Hello everyone,
The provincial government announced on Oct. 16 that as of 12:01 a.m. Oct. 19, modified Stage 2 restrictions are in place for York Region for at least 28 days.
Although we are allowed In-person teaching and instruction (e.g. cooking class) for 10 people indoors, in the interest of continuing to prioritize your health and safety I am implementing the following changes to Knitting Therapy and Specialty Classes.
· Reduction of the number of people attending classes from 8 to 6;
· Effective November 2nd 2020, addition of Monday morning and afternoon Knitting Therapy classes from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
o Note 1: We are two weeks away from the current Knitting Therapy classes ending. In the event 8 participants show up on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s or Friday’s a minimum of two participants will be redirected to my home for their knitting enjoyment.
o Note 2: It is appreciated if you would let me know if you are interested in pre paying for the next Knitting Therapy sessions.
· Those that have prepaid for Knitting Therapy and Specialty Classes have first priority to available spaces. It is appreciated that you advise me on the days you do not plan to attend;
· Those that want to Drop In, please contact me in advance to determine if there is any available space. While I prefer not to, based on the restrictions, health and safety, if we are at capacity, I will have no choice but to deny access;
· Make up classes for missed Knitting Therapy and Specialty Classes will be on Monday afternoons only provided there is space. Prepaid participants have first priority. In the event there is no space we can discuss alternatives;
· Washroom Facilities will be redirected to the one located in my home; and
· Addition of one divider to accommodate 6 people.
As a reminder below is what is currently in place and will remain so:
· Mask must be worn. Exception includes people who can not wear a mask for medical reasons;
· Hand sanitizer will continue to be available;
· Frequent deep cleansing of all surfaces; and
· Adherence to municipal and provincial guidelines.
I appreciate your understanding and thank you for your continued support while we go through this pandemic and look forward to when we can open for business with no restrictions.
Until next time,
I hope you're still enjoying this lovely fall with all it's glorious colours and the clean up that goes with it!
Stay well and keep those needles and hooks moving!
Happy and Productive knitting
Gabriela
For your convenience, I have copied the modified stage 2 restrictions from the Your Region website.
Modified Stage 2 Restrictions
On October 16, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced modified Stage 2 restrictions for York Region, effective October 19 at 12:01 a.m. These modified Stage 2 restrictions will be for a minimum of 28 days and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
All businesses and public spaces that have re-opened must follow public health and workplace safety protocols. Some high-risk venues and activities must adhere to further restriction or remain closed until they can safely resume operations.
York Region has a number of resources available to support business and workplace as they reopen and resume service, which can be found below. For a complete list of resources, download the full Re-opening and Resuming Business during COVID-19 Toolkit.
New restrictions in modified Stage 2, effective October 19 include:
Reducing limits for all social gatherings and organized public events to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event;
Prohibiting indoor food and drink service in restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, including nightclubs and food court areas in malls;
Closing of:
Indoor gyms and fitness centres (i.e., exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms);
Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments;
Indoor cinemas;
Performing arts centres and venues;
Spectator areas in racing venues;
Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, etc.;
Prohibiting personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. makeup application, beard trimming)
Reducing the capacity limits for:
Tour and guide services to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
Real estate open houses to 10 people indoors, where physical distancing can be maintained.
In-person teaching and instruction (e.g. cooking class) to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, with exemptions for schools, child care centres, universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, private career colleges, the Ontario Police College, etc.
Meeting and event spaces to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, and
Limiting team sports to training sessions (no games or scrimmages).
Businesses and organizations must comply with any advice, recommendations and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19.