News Release: April 1, 2020
Region of Peel takes stronger steps to protect residents against COVID-19
Brampton, ON (April 1, 2020) - Effective immediately, the Region of Peel is taking even stronger steps to protect Peel residents and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Through a class order issued by the interim Medical Officer of Health under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (PDF), Peel Public Health will restrict the mobility of all residents with COVID-19, those considered probable cases and all associated close contacts. These individuals must stay in their homes for 14 days or risk daily fines up to $5,000.
"Our opportunity to flatten the curve is coming to an end. We must act now to save lives and protect our healthcare system and frontline workers," said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Interim Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. "We know that COVID-19 does not travel on its own; it is transmitted from person to person. These measures are intended to limit interactions that can spread the virus and break chains of transmission in our community."
Peel Public Health also strongly recommends that:
- All residents stay at home, leaving only once a week for essential reasons including groceries, medicines and medical appointments. Daily exercise should be done alone or with one family member, or to exercise a pet.
- Residents over the age of 70 stay at home, emerging only for solo exercise or essential needs (grocery, medications, or seeking healthcare). To the extent possible, they should rely on family and social supports to minimize interaction with others. This advice also applies to people who have underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Essential businesses that choose to remain open should work to limit access to their facilities and the number of occupants on their premises. They must also move their operations to delivery and pick-up as much as possible and maximize physical distancing, infection prevention and control practices, and cleaning.
- Essential businesses that choose to remain open should also consider active screening of their employees and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
When out, residents are reminded to practice physical distancing, avoid crowds and physical contact such as handshakes, and stay a safe distance of two metres from other people.
Residents can stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Peel by visiting peelregion.ca and following us on Twitter and Facebook at @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
For call-in media availability with Dr. Lawrence Loh between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. on April 1, please e-mail Lisa Dhillon at lisa.dhillon@peelregion.ca or 647-409-3056.
Media contacts
Lisa Dhillon
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 905-791-7800 ext. 4386
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
