtual or in-person. This checklist will be posted to phsd.ca.

Public Health is also partnering with area school boards to reduce COVID-19 spread in schools and further protect in-person learning. Among the measures strongly recommended by the Medical Officer of Health to boards of education is the voluntary Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) screening of students.

Read the Letter of Instructions here. Read more about this announcement here.

November 23

Public Health Sudbury and Districts Launches “Tis the Season” Campaign. Read more here.

Public Health’s holiday ‘Tis the Season’ campaign will help provide our community with tips and help assess the risk before one goes out. PHSD urges the community to please get vaccinated with two doses and a third if eligible, continue to be diligent in applying public health measures, and assess your risk when shopping and making plans for the holidays.

In addition to following public health measures (for example, masking, distancing, hand washing, and vaccination), consider these COVID safe-shopping tips to curb the COVID spread: avoid shopping at peak times, consider vaccination status when carpooling to stores and wear your mask.

November 19

Message from Public Health Sudbury and Districts:

“In response to the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in Greater Sudbury, we want to reassure you, that the safety of your employees and patrons in your workplace is one of our top priorities. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is monitoring the community-wide spread of COVID-19 closely, including the more transmissible variants of concern. Make no mistake, the key in protecting our health and our economy from COVID-19 is in our hands.

At this time, regardless of vaccination status we recommend that employees and patrons do not attend public settings including their place of work or use public transportation if they have a COVID-19 symptom, even a mild one. At the first sign of feeling unwell, employees and patrons should stay home and get tested at a local testing and assessment centre. The longer they wait, the more people they could infect. Getting tested as soon as possible also lets Public Health start the contact tracing process sooner if their test result is positive.”

November 11

Proof of Vaccination Requirements Extended to Organized Sports for all those 12 years of Age and Older Across Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts.

PHSD announced Monday, November 8, 2021, that it is introducing additional measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Penny Sutcliffe has issued an updated Letter of Instruction under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act (PDF) that applies to anyone 12 years of age and older across the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts who actively participates in organized sports (not just coaches, officials, etc.). Effective, 12:01 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, these participants will be required to provide proof of vaccination unless a medical exemption applies.

  • The proof of vaccination requirement for those actively participating in organized sport does not apply to school sports (intermural or interschool) unless these sports are being played in a non-school recreational facility.
  • If school facilities are rented by a non-school, external league, for example, the proof of vaccination requirement would apply. The requirement does not apply to school sports, including rental of school facilities by another school or school board.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

November 8

Today, the Public Health Sudbury and Districts released additional, mandatory measures for Greater Sudbury. These time-limited measures come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, for Greater Sudbury only.

The Letter of Instruction issued today will require for Greater Sudbury:

  • Reinstatement of capacity limits and physical distancing requirements at premises that require proof of vaccination, while preserving their proof of vaccination requirements.
  • Businesses and organizations to ensure masking at organized public events held indoors and outdoors where participants are within 2 metres of individuals not part of their households.
  • Anyone 12 years of age and older who actively participates in organized sports (not just coaches, officials, etc.) will be required to provide proof of vaccination unless a medical exemption applies. This additional requirement will also be implemented for the broader Public Health service area.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Read the Letter of Instruction here. Read the complete announcement here.

November 2

Statement From Health Sciences North:

“With the recent surge in cases locally, demand for testing at HSN’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre has increased greatly over the last few weeks.

HSN asks everyone to please be patient and kind with our staff who are doing all they can do process requests as fast as possible and book patients at the right times for testing.

The fastest and easiest way to request an appointment is to fill out the online form- www.hsnsudbury.ca/RequestAnAppointment

Once you’ve submitted the form, a nurse will call you to complete a screen over the phone to determine when you should be tested. Please do not submit multiple requests as this slows down the booking process for everyone.

You can also book an appointment by calling 705-671-7373. Phones are answered 7 days per week, between 9 am and 5 pm. Please have your health card ready.

Note that wait times on the phone can be significant, so please fill out the online request form instead.

Thank you to all the staff at the HSN COVID-19 Assessment Centre for their ongoing dedication and commitment to our community!”

October 28

Statement From Public Health Sudbury and Districts:

Over the last several weeks, there has been an alarming increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Greater Sudbury.

While the province of Ontario is seeing improvements in COVID-19 case counts, trends in Greater Sudbury are going in the opposite direction. We are currently a COVID-19 hotspot, with a case rate that is among the highest in the province. These trends signal a call to immediate action. Now is the time for each of us to assess our individual actions and decisions and ramp up COVID-19 precautions—layer on the protective measures such as vaccination, masking, distancing, working from home, and importantly, staying home when even mildly unwell. We have the power in our hands to turn this around.

Make no mistake: COVID-19 surges can happen anywhere and can happen quickly. Locally, no single setting or sector is driving the current increase. The number of cases without any known source of exposure has increased over the last few months, which indicates a worrying trend of community spread of the virus. There are also seven active outbreaks in the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area, all within Greater Sudbury. These include outbreaks in the Sudbury Jail (59 cases to date), Memorial Park (21 cases), and two schools (6 cases). Our case count per 100 000 residents is among the highest in the province and the percentage of local COVID tests coming back positive is greater than it has been in weeks. The 7-day rate of new cases was 82.5 per 100 000 population, compared with 17 for the province of Ontario. Increases in active cases lead to subsequent increases in hospitalizations, and Health Sciences North already has the highest occupancy percentage among all Ontario hospitals that have more than 100 acute beds.

As a community, we have not done anything wrong, but the recent numbers mean that we must do more things right.

We can continue to enjoy the benefits of the provincial Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, but only if we strengthen our individual commitment to prevention. Remember that the virus is not selective about who it infects. Any of us could catch COVID-19 and spread it to others—including to those who are more vulnerable, could be inconvenienced by self-isolation, or could develop “long COVID”. As you make decisions about your day-to-day activities, including plans for outings and gatherings, think about the steps you can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19. You know the steps: masking, hosting gatherings outdoors, physical distancing, self-screening for symptoms and getting tested as soon as you can if you do have symptoms, following self-isolation guidance, and vaccination. It is just not worth it—for you and those around you—to skip these simple yet effective steps.

In addition to leading the vaccination program, Public Health is also responsible for following up on every case and contact of COVID-19. Our public health follow-up and direction puts a protective shield around cases and contacts—protecting families and workplaces and schools by preventing further spread of the virus. However, we can only do this work effectively with the patience, kindness, and full cooperation of everyone we need to contact. In light of the growing challenges we are experiencing with this important work, I am issuing a Class Order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, requiring all individuals in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area who are either a case, potential case or contact of a case to follow Public Health direction. The Order is enforceable by law and is posted on our website.

This pandemic has tested our resilience, and we’re all looking forward to a day when this chapter in our lives becomes history. Until that time, however, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together and that our collective efforts and our commitment to public health measures are what will see us through.

For more information about COVID-19 and vaccination, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19. Keep connected with our Facebook and Twitter pages or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

-30-

CLASS ORDER made pursuant to Section 22 (5.0.1) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.7 (October 28, 2021): https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/diseases-infections/coronavirus/closures-orders-and-enforcement-covid-19/class-order-made-pursuant-to-section-22-5-0-1-of-the-health-protection-and-promotion-act-r-s-o-1990-c-h-7-october-28-2021/

October 1

From Public Health Sudbury and Districts:

As a reminder, since September 22, 2021, certain businesses in Ontario are required to check their patrons’ Proof of Vaccination before allowing them to enter the premises.

]Please be advised that there are a number of documents and formats that can be used as proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Proof of vaccination can include:

  • An Ontario vaccination receipt from a vaccine clinic when you received your dose (paper copy).
  • A vaccination receipt signed by an Indigenous health provider.
  • An Ontario Ministry of Health vaccination receipt received by email following your appointment (digital or printed paper copy).
  • A downloaded vaccination receipt from Ontario’s booking portal. If you do not have an Ontario Health card (green card) you can obtain support by calling 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • A vaccination receipt from another jurisdiction that shows the holder is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Click here for samples of different documents used locally as proof of vaccination to help with verification. If you have any questions that we can help you with, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 748.

September 29

Proof of Vaccination Requirement in Indoor Sporting Facilities 

On September 29, Northern Ontario’s seven Medical Officers of Health announced that effective October 14, operators of facilities in Northern Ontario where indoor sports are played or practiced will ensure additional groups provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Instructions to facility operators have been issued under the Reopening Ontario Act requiring anyone aged 12 and older coaching, officiating, or volunteering at indoor organized sports to provide proof of vaccination unless a medical exemption applies.

Read the letter of instruction here. Read more about this announcement here.

August 30

Medical Officer of Health Strongly Recommending to Develop and Implement Workplace COVID-19 Vaccination Policies.

Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, is strongly recommending that employers put vaccination policies in place to protect their employees and the public from COVID-19.

To support workplaces in adopting this recommendation, Public Health is distributing its Workplace Vaccine Policy Toolkit to all area employers and persons responsible for businesses to strengthen their COVID-19 workplace protection. The toolkit includes, for example, a policy template and educational materials such as videos, posters, and fact sheets.

Public Health has developed a policy template to help guide workplaces as they craft their own COVID-19 vaccination policies. Each organization is encouraged to evaluate risks associated with COVID-19 in their workplaces as they develop their own vaccination policy.

Policies must be developed in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act and any other applicable legislation. Information about a person’s vaccine status is personal health information and must be collected in compliance with privacy legislation including the Personal Health Information Protection Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Employers, as well as community organizations, community leaders, faith leaders, or event coordinators, can contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts to discuss the possibility of having COVID-19 vaccinations offered on site.

Access the Workplace Vaccine Policy Toolkit here. Access the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Template here. Read the letter for employers from the Medical Officer of Health here. Read more about this announcement here.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

June 10

Message from PHSD.

Due to the declining number of new cases of COVID-19, as well as provincewide vaccination rates, the Government of Ontario announced on June 7, 2021, that the province would enter Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopen  on June 11, 2021.  Owners and operators of businesses and organizations are strongly encouraged to carefully review all information to determine which rules apply to their sector. The general requirements for Step 1 can be found at the Reopening Ontario webpage (https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario) and specific requirements are outlined within the Regulation: Ontario Regulation 82/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 1 under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17, Schedules 6 to 10. Information is also available on Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ website at www.phsd.ca.

If you have any questions, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 ext. 748 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

June 1:

2021 COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral Program Now Open. Read more here.

The City of Greater Sudbury has opened the 2021 COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral program. The program is available to help residents and business owners experiencing financial hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program will provide qualifying property owners an opportunity to defer the next two tax payments to December, without penalty or interest.

The program is available to residential/farm, multi-residential and commercial/industrial property owners who meet the eligibility requirements and criteria outlined for each property type. Among other qualifying factors, property taxes must be currently paid directly to the City and not through a mortgage company with no outstanding property tax amounts owing as of April 30, 2021.

Eligibility, applications and list of supporting documents for each property type for the 2021 COVID-19 Property Tax Deferral Program are available at www.greatersudbury.ca/taxes.

The application form and necessary support documents must be received by the Tax Department no later than July 30, 2021.

April 8:

Local Small Businesses Eligible for Next Step Support Program. Read more here.

The City of Greater Sudbury is offering the Next Step Support Program to local small businesses through the Regional Business Centre. The Next Step Small Business Support Program is an initiative of the Ontario Together Fund and the province’s Small Business COVID Recovery Network. Local businesses with less than 100 employees may be eligible to access complimentary one-time professional services of up to $1,500 for new projects or initiatives that aid economic recovery, adjust operations and/or establish new revenue streams.

The program will provide successful applicants with complimentary services of up to $1,500 through direct payment to a pre-selected third party that may include:

  • Digital Marketing Experts to update and modernize a website and/or adopt e-commerce platforms for selling products/services
  • Marketing Consultants to identify pivot points in marketing strategies
  • Accountants to assist in applying for government assistance programs for small business
  • Architects/Engineers to redesign a space to safely and productively operate with health measures in place as well as post pandemic

Eligible full-time businesses must have registered as a sole proprietor, partnership or corporation prior to March 1, 2020. Applications will remain open between April 8 and May 2, 2021. The Regional Business Centre will evaluate all proposals for new projects or activities that engage professional services from May 15 to August 31, 2021. Apply here.

To learn more about the Next Step Small Business Support Program, visit the Regional Business Centre website at regionalbusiness.ca or call 705-688-7582.

March 22:

Health Unit Soon to Announce Vaccine Appointment Booking for those 75 and Over. Read more here.

On Friday, March 19, the Ontario government announced that  its online booking system would open on March 22 for individuals aged 75 and over. Public Health Sudbury & Districts has not yet transitioned to the provincial online COVID-19 vaccine booking system and will announce once this transition occurs. PHSD anticipates clinics for this age group to begin next week. Information about how to book appointments will be issued in the coming days. Currently, pharmacies and primary care practices across Public Health’s service area are not offering the COVID-19 vaccine and details are expected to be shared as the Health Unit moves into Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout plan.

Public Health is continuing to offer COVID-19 vaccine to the province’s Phase One groups mentioned below:

  • Staff, residents, or essential caregivers of long-term care homes
  • Staff of retirement homes or congregate care settings for seniors
  • Residents of retirement homes or congregate care settings for seniors
  • Residents or staff of Elder care homes
  • Health care workers (see Ministry of Health criteria, PDF)
  • Indigenous adults (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)
  • Adults 80 years of age and older in 2021 (individuals born in 1941 or earlier)
  • Recipients of chronic home care

For vaccine clinic dates, please visit: http://phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics. For a visual summary of the three phases of Public Health’s vaccination program, view the At-a-Glance plan.

March 12:

The Province has moved Greater Sudbury into the Grey – Lockdown category of the COVID-19 response framework, beginning Friday, March 12. The Province is activating an “emergency brake” in the region to address concerning trends in public health indicators.

Greater Sudbury moved into the Red – Control category on March 8. At that time the City, in consultation with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, implemented additional closures of municipal services and facilities, over and above the provincial restrictions. Those municipal closures are in line with Grey – Lockdown measures and will remain in place until the Province moves Greater Sudbury into Orange – Restrict or a less restrictive category of the COVID-19 response framework.

 

Indoor Recreation Facilities
All municipal pools, arenas and fitness centres remain closed. Residents who have registered for programs or have booked ice time will be contacted directly to discuss refunds and other details.

 

Outdoor Recreation Facilities
Due to mild weather, the Ramsey Lake Skating Path, Queen’s Athletic Skating Oval and municipal outdoor rinks are closed for the season.

 

Dog parks are open. Other parks, playgrounds and open spaces are open for pass-through purposes but cannot be used for team games or sports. The Jim Gordon Boardwalk (Bell Park), Delki Dozzi track and Fielding Memorial Park walking loop are open for winter walking opportunities. Benches, waste bins, gates, handrails and other surfaces are not sanitized.

 

When using any outdoor facility, users must maintain a distance of two metres from people who are not part of their household. A mask or face covering is recommended when physical distancing is a challenge.

 

Ski Hills
Lively Ski Hill is closed for the season due to mild weather and reduced snow levels. Lively season pass holders can use their membership to receive a discount on a lift ticket at Adanac Ski Hill.

 

Adanac remains open with enhanced COVID-19 guidelines in place. With the onset of milder temperatures, ski hill conditions may change. Updates on conditions will be posted to the City’s website and social media channels.

 

  • Patrons and staff must wear masks in all indoor spaces and face coverings while waiting in lift lines and when on the ski lifts.
    • Patrons must maintain a distance of three metres from others while on the hill and waiting in lift lines.
    • Only members of the same household may ride the chair lift together. Lift attendants will not allow or ask patrons to ride a chairlift with individuals they do not know
    • The chalet remains available for washroom use only. No food or beverages are permitted in the chalet.

 

Patrons are reminded to book tickets before arriving at the hill, as day tickets are not available onsite. Those with memberships or punch cards are also required to book ahead. Booking can be done online at www.greatersudbury.ca/leisure. Anyone who experiences technical difficulties when booking can call the ski hill directly at 705-688-3969. Phone-in customers should anticipate longer wait times for assistance due to high call volumes.

 

For more information and ski hill conditions, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/ski-hills.

 

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres
All Libraries and Citizen Service Centres will remain open for contactless curbside pickup. All returned materials will be disinfected or quarantined for an appropriate period of time before being recirculated. Library programs continue to be offered online.

 

Residents who require Citizen Service Centre services can contact the facility directly to discuss options, as many services are available online or via telephone. Residents should avoid all non-essential visits to Libraries and Citizen Service Centres.

 

For more information, including branch-specific hours of operation, programming and to book materials for pickup, visit www.sudburylibraries.ca/covid-19-update.

 

Schools and Child Care
All schools in Greater Sudbury will transition to virtual learning, effective Monday, March 15. This change will be in place until further notice from Public Health Sudbury & Districts. The crossing guard program is suspended until schools re-open.

 

Child care centres remain open. We are awaiting further details on offering emergency school-based child care.

 

Tom Davies Square
Services at Tom Davies Square are available by appointment only. Residents should contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) to make an appointment or discuss alternate service. Please avoid all non-essential visits to the facility. Many services are available by telephone or online at www.greatersudbury.ca/eservices.

 

The Homelessness Network Day Centre, located at 199 Larch St., is unaffected by these service changes.

 

Garbage and Recycling
The household hazardous waste drop-off day scheduled for Saturday, March 13 has been cancelled. The Toxic Taxi will continue to operate for home collection of residential household hazardous waste. To make an appointment for home collection, residents can email [email protected] or call 705-560-9019.

 

The service counter at the Recycling Centre remains closed and sale of Big Blues, kitchen collectors and backyard composters is temporarily suspended. For information on ordering blue boxes, green carts or bag tags, use the Waste Wise app, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/wastewise or contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca)

 

Landfill sites remain open with limited capacity. Reuse centres at landfill sites are closed. Residents should be prepared for longer than usual wait times. The City has set up a live camera at the Sudbury landfill site so that residents can see how busy it is before they make the trip. The live feed is available at www.greatersudbury.ca/landfill-livestream.

 

GOVA Transit
The GOVA downtown Transit Hub waiting area is open to the public with a maximum capacity of 25 people. Riders are reminded to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask and maintaining a safe distance. GOVA Transit monitors and manages passenger capacity on its routes on a daily basis to deploy extra buses when necessary to support physical distancing.

 

Cemetery Services
City cemeteries remain open for visitation. Visitors must maintain a distance of two metres from others and limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people. Indoor gatherings at the mausoleum are limited to members of the same household. The mausoleum is open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No appointment is required.

 

Effective Monday, March 15, funerals and interment services will allow for up to 25 people indoors at the Civic Memorial Mausoleum or up to 50 people outdoors, with a Funeral Director in charge. Physical distancing must be maintained. Masks are required for all guests and staff.

 

Plot purchases and arrangements for interments are available by contacting 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) or emailing [email protected] to schedule a telephone or video conference.

 

Reminders
• Indoor organized events and social gatherings are not permitted, except with members of the same household. Families should not visit any other household or allow visitors in their homes. Those who live alone can have close contact with only one other household.
• Outdoor organized events and social gatherings are limited to 10 people and physical distancing must be maintained.
• Trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons (work, groceries/pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise and physical activity).
• Residents must wear a mask or face covering inside businesses or organizations. A mask or face covering is also recommended outdoors when physical distancing is a challenge.
• Travel outside the Greater Sudbury area should be for essential purposes only. Anyone travelling outside of Ontario should self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
• Continue to follow basic but important measures to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands often, wear a mask or face covering, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve and stay home if you feel sick.
• The Province has a number of rules in place for other facilities and services, including retail, dining, sports and fitness facilities, and personal care services. Visit www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#grey for more information.

 

Important Information about 311
In order to allow Public Health Sudbury & Districts to focus their efforts on COVID-19 contact-tracing, health-related inquiries and vaccine planning and implementation, residents are encouraged to contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) for:
• People not self-isolating after international travel.
• Organized events and social gatherings that exceed what’s permitted by the Province.
• Questions about provincial rules and regulations or effects on City programs and services.
• Complaints about non-compliance of businesses or services, as mandated under the Grey – Lockdown category.

The enforcement of COVID-19 legislation is a joint initiative by City By-law Officers, Public Health Sudbury & Districts and the Greater Sudbury Police Service. 311 representatives will log your complaint, and direct it to the appropriate party based on time of day, and severity and type of issue.

For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.

March 11:

Today, the Government of Ontario announced that it is activating an “emergency brake” and is transitioning Public Health Sudbury & Districts from its current “Red-Control” level to the “Grey-Lockdown” level in its COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. The new regional classification comes into effect on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 12:01 am.

Public health measures under Grey-Lockdown level include:

  • No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household, with some exceptions for seniors and individuals living alone.
  • Restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments can only do take out, drive through, and delivery including alcohol. Indoor and outdoor services are prohibited.
  • In person shopping capacity limit of 50% for supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies.
  • In person shopping capacity limit of 25% for all other retail, including discount and big box retailers, liquor stores, cannabis stores, hardware stores and garden centres.
  • Stores must post capacity limit publicly and must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the store front about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms).

Learn more about what restrictions and guidelines are included in the Grey-Lockdown level here. For a full list of public health region classifications click here. Read more about today’s announcement here.

March 8:

Public Health Sudbury and Districts Introduces Additional Measures. Read more here.

In addition to the existing measures under the Red-Control level of the COVID-19 response framework, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is introducing new measures to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases. PHSD has issued two formal Letters of Instruction under the Reopening of Ontario Act to all food premises and sports and recreation facilities. The new measures come into effect on Wednesday, March 10, at 12:01 a.m.

Food Premises:

The Letter of Instruction will apply to all persons responsible for food premises with indoor and/or outdoor dining areas open to the public within the PHSD service area. In addition to the Red-Control requirements, Public Health is now requiring that all patrons seated at the same table in a dining area of a food premise be from the same household, with some exemptions for patrons who live alone or are caregivers. Businesses will also require patrons to verbally attest to this and to provide additional information to food premises owners and operators to support effective contact tracing by Public Health in the event of a potential COVID-19 exposure.

Read the complete letter here.

Sports & Recreation Centres:

The Letter of Instruction will apply to all persons responsible for sports and recreation fitness facilities open to the public within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area. In addition to the Red-Control requirements, Public Health is now requiring that additional measures be implemented to prohibit in-person team sports from being played or practiced, as well as prohibiting activities that result in individuals coming within 3 metres of one another.

Read the complete letter here.

March 6:

Greater Sudbury Implements Additional Measures to Combat Rising COVID-19 Numbers.

In addition to the existing restrictions under the Red-Control level, The City, in consultation with the Health Unit will be implementing additional closures of municipal services and facilities. As of Monday, March 8, the following municipal facilities will be effected. These measures will remain in effect until the Province moves Greater Sudbury into Orange – Restrict or less restrictive category of the COVID-19 response framework:

  • Indoor recreation facilities
  • Outdoor recreation facilities
  • Ski Hills
  • Libraries and Citizen Service Centres
  • Tom Davies Square
  • Garbage and Recycling
  • GOVA Transit

Learn more about the changes in these services here.

February 22:

Medical Officer of Health and Directors of Education Issue a Joint Letter to Parents and Families.

On February 22, the Medical Officer of Health and Directors of Education of local school boards issued a joint letter to parents and families of students stating the new protocols for COVID-19. Effective February 19, 2021, students and children with any new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, even those with only one symptom, are
required to stay home. A child with symptoms will be required to isolate at home until:

• They receive a negative COVID-19 test result OR
• They receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional OR
• It has been 10 days since their symptom onset and they are feeling better.

In addition to the sick child staying home, everyone else in the household, such as siblings and parents/guardians is required to stay home from school and work for the same time period. If the ill child is not tested for COVID-19, all household contacts must isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the child. If you have any questions related to the new measures, please visit the Schools and COVID webpage or contact PHSD at 705.522.9200 or 1.866.522.9200.

Read the complete letter here.

February 19:

Sudbury Board of Public Health Endorses Paid Sick Leave. Read more here.

Sudbury’s board of public health has endorsed the idea that workers in Ontario should get permanent paid sick days. The motion will be forwarded to the Ontario government for consideration.

February 18:

Interim Property Tax Bills Now Available.

The City of Greater Sudbury is reminding its residents that interim property tax bills are now available. The first instalment is due on March 1, 2021, and the second is due on April 1, 2021. Interim property taxes help fund City services until the final tax bill is collected later in the year. This includes services such as road maintenance and construction, libraries, firefighting, local police, parks, garbage and recycling, transit, and many more. More than 27,000 properties in the community receive interim tax bills. If you do not receive your interim tax bill by Friday, February 19, 2021, please contact the tax department at 705-674-4455, extension 2601.

Interim tax bills are not mailed out for properties enrolled in a monthly pre-authorized tax payment plan or for those who have taxes remitted by their mortgage holder. Final property tax bills are mailed in the spring following City Council’s approval of the tax policy.  Final tax bills are traditionally due in June and July.

There are number of ways to pay the property tax bill, including:

  • by mail, telephone or via internet banking.
  • at most banks, trust companies, credit unions and Caisse Populaires.
  • through your mortgage, arranged through your mortgage company.
  • by enrolling in a pre-authorized payment plan where payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account either monthly or on the instalment due date.
  • if you traditionally pay your tax bill in person at Tom Davies Square or at a Citizen Service Centre, please contact 311 to discuss options.

Property taxes are calculated by taking the value of your property and multiplying it by the total tax rate, established by Council each spring. The value of the property is established by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). For more information about municipal property tax bill and payment options, call 311, use the 311 live web chat or visit www.greatersudbury.ca/taxes. A breakdown of how property taxes support municipal services can be found using the online Tax Calculator found at https://taxcalc.greatersudbury.ca.

Residents can receive their tax bill online by registering with Canada Post’s epost™.  To sign up for this convenient, environmentally-conscious service, or for more information, visit www.epost.ca.

February 13:

Mayor Bigger to Ask Province for OPP Checkpoints on Highway 69. Read more here.

Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger said this week he is formally asking Premier Doug Ford to set up checkpoints on Highway 69 to discourage travel into and out of Northern Ontario. On Feb. 9 during a meeting of city council, Bigger said he is taking the next step in the effort toward securing a bubble around Sudbury and Northern Ontario. Bigger tabled a motion that will see him send a letter to the premier, asking to establish awareness checkpoints along Highway 69 in order to discourage travel from Southern Ontario to the North.

The motion was passed unanimously and Mayor Bigger will be sending a formal request to the Premier to ask for the assistance of the OPP to set up checkpoints on Highway 69.

February 12:

Message from Public Health Sudbury and Districts:

The decision about the “zone” within the provincial framework is that of the province. In the past, these decisions have been publicly announced on the Friday before the change which typically takes place at 12:01 Sunday night/Monday morning. Public Health Sudbury & Districts understands that next week’s changes would occur on Monday night/Tuesday morning given the Family Day Monday. Public Health does not know what the provincial decision will be. Public Health appreciates that this is frustrating for business owners and will continue to do its best to communicate what we know, as we learn it. Thank you for your patience during these difficult times.

COVID-19 Update: Reopening of City Services

The Province announced today that its stay at home order will end for a number of municipalities, including Greater Sudbury, on Tuesday, February 16. Based on the current local situation, Greater Sudbury will enter the Orange-Restrict stage of the Province’s COVID-19 response framework.

Here’s what today’s announcement means for City programs and services:

Ski Hills

Adanac will reopen to the public at 12 p.m. and Lively Ski Hills will reopen at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. Operations have been adapted in response to COVID-19.

  • Patrons must book their tickets before arriving at the hill, as day tickets will not be available onsite. Those with memberships or punch cards are also required to book ahead. Booking can be done online at www.greatersudbury.ca/leisure.
  • Anyone who experiences technical difficulties when booking can call the ski hill directly at 705-688-3969 for Adanac or 705-692-5030 for Lively. Phone-in customers should anticipate longer wait times for assistance due to high call volumes.
  • All patrons and staff must wear masks in all indoor spaces and face coverings while waiting in lift lines and when on the ski lifts.
  • All patrons and staff must maintain appropriate physical distancing as indicated on onsite signage.
  • The chalet will be available for washroom use only. There will be no food or beverages permitted in the chalet. Occupancy limits will be posted at the entrance of the chalet. If the chalet is at maximum capacity, you must not enter at that time.
  • At this time, only members of the same household are permitted to ride the chair lift together. Lift attendants will not allow or ask patrons to ride a chairlift with individuals they do not know.

For more information, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/ski-hills/frequently-asked-questions-covid-19. The website will be updated with any further operational changes, as required. For ski hill conditions, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/ski-hills.

Other Outdoor Activities

Outdoor neighbourhood rinks are open, with limited capacity. Queen’s Athletic Skating Oval and the Ramsey Lake Skating Path are open. Due to fluctuations in temperatures, hours of operation may change without notice. Visit www.greatersudbury.ca/outdoorrinks for updates. Field houses will remain closed. Residents should be prepared to change skates outside. Benches are available for use at these locations. Dog parks are open. Other parks, playgrounds and open spaces are open for pass-through purposes but cannot be used for team games or sports. Benches, waste bins, gates, handrails and other surfaces are not sanitized. The Jim Gordon Boardwalk (Bell Park), Delki Dozzi track and Fielding Memorial Park walking loop are open for winter walking opportunities. When using any outdoor facility, users must maintain a distance of two metres from people who are not part of their household. A mask or face covering is recommended when physical distancing is a challenge.

Arenas

Under the Province’s new guidelines, arenas are permitted to open starting February 16. Staff are currently preparing the facilities for safe reopening and will contact user groups directly regarding scheduling and ice allocation. More information on exact opening dates will be provided next week. Staff are currently reviewing and adjusting Ice Association and Adult Group contracts to reflect the end of the stay at home order. Revised agreements will be emailed to groups through the booking system. For users who paid for ice time from February 11 to 15, a credit will be applied to their account to use for future bookings. A number of City facilities have been identified as locations for vaccination clinics, including four community arenas. Vaccinations are critical to our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and arenas are the ideal large, accessible spaces for these clinics. As a result, Carmichael and Dr. Edgar Leclair will not be available for public use at this time. Centennial and Countryside will only be available for public use until mid-March. Staff will work directly with user groups on a process to reallocate ice at other facilities. For more information on arenas, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/arenas.

Pools and Fitness Centres

Beginning February 16, all municipal pools will be open for one-hour reservations, lane swimming, Aquafitness and Aquatherapy. Online registration will be available at www.greatersudbury.ca/play/pools  beginning at noon on Saturday, February 13. Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre, Dowling Leisure Centre, Rayside Balfour Workout Centre and Capreol Millenium Centre will open for one-hour fitness reservations beginning February 16. Falconbridge Community Centre will open for one-hour fitness reservations beginning February 22. Online registration will be available at www.greatersudbury.ca/play/recreational-facilities/fitness-centres beginning at noon on February 13.

GOVA Transit

GOVA Transit will continue to serve the community with current levels of service and enhanced safety measures in place. The GOVA downtown Transit Hub waiting area is open to the public with a maximum capacity of 25 people. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead for their trips and dress warm. They’re also reminded to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask and maintaining a safe distance. To further support physical distancing, GOVA Transit monitors and manages passenger capacity on its routes on a daily basis to deploy extra buses when necessary.

Tom Davies Square

Tom Davies Square will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public access is limited to the main floor, including the public washrooms. In order to minimize lineups, residents are encouraged to contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) to make an appointment or discuss alternate service options. Many services are available by telephone or online at www.greatersudbury.ca/eservices. Residents are reminded that Tom Davies Square and other municipal offices are closed for Family Day on Monday, February 15.

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres will reopen for regular service beginning Friday, February 19. All returned materials will be disinfected or quarantined for an appropriate period of time before being recirculated. Library programs continue to be offered online at this time. Visit www.sudburylibraries.ca/covid-19-update for more information.

Residents who require assistance from a Citizen Service Centre, including the one at Tom Davies Square, are still encouraged to contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) or contact the facility directly to discuss options, as many services are available by telephone or online at www.greatersudbury.ca/eservices.

Garbage and Recycling

The front counter at the Recycling Centre will reopen on Tuesday, February 16. The counter will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon for purchase of backyard composters, kitchen collectors and Big Blues. Payment by credit or debit is encouraged.

The Recycling Centre will not be distributing blue boxes or exchanging damaged green carts. Residents are asked to place an order on the Waste Wise app, online at www.greatersudbury.ca/wastewise, or by contacting 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca).

Animal Shelter

The Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter continues to accept visitors by appointment only. Please contact 311 to make arrangements.

Reminders

  • Limit close contact to the people you live with and stay at least two metres away from everyone else. Those who live alone can have close contact with only one other household.
  • Events and social gatherings in private homes, backyards and parks are limited to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors.
  • Organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities, such as event centres, are limited to 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors.
  • Residents must wear a mask or face covering inside businesses or organizations. A mask or face covering is also recommended outdoors when physical distancing is a challenge.
  • Travel outside the Greater Sudbury area should be for essential purposes only. Anyone travelling outside of Ontario during the shutdown period should self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
  • Continue to follow basic but important measures to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands often, wear a mask or face covering, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve and stay home if you feel sick.
  • The Province has a number of rules for in-person shopping, indoor dining and sports and recreational facilities. Visit www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open for more information.

311

Contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) for:

  • People not self-isolating after international travel.
  • Organized events and social gatherings that exceed what’s permitted by the Province.
  • Questions about provincial rules and regulations or effects on City programs and services.

The enforcement of COVID-19 legislation is a joint initiative by City By-law Officers, Public Health Sudbury & Districts and the Greater Sudbury Police Service. 311 representatives will log your complaint, and direct it to the appropriate party based on time of day, and severity and type of issue. For up-to-date information and details on service changes related to COVID-19, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/COVID.

February 10:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts Achieves Vaccine Milestone. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has achieved an important milestone in the journey to protect the area’s most vulnerable from COVID-19. By immunizing all consenting residents of area long-term care and high-risk retirement homes in addition to residents and staff of Elders’ lodges, Public Health has met the provincial target date of February 10. Through extensive planning and partnership with homes and area paramedics, a total of 1729 individuals were immunized with their first dose of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.

In addition, residents of the Wikwemikong Nursing Home, the first people in Public Health’s service area to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, have now also received their second dose of the vaccine. The second doses for all other residents will be scheduled over the coming weeks in accordance with second dose requirements.

Public Health will communicate the availability of vaccine for specific groups as the province provides additional direction. Vaccinations will be offered on an appointment basis for eligible recipients, and details of clinics will be shared publicly when plans are confirmed.

February 5:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts Confirms Three New Cases of the U.K. Variant of COVID-19 in Sudbury. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts received confirmation from Public Health Ontario that an individual in our service area has tested positive for the COVID-19 UK variant (B.1.1.7). This confirmation follows the report on January 25 of a possible case of a more highly transmissible strain of COVID-19. In addition, Public Health has been notified of three further possible cases in individuals in our area. Two are individuals who had returned from international travel who were completing quarantine. The other is in an individual who was self-isolating as a contact of a known case of a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) in another public health unit jurisdiction. Further confirmatory sequencing of these three additional samples is underway.

As there is evidence that these variants spread more quickly, intensified case and contact measures are being taken and include extending the isolation duration for the case, more readily identifying close contacts, and ensuring isolation of all household contacts of confirmed or probable cases as quickly as possible. Like with all confirmed cases, Public Health was in contact with the individual with the confirmed COVID-19 UK variant to review their initial positive COVID-19 test result and investigate possible exposure settings as well as any close contacts.

February 3:

The Mayor Discusses Northern Bubble with Premier Ford. Read more here.

Statement from Mayor Brian Bigger:

Given the substantial media attention and conversation inspired by my request Monday for a northern bubble and the implementation of safety measures like checkpoints to stem traffic of unnecessary travelers coming north, I wanted to inform the public that I was able to speak one on one with Premier Ford last evening.

In our call he reiterated the threat and danger of the new variants and their ability to travel. He also indicated that there would be enhanced communication efforts to further enforce his request that everybody stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Premier Ford then committed to me that he would be in contact with Minister Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Solicitor General to explore what options there may be when it comes to implementing road checks on Highway 69 toward Greater Sudbury.

As Mayor, I am committed to continuously advocating for all of our safety and pursuing what is best for our community. I promise to keep Council, residents and the media up to date in my ongoing conversations and the developments I hope occur in the very near future.

Until then – please stay at home, be safe and make the right decisions when it comes to the health of yourself and others.

January 25:

Public Heath confirms COVID-19 vaccination for long-term care residents and updates on outbreaks. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed that vaccination program for residents of long-term care and high-risk retirement homes will commence this week. Over the next two weeks, Public Health is receiving shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in sufficient quantities to immunize all residents of the facilities in its service area by February 5, 2021.

Public Health is working closely with community partners to complete vaccinations by February 5 or earlier. The vaccine will be offered to everyone eligible to receive it on a voluntary basis. The vaccine is a safe and effective tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting health of everyone, including the most vulnerable, in the community. Area long-term care homes will be sequenced over the next two weeks based on vaccine availability, COVID-19 case rates and outbreaks, and other factors such as logistics to avoid vaccine wastage.

The critical need for COVID-19 vaccine to protect the most vulnerable has been further highlighted with several recent outbreaks declared locally. Most recently, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at Pius XII Catholic School, following three associated cases, and at Summit Human Services (group home), a congregate living setting, following the report of one case of COVID-19 in a staff member.

January 21:

Public Health provides a reminder about rules for opening home-based food businesses. Read more here.

The Ontario government recently announced its support for home-based food businesses during COVID-19 by providing a guide on how to start a home-based food business, which includes an overview of public health requirements that need to be followed as a food operator.  Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding prospective food business operators that per legislation, they must first notify the Medical Officer of Health.

Under provincial legislation, operators of food premises, including home-based businesses, must notify the Medical Officer of Health of their intention to prepare food for the public. Notification can be completed in writing by using the notice of intent to operate a food premises application form. Once Public Health receives notification for a home-based food business, a public health inspector reviews the operator’s intentions and then inspects the premises for compliance with provincial food safety legislation. Public health inspectors will work with owners and operators of home-based food businesses to ensure that food is prepared in a safe and sanitary manner to prevent cases of food-borne illness.

Home-based businesses are only permitted to prepare low risk food items. Prospective home-based food business operators should also contact their municipalities with regards to any necessary zoning, licensing, building, and/or fire requirements.

January 20:

Virtual Emergency Department at Health Sciences North accepting appointments for workplace injuries. Read more here.

Aside from the general public, Health Sciences North’s Virtual Emergency Department service is now accessible to Occupational Health and Safety departments at enterprises and organizations in the Greater Sudbury area. Workplace injuries that often end up in the Emergency Department can easily be solved via this service and it can minimize time lost on the job. The doctors can send prescriptions to a local pharmacy or any other service they would render in person.

The Virtual Emergency Department was launched on December 16, 2020 by HSN. It allows individuals to secure same-day appointments with one of the Emergency Department physicians, all without the hassle of coming into the hospital, every weekday, Monday to Friday.  HSN’s Virtual ED service is available from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and appointments can be booked from 7:00 am.

 

January 18:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts Declares COVID-19 Outbreak in École St-Denis school in Greater Sudbury. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in École St-Denis school (Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon) in Greater Sudbury after a second person tested positive for the virus. This individual is linked to a previously reported positive case in the school.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts reports two COVID-19 deaths related to Amberwood Suites outbreak and declares outbreaks at the Elizabeth Centre and Extendicare Falconbridge in Greater Sudbury. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting two additional deaths related to COVID-19 in the service area. Both deaths are in relation to the outbreak declared at Amberwood Suites retirement home in Greater Sudbury. These deaths are the second and third losses associated with the declared outbreak. Both Amberwood Suites residents passed away in hospital.

January 15:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts releases its Vaccination Rollout Plan. Read more here.

On January 15, Public Health Sudbury & Districts released its COVID-19 vaccination plan. The local vaccination plan will be implemented in three phases and will follow the guidelines of Ontario’s Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan. The three phases of the plan include:

  • Phase 1 (January to March): vaccines will be offered to residents of congregate living for seniors like long-term care homes and high-risk retirement homes including staff and essential care givers; health care workers; adult (16+) First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations; and adult chronic home care recipients (16+).
  • Phase 2 (April to August): essential workers; adults aged 60+; staff and residents of additional congregate settings for example shelters and group homes; at-risk populations; and remaining adults aged 16 to 59 will be able to get vaccinated.
  • Phase 3 (September and ongoing): all remaining eligible populations who wish to be vaccinated will be able to do so.

PHSD aims to achieve a coverage level of at least 75% of eligible recipients in the service area within the prescribed timeframe, while respecting provincial direction on vaccine recipient sequencing. Public Health staff, community paramedicine, primary care providers, hospitals, and pharmacies are all anticipated to be involved in vaccinating eligible residents in predetermined clinics and locations.

PHSD will use three main approaches for vaccination: mobile vaccination, primarily to be used to vaccinate long-term care homes and retirement homes; mass vaccination clinics, primarily to be used to vaccinate the general population; and practice-based clinics, such as primary care offices and pharmacies. The approaches will be selected and adapted to match factors such as vaccine supply, eligible population, community resources, and health provider capacity.

Read more about PHSD’s vaccination playbook here. Read more about Ontario’s Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan here.

December 16:

Health Sciences North Launches Virtual Emergency Department. Read more here.

Health Sciences North launched its Virtual Emergency Department this week, a first for a hospital in Northern Ontario. HSN’s Virtual ED service is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Patients with non-life threatening conditions can log onto www.hsnsudbury.ca/virtualed and fill out a form requesting a same-day appointment, in French or English, with an Emergency Department physician. Patients will be contacted by a nurse within an hour of submitting their request form to have their situation assessed. A time for a video appointment with a physician will then be confirmed if appropriate, or the patient may be advised to come to the Emergency Department for a visit in person if necessary.

The service is targeted towards people living in the area who would normally visit HSN’s Emergency Department. The Virtual ED has capacity to see up to 32 patients per day and is on a first-come, first served basis. Once these spaces have been filled, additional patients looking to access the Virtual ED will be directed to visit HSN’s Emergency Department in person.

The Ministry of Health has provided $250,000 in funding to help launch HSN’s Virtual ED as a way to improve access to care for patients of Northeastern Ontario.

December 11:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts Prepares for the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more here.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is preparing for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in area communities. With Health Canada’s recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine and several other vaccines undergoing federal review, all three levels of government are preparing for vaccine distribution. Public Health is leading the local collaborative planning that it will take to actually get the vaccine into people’s arms.

To date, Public Health has hosted two initial meetings with area leaders from health care, municipal, policing, and pharmacy sectors, as well as with Indigenous health representatives. These initial planning sessions—one for Greater Sudbury and one for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts—mark the beginning of local discussions of the distinct factors that need to be considered for vaccine rollout in the area. Given the rapid developments and frequent announcements, participants shared updates from their various sectors. Among other topics, early consideration was given to coordinate efforts for vaccine storage, delivery, distribution, and administration, as well as communication and ensuring unique issues of geography, accessibility, and equity are taken into consideration.

December 3:

Read Public Health Sudbury & Districts’s weekly COVID-19 update here.

The following is a summary of how the status of COVID-19 has changed in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area over the last seven days up to end of day December 2, 2020: 5 new cases, 11 cases were resolved, 0 deaths occurred. At end of day December 2, 2020, there were 8 active cases in our service area, all of whom are self-isolating. COVID-19 has led to a total of 232 local cases of which 224 are resolved. Two people have died in our service area.

November 25:

Read Public Health Sudbury & Districts latest newsletter here.

November 18:

HSN COVID-19 Assessment Centre Moving to 2050 Regent Street.

HSN’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre is moving from the Health Sciences North Research Institute to a new location in the south end of Sudbury at 2050 Regent Street, next to Buzzy Brown’s Brasserie, and across from the South End Public Library. Patients booked for testing appointments will begin going to the new site to be tested on November 19th. The new location will allow for an improved approach to testing with the arrival of cold and snowy winter weather.

Despite moving to a new location, the process for getting tested for COVID-19 remains the same. Walk-ins are not allowed. Patients will need to book an appointment to be tested either by filling out a form at www.hsnsudbury.ca or by calling 705-671-7373. They will be referred to the new HSN site or to NEOMO or Primacy Clinics for testing.

Staff with the COVID-19 Assessment Centre will provide clear directions to patients on how to access the new site when they call to book their appointments. When going to the new site for testing, patients are asked to enter the new site via the lights at Regent Street and Old Burwash Road, next to Buzzy Brown’s Brasserie.

November 16:

Message from Public Health Sudbury & Districts:

Beginning Monday, November 16, Public Health Sudbury & Districts will change how COVID-19 cases are reported for our service area. The changes are being made to streamline our processes while at the same time ensure the public has timely access to important public health information.

Public Health will post updated data regarding new positive cases as well as any other COVID-19 related data on our website twice daily by 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and once daily at 4 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays. For the most current local data, please visit phsd.ca/covid-19/data. Individual public service announcements for positive cases will no longer be issued or posted on social media.

Public Health will also post a new weekly summary of any key developments, timely public health guidance, and relevant announcements. The weekly summary will be available online and shared proactively on social media and with local media every Thursday.

Further COVID-19 data and analyses continue to be available on Public Health’s website within the detailed epidemiology summary, which will now be published twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. These reports include information about cases over time, case characteristics (for example, age, sex), probable exposures, case outcomes, testing, and outbreaks in facilities.

Please note that in addition to the twice daily data updates, weekly summaries, and twice weekly detailed epidemiology summaries, we will immediately issue public notices if there are any urgent developments for public awareness or action.

Public Health will continue to report outbreaks in schools and long-term care homes. We also report community outbreaks or possible exposures for which Public Health is unable to contact everyone directly to advise them of their potential exposure to COVID-19.

Our commitment is to protect the health of our communities, keep our communities informed, and ensure individuals’ rights to privacy are protected.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

November 10:

Message from Public Health Sudbury & Districts:

Dear Owners and Operators of Businesses and Organizations within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area:

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, the Ontario Government announced the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open. This document examines the risk factors by public health unit jurisdiction and classifies each area into one of five levels:

  1. Green—Prevent (standard measures)
  2. Yellow—Protect, (strengthened measures)
  3. Orange—Restrict (intermediate measures)
  4. Red—Control (stringent measures)
  5. Lockdown (a measure of last and urgent resort)

The Ontario Government will be reexamining each area regularly to see if the risk is increasing or decreasing, resulting in a change to the level.

On Saturday, November 7, 2020, the Ontario Government announced which category each public health unit jurisdiction is in. The list can be seen at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open. Currently, Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area is in the Green—Prevent category.

Additionally, changes were made to regulations under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17.  These changes were also enacted on November 7, 2020.

Local owners and operators are expected to be familiar with, and ensure that their business or organization is operating in compliance with:

While the published Regulation has not yet been consolidated, Public Health Sudbury & Districts recommends that owners and operators carefully review this and other important information within the related table at https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information. Once consolidated, the regulation will be posting on this site.

Please note that the restrictions listed at each level are cumulative. Therefore, the restrictions at Green are in place in the Yellow, Orange, Red, and Lockdown categories unless a more restrictive rule is introduced at the higher level. Similarly, Orange category restrictions apply to Red and Lockdown unless there is a more restrictive rule.

As mentioned, Ontario Regulation 364/20 applies to levels Green, Yellow, and Orange.  The points below highlight some of the changes in the revised Regulation, as well as information to help you interpret the Regulation – note that this is not a comprehensive list:

  • Many types of businesses will require a safety plan which will be required to be available to the public, at their request, as well as posting the plan where the public can easily see it. Although the plan is normally required at the Yellow—Protect level, Public Health Sudbury & Districts strongly recommends completing it before the area is placed into the yellow level. Provincial guidance for the safety plan, Develop Your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/develop-your-covid-19-workplace-safety-plan.
  • In general, the mask use requirement has not changed significantly from the previous version of the regulation. As in the past, mask use is required within indoor establishments; however, the requirement has been added that if a person provides services, within 2 metres, to another person who is not wearing a mask and is not separated by plexiglass, then the person providing services must wear a mask as well as eye protection.This will affect staff in bars and restaurants and personal service settings. Some specific businesses have additional requirements.
  • If food or drink is served in the premises, you are required to follow the same restrictions as restaurants and bars plus your own setting restrictions. Based on Regulation 364/20, the following types of business fall under this requirement:  meeting or event spaces, food courts, cinemas, performing arts facilities, drive ins, casinos, bingo halls, gaming establishments, nightclubs, museums, strip clubs, bathhouses, and sex clubs.
  • Hours of operation and alcohol service are restricted at the Yellow level and above. Owners and operators should check the regulation to see if the restrictions apply to their setting.
  • Requirements have been added to define an outdoor dining area.
  • Various types of premises are responsible to ensure that patrons lining up or congregating outside the establishment maintain 2 metre separation and wear face coverings.
  • At the Green—Prevent level, any premises which are required to follow the restaurant and bar restrictions, must record one person’s name and contact information from each group and the information must be kept and made available to Public Health if requested. At the Yellow—Protect level, these facilities and others are required to record of all patrons who enter the establishment’s names and contact information which must be kept and made available to Public Health if requested. Although not required under Regulation 364/20, Public Health Sudbury & Districts strongly recommends that any facility type that is required to record all patron names and contact information at the Yellow—Protect level, do so at the Green—Prevent level as well.

Note again that these points do not cover all of the changes in the legislation, and we strong urge you to carefully review the regulations to determine how your premises is affected. If you have any questions, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 748 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

October 15:

On October 3, 2020 the Government of Ontario made changes to O. Reg. 364/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 3 under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200364/v14 requiring mandatory face coverings in businesses and organizations in Ontario:

Schedule 1 section 2

(4) The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person in the indoor area of the premises of the business or organization, or in a vehicle that is operating as part of the business or organization, wears a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period when they are in the indoor area unless the person in the indoor area,

(a) is a child who is younger than two years of age;

(b) is attending a school or private school within the meaning of the Education Act that is operated in accordance with a return to school direction issued by the Ministry of Education and approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health;

(c) is attending a child care program at a place that is in compliance with the child care re-opening guidance issued by the Ministry of Education;

(d) is receiving residential services and supports in a residence listed in the definition of “residential services and supports” in subsection 4 (2) of the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008;

(e) is in a correctional institution or in a custody and detention program for young persons in conflict with the law;

(f) is performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance;

(g) has a medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering;

(h) is unable to put on or remove their mask or face covering without the assistance of another person;

(i) needs to temporarily remove their mask or face covering while in the indoor area,

(i) to receive services that require the removal of their mask or face covering,

(ii) to engage in an athletic or fitness activity,

(iii) to consume food or drink, or

(iv) as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety;

(j) is being accommodated in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005;

(k) is being reasonably accommodated in accordance with the Human Rights Code; or

(l) performs work for the business or organization, is in an area that is not accessible to members of the public and is able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person while in the indoor area.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply with respect to premises that are used as a dwelling if the person responsible for the business or organization ensures that persons in the premises who are not entitled to an exception set out in subsection (4) wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin in any common areas of the premises in which persons are unable to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other persons.

(6) For greater certainty, it is not necessary for a person to present evidence to the person responsible for a business or place that they are entitled to any of the exceptions set out in subsection (4).

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has received a number of questions regarding staff, particularly cashiers, that are behind plexiglass.  In consultation with the provincial government, PHSD have been informed that the barrier does not constitute an exemption so workers behind the barrier will still be required to wear a mask if within 6 feet or 2 meters of a customer or other staff member.

If you have any questions please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 748.

September 8:

Digital Parking Permits Now Available for Monthly Municipal Parking. Read more here.

Enforcement at the 13 municipal parking lots downtown will resume on October 1, after being put on hold due to COVID-19. To make municipal parking more accessible to users a new payment option is now available for monthly parking through HotSpot. The app allows drivers to pay online or with a mobile device using their license plate number, lot number and a credit card or visa debit. Hourly parking will continue through the pay and display machines.

August 21:

Residential garbage bag limit changing on September 14, 2020.

Effective September 14, 2020, the weekly residential garbage bag limit will return to one bag per household. The City of Greater Sudbury temporarily increased the limit to four bags on March 27 to assist residents during the provincial state of emergency. On June 8, the garbage bag limit was changed to two bags as part of a gradual return to the one-bag limit.

The collection of Blue Box recycling, Green Cart organics, leaf and yard trimmings, and large furniture, appliances and electronics remains unlimited.

July 30:

Health Sciences North Re-introduces Visitor Restrictions for the Emergency Department.

Increases in patient volumes, combined with an increase in the number of visitors who are coming to the ED, are making it extremely difficult to maintain physical distancing requirements in the waiting room. As the safety of patients, caregivers, staff and physicians is our number one priority, HSN is re-introducing visitor restrictions for the Emergency Department as of July 30th. No Visitors/Care Partners are allowed at HSN’s Emergency Department until further notice, except where circumstances require special consideration. Special consideration for 1 care partner may include: 

  • patients very ill or at risk of imminent death – 1 care partner
  • Child or youth – 1 care partner
  • patients with communication, physical or cognitive impairments or those experiencing mental health crisis preventing the appropriate provision of care – 1 care partner

HSN requires all patients and visitors coming to HSN to wear a mask as an added step to reduce the spread of germs and protect vulnerable patients. Handmade masks are acceptable as are those available at retailers in our community. Patients will still be seen in our Emergency Department, regardless if they are wearing a mask. Patients going for a procedure where they must remove their mask will be asked to store it with their personal items.

July 16:

Public Health Sudbury & Districts: Building on success: Stage 3 COVID-19 reopening. Read more here.

Effective Friday, July 17, 2020 (12:01 a.m.), even more businesses, organizations, and public spaces will be permitted to reopen in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is one of the areas permitted to proceed to Stage 3 of the Framework for Reopening our Province, announced by the Ontario Government on Monday.

“It is reassuring and truly remarkable how so many people in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts have rallied together to gradually and safely reopen throughout this area. The sacrifices, investments, and commitment of businesses and community members alike have allowed us to transition to Stage 3,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “You have stayed home, kept your two-metres distance, created your safe social circle, washed your hands, and put on a face covering . . . all these individual actions have added up to great success in keeping COVID-19 at bay. Area businesses have stepped up to reopen safely—often at significant financial cost. So, thumbs up to all for putting the brakes on the virus and the accelerator on local reopening!” added Dr. Sutcliffe.

As part of the Stage 3 reopening, Public Health has issued revised instructions under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). These update the Stage 2 instructions, and now, all businesses and organizations must require face coverings for members of the public and employees to enter and remain in enclosed public spaces. Distancing, masking, and other requirements continue to be in place for indoor spaces that are only accessed by employees.

“Exemptions to face covering requirements, such as those based on health conditions or age, continue to be in force and businesses are not to require any proof of exemption,” said Dr. Sutcliffe. “Businesses are expected to act in “good faith” with public education being an important goal. They also must have policies, signage, verbal reminders, and hand sanitizer in place,” added Dr. Sutcliffe.

The Stage 3 changes in effect on Friday allow for nearly all businesses and public spaces to gradually reopen provided they implement additional public health and health and safety protocols.

With Stage 3, gathering limits will increase:

  • Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people.
  • Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people.
  • Participants at all gatherings, unless in the same social circle (up to 10 people), must maintain two-metres distance apart.

Public Health continues to work closely with area businesses and organizations to provide support and answer questions. A number of new workplace resources are available at phsd.ca/COVID-19, including a toolkit that offers sample policies and signage, as well as frequently asked questions and answers.

Members of the public are reminded to continue to follow public health recommendations. Continue to practise physical distancing, wear a face covering when distancing is not possible or when in enclosed public spaces, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, and cover your cough or sneeze. Continue to be patient, kind and respectful as we all do our part and safely navigate this next stage together.

If you have a COVID-19 symptom, get tested. People who are asymptomatic, who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19, or those who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment are also encouraged to contact an assessment centre and get tested.

For more information or if you have questions or concerns, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

July 8:

Tom Davies Square to Reopen on July 13. Read more here.

Effective Monday, July 13, the City of Greater Sudbury will reopen Tom Davies Square to the public. The facility has been closed since mid-March, in line with other COVID-19 closures, with limited services available by appointment only.

Tom Davies Square will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public access will be limited to the main floor, including the public washrooms. Available services will include:

In order to minimize line-ups, residents are encouraged to continue to use online services and to make an appointment through 311 before visiting Tom Davies Square. A full list of online services can be found at www.greatersudbury.ca/eservices.

July 7:

Face Coverings Required at City Facilities and GOVA Transit. Read more here.

In accordance with instructions by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, residents will be required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask when visiting any indoor City facility or when using GOVA Transit, effective Wednesday, July 8, 2020.

As announced by Public Health, all public transit and business owners and operators in Sudbury and districts must have policies in place to stop people from entering if they are not wearing a face covering. These instructions were issued under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to ramp up efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

July 2:

Effective July 8, 2020, all business owners and operators in Sudbury and districts must have policies in place to stop people from entering if they are not wearing a mask or face covering. These instructions were issued under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to ramp up efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Read Dr. Penny Sutcliffe’s letter about mask guidelines to Sudbury employers here.

See the Public Health Unit’s Frequently Asked Questions list here.

June 18:

The City of Greater Sudbury has launched a new, user-friendly COVID-19 web portal to connect residents with the information, organizations and communities they can rely on during this challenging time. The City has gathered resources and activities from across the community to make it easier for residents to find ways of caring for their physical, mental and emotional health and to engage with others.

The City website offers helpful listings of services and organizations, and a linked engagement tool features events, businesses and opportunities to add your voice. Visit  www.greatersudbury.ca/COVID and overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca. Information will be refreshed frequently to ensure up-to-date information is available.

June 12:

PATIOS AND SIDEWALKS – INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES

The City of Greater Sudbury is offering a streamlined application process to local businesses with plans for new or expanded restaurant patios now permitted under Stage 2 of the provincial COVID-19 restart plan.

Business owners who have determined that an outdoor patio will generate positive returns are encouraged to review the Guidelines and submit their plans to the City using the online application form found on the City’s website here: www.greatersudbury.ca/municipalsupport.

The City has assembled a review team of municipal and external agencies, including Public Health Sudbury & Districts and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, to provide rapid response to applicants.

PLEASE NOTE: Restaurants that have traditionally opened existing built-in patios are able to do effective Friday, June 12 without additional approvals from the City.

All businesses must follow Public Health requirements for both staff and clients to operate a COVID-safe establishment, including physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection protocols.  Public Health Sudbury & Districts provides the following guidelines for physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting protocols:

https://www.phsd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/L_Food_Premises_Reopening_Letter_June_2020.pdf

https://www.ontario.ca/page/restaurant-and-food-services-health-and-safety-during-covid-19

Questions and inquiries can also be send to [email protected] for assistance. The City of Greater Sudbury offers assistance to all businesses through its dedicated Business Support Hotline at 705-690-9937.

June 9:

City of Greater Sudbury Launches Tourism Development Fund. Read more here.

The City of Greater Sudbury and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) are working together to launch a Tourism Development Fund with up to $1 million available for investment into private sector, public sector and non-profit proposals to increase visitation and overnight stays in the community. Revenue from the local Municipal Accommodation Tax has been building the investment fund since 2018.

The GSDC Tourism Development Committee will immediately begin accepting applications from local tourism operators with the support of the City’s Economic Development staff. When awarding proposals, they will consider opportunities to leverage funding from federal and provincial governments, as well as visitor experience and product development to increase numbers and length of stay.

Information is available online at investsudbury.ca/tdf and by email at [email protected]

June 2:

GOVA Preparing a Return to Regular Transit Services. Read more here.

Beginning Monday, June 15, front-door boarding and fare collection will resume on all GOVA Transit buses. Installation of temporary clear plastic shields in the operator area of all buses will physically distance employees and passengers boarding through the front doors and using the fare box.

Additional safety measures remain ongoing including:

  • enhanced cleaning of buses and regular sanitation of high touch surfaces,
  • availability of personal protective equipment for transit employees and
  • daily management of passenger capacity to support physical distancing.

Passengers are encouraged to follow recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health while travelling on public transit:

  • wear a facemask,
  • wash hands frequently and
  • practice physical distancing.

June 1:

City Reduces Garbage Bag Limit to 2 by June 8. Read more here.

Effective June 8, the weekly residential garbage bag limit will change from four bags to two bags per household.

The City of Greater Sudbury temporarily increased the limit to four bags on March 26 to assist residents during the closure of landfill sites. Following the reopening of landfills on May 15, the City is gradually moving back to the regular one-bag limit. A date for changing from two bags to one has not been set.

May 27:

City of Greater Sudbury Extends Property Tax Payments to July 2. Read more here.

Penalties and interest on late payments will not be charged if amounts owed for the April 2, 2020, interim property tax deadline are paid by July 2. The original extension was to June 4. The deadline for final 2020 property taxes is anticipated to be delayed until early fall. The revised schedule is being determined and will be shared at a later date.

Property owners enrolled in the pre-authorized tax payment plan who feel they may have difficulty meeting the payment can call 705-674-4455, extension 2601 to review available options.

City of Greater Sudbury Preparing Reopening Guidelines. Read more here.

As the Province’s COVID-19 restart plans move forward, the City is developing several measures to make it easier for small businesses to open storefront retail operations, and to help the restaurant and hospitality industry open sidewalk patios and cafes, once permitted to do so.

The City will waive permit fees associated with use of storefronts for sidewalk sales and related uses. The City will also waive fees for patios and sidewalk cafes, once these amenities are permitted under the provincial restart plan. Processes for applications and inspections by the municipality will be simplified and streamlined to ensure local businesses can quickly set up shop once the Province gives the green light.

The City is working closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to prepare appropriate guidelines and requirements that businesses must follow as part of their plans for expansion to the outdoors.

Details to support businesses in the creation of outdoor spaces will be available in conjunction with provincial announcements. This work will further strengthen the city’s readiness for economic recovery from COVID-19.

May 26:

City of Greater Sudbury Implements Initiatives to Mitigate Financial Impacts of COVID-19. Read more here.

The City of Greater Sudbury is implementing several measures to mitigate the financial deficit caused by COVID-19. Today the City announces it will not be proceeding with its summer student hiring program. It will also extend its program to defer hiring for vacant full-time positions.

As a result of the cancellation of the summer student program, which sees the hiring of 280 seasonal, part-time employees, the following services will be affected:

  • All City-run summer camps and programs are cancelled, including neighbourhood association day camps.
  • No lifeguard supervision will take place at municipal beaches.
  • Parks, trails, sports fields and other recreational areas and open spaces will be maintained to ensure public safety, however services may be delayed. This means grass cutting, garbage cleanup and other general maintenance activities may take longer than usual.
  • All museums will remain closed. At this time, provincial orders state that museums are not permitted to open.

Residents who have prepaid for summer programming will be automatically refunded. If you have not received your refund by June 12, please call 311. The elimination of the summer student program avoids costs of $1.7 million, which will instead be directed toward reducing the projected COVID-19 deficit.

May 21:

City of Greater Sudbury to Reopen Some Outdoor Facilities.

As part of the safe and gradual reopening of public facilities and services, and in line with the first stage of the Province’s reopening framework, the City of Greater Sudbury is reopening a number of its outdoor recreational amenities over the coming days.

Safety Reminders

  • Physical distancing rules are still in effect. Stay two metres away from people who are not part of your household.
  • Limit gatherings to groups of five or less. This does not apply a gathering of more than five people who live in the same household.
  • The City will monitor the use of these spaces, and signage will be in place to remind users of the rules.
  • Where there are concerns that people are not practising physical distancing, or where the number of users creates a situation where it is not manageable, the City will further review and implement changes as necessary.

The opening of permitted recreational facilities will be done over the next several days, as Parks staff work to inspect and ensure safety of sites, remove barriers, replace signage and place garbage containers.

May 14:

City of Greater Sudbury Reopens Landfill Sites. Read more here.

Effective Friday, May 15, 2020, the City of Greater Sudbury will reopen landfill sites to the public.

The Sudbury, Azilda and Hanmer landfills will be open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sites are closed on certain statutory holidays, such as Victoria Day, Monday, May 18. The Walden Small Vehicle Transfer Station will be open Monday to Friday, from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is closed on certain statutory holidays, such as Victoria Day, Monday, May 18.

In order to maintain physical distancing, only four to six vehicles will be permitted onsite at a time. Residents should be prepared for longer than usual wait times at all sites. The City has set up a live camera at the Sudbury landfill site so that residents can see how busy it is before they make the trip. Check out the live feed at www.greatersudbury.ca/landfill-livestream.

May 12:

City of Greater Sudbury Reopens Boat Launches. Read more here.

Effective Wednesday, May 13, 2020, all municipal boat launches will reopen to the public.

This decision aligns with recent directives from the Province for the reopening of some seasonal and outdoor businesses and services, including permitting private marinas to allow people to access their properties. Formerly, access to private marinas was only permitted to people with primary residences.

April 15:

City of Greater Sudbury Estimates $4 million in Lost Revenue and Costs Due to COVID-19. Read the full story here.

  • The $4 million is broken down into three parts – approximately $2 million in lost revenues, approximately $1.5 million in budgeted costs intended for other services but redirected to the COVID-19 response, and approximately $0.5 million in additional, unplanned costs directly related to the COVID-19 response.

April 14:

Health Sciences North Adds Second Testing Site

  • New: HSN is building more testing capacity for COVID-19 in the Sudbury area by adding a third location where patients can be swabbed. Primacy Medical Centre, located at 1485 Lasalle Boulevard, will start swabbing patients for COVID-19 on Wednesday, with extended operating hours between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm. Primacy Medical will be using a drive-through model to swab patients. Patients will not be going into the pharmacy for testing.
  • New: Patients may now be tested at one of the following three locations:
    • COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 56 Walford Road, with additional drive-through testing option, (9am-5pm 7 days/week)
    • NEOMO Medical at 885 Prete Street (8am-4pm 7 days/week).
    • New: Drive-Through testing at Primacy Medical Centre, 1485 Lasalle Boulevard, (11:00am-9:00pm 7days/week)
  • All three Greater Sudbury COVID-19 assessment options are by appointment only. They are designed to protect health workers and patients alike from being exposed to the virus. For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited. All patients must continue to first be assessed by phone by an HSN nurse by calling 705-671-7373 if they have any of the following symptoms
    • Fever or chills
    • Sore throat
    • New onset or worsening fatigue
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • New onset or worsening cough
    • Headache
    • Loss of appetite
    • Runny nose
    • Muscle aches
    • Nausea or diarrhea
    • Shortness of breath

April 9:

Health Sciences North Ramping Up Testing.

  • New: Following calls from Premier Doug Ford to ramp up testing efforts across the province, HSN plans to tests hundreds of more people for COVID-19 in the coming weeks.
  • New: As part of increased testing efforts, HSN will be introducing an additional drive-thru testing option at COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 56 Walford Road, beginning on Friday, April 10th. The site is designed to protect health workers and patients alike from being exposed to the virus.
  • The COVID-19 Assessment Centre (including the drive-through screening) is by appointment only. For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited.
  • If you have ANY of the following symptoms, call the Assessment Center at 705-671-7373:
    • Fever or chills
    • Sore Throat
    • New onset or worsening fatigue
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • New onset or worsening cough
    • Headache
    • Loss of appetite
    • Runny Nose
    • Muscle aches
    • Nausea or Diarrhea
    • Shortness of Breath

If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history. 

April 6:

City of Greater Sudbury Declares State of Emergency. Read Mayor Brian Bigger’s statement here.

March 29:

City of Greater Sudbury Temporarily Closes Playgrounds and Park Amenities to Support Physical Distancing Measures. Read more here.

March 26:

Greater Sudbury Development Corporation Launches Business Support Hotline: 705-690-9937

  • A dedicated staff person has been assigned to answer these calls and will endeavour to provide first call resolution where possible for many frequently asked questions. The Hotline Operator will ask the caller questions about the impact COVID 19 is having on their business and input the results into a database. Other callers with more specific questions will be routed to the appropriate subject matter experts.
  • Support is also available by emailing [email protected]
  • Hotline is open 8:30-4:30 pm from Monday to Friday

Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation Changes Financing Policies in Response to COVID-19. Read more here.

  • In response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic and given these uncertain times for businesses in our community, the Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation is prepared to offer to our existing clients the following measure of assistance: Effective April 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, we will suspend the accrual of interest and postpone payments on loans.
  • For more information contact Rainer Paull at [email protected]

March 25:

City Council Extends Garbage Bag Limit. Read more here.

  • City Council has approved a temporarily increase in the garbage bag limit from one bag to two, effective immediately. This change will be in effect until the end of the provincial emergency declaration.

March 23:

City Council Meeting on March 24 Will be Closed to the Public. Read more here.

March 19:

Tom Davies Square Closed to the Public; Property Tax Payments Deferred to June 4, 2020. Read more here.

  • Access to the following services will be by appointment only:
    • Ontario Works
    • Housing Registry
    • Building Services
    • Planning Services
    • By-law Services
  • Tax Payments: Late payments for the April 2, 2020, tax due date will not attract interest or late payment penalties until June 4, 2020.

March 16:

City of Greater Sudbury Suspends All Public Programs and Closes Public Facilities. Read more here.