March 15, 2020

COVID-19 Update from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce

2020 Home & Living Show Postponed

All Regularly Scheduled Events Cancelled Until April 5, 2020

Hello,

As we navigate these turbulent times in the world, I want to provide you with an update from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce (ACOC).

The ACOC continues to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to COVID-19. As circumstances can change quickly, we will communicate new developments as they arise.

In this time of uncertainty for individuals and businesses, it is important that we focus on everyone’s safety and well-being first and foremost, while continuing to support one another in whatever way possible. 

Cancellations are happening throughout the province and the world. As we think about our neighbours, business associates and fellow business owners, let’s be creative about how we can support one another at this time. 

If you are reluctant about going out to shop, perhaps your local store or restaurant would be willing to deliver their goods to you or prepare your order for pick up. If you were planning to attend an event at a local business, but the event has been cancelled or you no longer feel comfortable attending, perhaps ask for a credit that you can use at a later date instead of a refund, in an effort to mitigate the effect on our local business community.  Or perhaps you might buy a gift card to be used later in support of our local businesses. If you are in touch with a local business, ask them how you can help them through this difficult time and perhaps they can help you as well.

In light of current circumstances, the ACOC has made the decision to POSTPONE this year’s Home & Living Show . We will be working with the Town of Aurora and monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic to determine when the show can be rescheduled. Rest assured, anyone who has registered for a booth at the Home & Living Show will have their booth confirmed at the rescheduled event.  

We have also made the decision to CANCEL all regularly scheduled ACOC events from now until April 5th , in line with the actions being taken by the Ontario Government and municipalities in the GTA. If you have registered for an event in March, your registration fees will be refunded. Again, we will continue to monitor health updates and comply with directives given.  

The ACOC, in support of government efforts to contain the virus, is asking the business community to call us instead of coming into the office, for the next 3 weeks as we continue to provide support and updates for businesses who are looking for information on how COVID-19 may impact their business. The safety and well-being of our employees, our members and the community at large are of the utmost importance to us.

If any business is looking for specific information and/or requires assistance in keeping their business moving forward, please reach out to us at the office 905-727-7262 or on my cell phone 416-848-9105. Our team will do our best to provide support wherever possible. 

I highly recommend that businesses review the following documents, as an initial list of information they may find useful. 

CURRENTLY, WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO:

Evaluate their own health (and the health of people they’re in close contact with), when deciding to attend an upcoming ACOC event.  

Follow the guidance of the York Region Public Health for everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including but not limited to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces like toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, countertops, etc. using regular household cleaners
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks/water bottles and towels

As published on the York Region site, symptoms of the COVID-19 Coronavirus can range from mild flu-like symptoms and other common respiratory infections to severe, and can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If you are unwell, we encourage you to stay home to recover.

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19:


OTHER RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:


We will continue to update you with additional resources as they relate to the business community when they become available. Connect with us on social media @AuroraChamberON on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Regards,

Sandra

Sandra Ferri
President & CEO
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
416-848-9105