Supporting workers and their families in Durham Region during COVID-19

Whitby, Ontario – As Durham Region’s community and economy face challenging times, The Regional Municipality of Durham is reassuring residents that their health and safety remains the top priority, as resources are being poured into the COVID-19 response. The situation continues to evolve and is constantly being re-evaluated by the Region.

Based on the provincial order issued today, asking businesses to close, there will be major impacts to business owners, workers and families. The Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division has been in close communication with all of Durham’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, as well as local-tier economic development teams.

Jointly, this group has circulated a brief survey to Durham’s business community collecting feedback on the impacts they are facing, in order to know how to best support them moving forward. Durham’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are responding to the needs of businesses by providing a wide variety of useful information and resources to their members. The Region is working on strategies to promote the support of local businesses, while ensuring that residents are still social distancing and preventing transmission. Staff are working to promote a variety of no-contact delivery options available to residents for locally produced food.

Durham Region residents should follow trusted sources of information to stay informed. For a full list of impacts to Regional programs and services, visit durham.ca/closures. Get the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region at durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.

Quotes

“As we navigate through this unpredictable and challenging time, the health and safety of those within the region remains our highest priority. It is in these times that our strengths shine through and we see how our communities come together. The people and businesses are what help to make our Region so vibrant. That's why I encourage everyone to take a moment: be a good neighbor and check in on your loved ones often, utilizing digital channels or phone to stay connected. In the community, the Region is doing everything it can to support our local businesses. This includes advocating for immediate financial support—for all businesses and their employees—from the provincial and federal governments. We will get through this—together.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“The COVID-19 landscape is extremely fluid and fast-paced. I want to assure the community that the decisions we have made, and the information we have shared, is based on the professional guidance of our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle. As our leading medical professional, we appreciate and support his advice. He takes his direction from the province; providing all of us with expert guidance that is based on recommendations and facts related to COVID-19. We trust his health-related advice and appreciate his dedication to the people of Durham Region. I want to assure everyone that our medical professionals and first responders are working in unison, 24-7 to protect Durham Region. My heartfelt thanks goes out to them, the health care workers and staff who are working around the clock to keep our community safe.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

– 30 –

For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.