The health and welfare of our staff, residents and visitors is a top priority for the City of Port Colborne as we continue to navigate the changing impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation and we are working closely with Niagara Region Public Health and the Government of Ontario to provide timely updates to the community. 

For COVID-19 statistics in Niagara, please visit Niagara Region Public Health's website. 

Vaccine Passport 

As of March 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter City facilities as per provincial guidelines. 

Vaccination Clinics
 

Niagara Region Public Health is currently hosting vaccination clinics across the region. Find out when you can expect to get your vaccine and see Niagara Region Public Health's COVID-19 vaccine clinic schedule.

For up-to-date information, including Niagara region COVID-19 stats, please visit their website. 

A reminder to all Niagara residents that you can take public transit for free to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, whether that's on Niagara Region Transit, NRT OnDemand or Niagara Specialized Transit! Plan your trip by visiting the Niagara Region's transit website. 

Let's Re-Connect: Accessing City Services 

Most city facilities have resumed in-person services, effective Feb. 28, 2022.

To learn more, visit our website. 

Let's Re-connect!

 

Mandatory Mask By-Law 

Effective March 21, 2022, masks are not required in city facilities as per provincial guidelines. 

 

Everyone is also reminded that while most mask mandates in the province are ending, masks are still required by the province in

  • Public transit
  • Health care settings
  • Long-term care and retirement homes
  • Congregate care settings

Masks are also still required if

  • You are infected with COVID-19 but are on day 6-10 of your infection and have been released from self-isolation
  • You are a contact of a confirmed case but are not required to isolate

 

For businesses and organizations who still wish to continue with masking in indoor spaces Niagara Region Public Health has updated signage available that can be printed and used. 

Business Community 

To continue to support local businesses, visit our business directory for contact information to learn about any changes to hours of operation, schedule appointments, or order take-out.

 

For information about guidelines, please visit the Government of Ontario website

 

Learn more about Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants and Programs here. 

 

Rapid Tests
To further support the province’s cautious easing of public health measures, Ontario is providing 5.5 million rapid tests each week to the general public for at-home use.
Starting Feb. 9, 2022, over 2,300 participating grocery and pharmacy locations will provide free rapid tests while supplies last, with a limit of 1 box of 5 tests per household per visit. For participating retailers: Ontario.ca/rapidtest

Lifting of the State of Emergency - March 15, 2022

Effective Tuesday, March 15 at 12:01 a.m., the City of Port Colborne, along with the Niagara Region and our fellow municipalities, officially ended the municipal States of Emergency that have been in place since April 3, 2020, as they are no longer necessary.

Read the Media Release here.

Watch the Mayor's video here. 

How can you limit the spread? 
There are simple measures every resident can take to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, including:
  • Washing hands often with soap and water
  • Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not possible
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Social distancing: stay home and only leave for food and other essentials, preferably only once per week
  • Covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a tissue or arms and sleeves 
  • Avoid touching of the face, eyes, mouth and eyes
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Staying home if sick
  • Avoid all non-essential international travel, as recommended by Provincial and Federal health authorities 
  • Avoiding sharing of personal items
  • Wear a mask when physical distancing is difficult or not an option

Self Isolation 
For up-to-date information about how to self-isolate, visit Niagara Region Public Health website.

Additional Resources and Information 

Please visit the following links for further information related to COVID-19, including testing, case tracking and affected areas:

Niagara Region Public Health

Province of Ontario

Government of Canada

Safety Plan

Since March of 2020, the City of Port Colborne has adapted to the effects of COVID-19 in the work environment. The City has taken necessary steps to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on operations, while also protecting the health and safety of all employees, visitors, and the public. The City’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) has consistently met on a weekly basis to evaluate, discuss, and make recommendations regarding best practices in the response to COVID-19.

The City of Port Colborne’s COVID-19 Safety Plan is an outline of the current actions that are being taken to protect the health, safety and well-being of employees, visitors, and the community.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation, and the Safety Plan will be reviewed regularly, and changes made as required.

Date completed: December 9, 2020
Date revised: November 17, 2021
Prepared by: Health & Safety Coordinator 

Read Port Colborne's Safety Plan

As this is an evolving situation, we continue to remind everyone the importance of using credible sources to stay informed. We encourage all Niagara residents and visitors to visit the Niagara Region’s Public Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.

For information regarding travel, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.