Guelph warns of increased crowd enforcement at stores, malls

Bylaw officials in Guelph say shoppers and stores can expect to see more inspectors out and about this holiday season.

The city says it will increase inspections to ensure stores are following guidance from the province and public health. That incudes having hand sanitizer at every entrance, limiting the number of customers inside and ensuring people can stay two meters apart. As well, employees and shoppers "should be wearing masks as required."

"The city is prepared to issue fines for significant or repeat violations. Fines for violating a provincial order under the Emergency Measures Act can range from $750 to $100,000," the city noted.

Doug Godfrey, general manager of the city's operations department, says staff are hearing concerns about people coming to Guelph from other areas that are in the "red zone" or lockdown of the province's COVID-19 framework to shop. Guelph, along with Wellington County and Dufferin County, are currently in the "orange zone."

"No matter where people are from, they should be following guidelines from public health officials to keep themselves and others safe," Godfrey said.

Shop local, chamber says

In the same release warning about increased inspections,Shakiba Shayani, president and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, urges people to shop local.

"Local businesses are the livelihood of our community and supporting local has never been more important," Shayani said.

"We applaud businesses in Guelph who have pivoted their operations to ensure a safe customer experience, including options for shopping online and curbside pickup. We encourage all businesses to continue to implement the recommended safety protocols outlined by public health."

Cases rising

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported 20 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday and there are 150 active cases in the communities.

Medical officer of health Dr. Nicola Mercer reminded people to "remain vigilant" as the virus circulates in the community.

"As a community, we want to stay as open as possible, support local businesses and keep all of us safe. To do that, we need to continue to adhere to the public health measures that protect the patrons and staff of our local businesses," Mercer said.