Local Politicians Respond to Stage Two Announcement

Lots of people will be heading back to work in Niagara this Friday.

Niagara will enter stage two of reopening which means hair salons, shopping malls and restaurant patios will be able to reopen. 

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff says this progress is thanks to the hard work of residents. 

But he adds we must remain vigilant because the danger of COVID-19 has not disappeared. 

Niagara’s 12 mayors and Regional Chair Jim Bradley were also very happy to hear about yesterday's announcement. 

In a joint statement, they thank everyone for doing their part to prevent the spread of the virus and they encourage everyone to support local businesses. 

You can read the full statement below; 

“This afternoon the Premier of Ontario announced that Niagara would be moving to Stage 2 as of this Friday at 12:01 a.m. This means many businesses and public facilities may begin to reopen, but incorporating measures to prevent the spread of infection. 

This announcement means that COVID-19 in Niagara has been slowed to the point where some normal activities may resume, with the assurance that we continue to take steps to limit the spread of the virus. The decision to move Niagara into Stage 2 was made by the province based on local data around COVID-19, and included a consultation with our Medical Officer of Health. 

We are pleased to see this announcement and look forward to our economy safely reopening so people can get back to work without overwhelming our health care system. 

Thank you, Niagara 

We want to thank everyone for their tireless efforts to combat COVID-19. It is your commitment that is allowing us to reopen our community and economy. 

We know how frustrating, isolating and challenging it has been to miss your friends and loved ones. We know how hard it has been to miss a steady paycheque and to postpone or even cancel major life events. 

We thank our businesses making many sacrifices and we want them to know that we are looking at all options to support them through the recovery. 

We also want to thank our front-line health care workers, Public Health professionals and essential workers. You kept us safe, fed and informed during this challenging time. 

Taking the Next Steps Together 

As we move into Stage 2, we want you to remember to support your local businesses. Spending your hard-earned dollars at a local retailer, restaurant or attraction will make a difference as we move forward. 

While the threat of COVID-19 has not disappeared, you are encouraged to resume some normal activities should you feel safe to do so. Businesses across Niagara have spent the last several months preparing and they are doing everything possible to ensure their operations are as safe as possible. 

It is important to remember that while there is no way to avoid all risks, you can take steps to be safer. Remember to maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and remember to wear a face-covering when keeping a two-metre distance is not possible. Continue to stay home if you are not feeling well and get tested should you feel it is appropriate for you. 

We are starting to take steps to find our new normal and this means we cannot let our guard down. We all must work together to support each other and keep each other safe. 

Remember to do your part to stay safe, Niagara. We still have a long way to go, but we are confident we will make it together.”