NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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On advice of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and as declared by the Province, municipalities in the Simcoe Muskoka area including the City of Barrie will move from the Red-Control level to the Grey-Lockdown level of COVID-19 restrictions, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021.
The Grey level means maximum, widescale measures and restrictions, including closures. A state of emergency, which was declared by Mayor Jeff Lehman on March 23, 2020, remains in effect for the City of Barrie.
Due to the COVID variant in our community, the SMDHU strongly advises that Barrie residents:
- stay home except for essential items or work, medicine or school
- avoid all social gatherings
- limit close contacts to household only
- work from home if possible
- avoid all travel
- stay home when sick
What does this mean for residents? The following limitation framework is in place as part of the Grey level in Barrie. Please note the following is subject to additional input or further restrictions by the SMDHU. Previous measures remain in effect and now also include the following:
Organized public events, gatherings and weddings, funerals and religious services:
- No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household. Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household.
- 10 person limit for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings, if physical distancing can be maintained.
- 10 people indoors or 10 people outdoors for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services, where physical distancing can be maintained. Virtual and drive-in events and religious services, rites or ceremonies are permitted.
Restaurants and bars
- Local restaurants and bars are closed for indoor and outdoor service. Take out, drive through and delivery service is permitted, including alcohol.
Sports and recreational facilities/Outdoor recreation
- Facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness activities are closed except for:
- the sole use of high-performance athletes including parasport athletes, and specified professional leagues
- specified purposes like vaccination clinics, day camps, childcare, and social services
- Outdoor recreational amenities (ice rinks, ski hills, snow trails) can be open with restrictions (no sports teams)
Meeting and event spaces
- Meeting/event spaces are closed with limited exceptions for childcare and day camps, court services, government services, and mental health and addiction support services. There may only be a maximum of 10 people if spaces are open for these specified services.
Retail stores, hotels and personal care services:
- In-person shopping is permitted for all retail, subject to capacity limits of:
- 50 per cent for supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies
- 25 per cent for all other retail, including discount and big box retailers, liquor stores, hardware stores and garden centres
- Curbside pick-up and delivery at retails stores is permitted.
- Stores must post their capacity limit and must have passive screening for patrons (indoor malls are required to actively screen their customers before they enter the mall)
- Individuals in retail stores must physically distance and wear a face covering.
- No loitering is allowed in shopping malls, and stores within the malls are subject to appropriate retail measures.
- Personal care services must be closed.
- Hotels can operate but pools, fitness centres and meeting rooms must be closed.
Updates to City services and facilities
The City's customer service centre, Service Barrie, will remain open for in-person, pre-booked appointments. Email [email protected] or call 705-726-4242 to book an appointment or if you have questions. Residents are encouraged to continue to use the City's online services to easily apply for small building permits, pay for parking or speeding tickets, and more.
The City’s recreation locations (Allandale, East Bayfield and Holly Community Centres) will be closed for use of the pool, ice and fitness centre, as well as in-person fitness classes. Virtual Recreation classes are available at play.barrie.ca and effective March 1, there is a new, low-cost monthly pass available for virtual classes.
The Barrie Public Library will be open for low-contact pick-up of holds, 24/7 returns; restrictions apply. Online programs continue.
See the province's COVID-19 Response Framework for a full list of measures. Visit the Health Unit’s website for detailed and up-to-date information on the local situation.
Vaccination information
For details about the local COVID vaccination clinics that open in Barrie starting March 1, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org. Vaccinations will be done by appointment only for priority groups, beginning with people over 85.
Additional resources:
- Service Barrie: [email protected] or 705-726-4242
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: 705-721-7520 or simcoemuskokahealth.org/
- Ontario 211: Community and Social Services: call 211 or visit communityconnection.ca
- Barrie Police Service Non-Emergency Line: 705-725-7025
- Canadian Mental Health Association: cmha.ca
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpphone.ca
- Barrie and Area Healthcare options: barriehealth.ca/
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