Written by Local 793 Staff

Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a province-wide, stay-at-home order from Queen’s Park on Wednesday in an effort to control the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stay-at home order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Construction activities or projects and related services can continue to work under the stay-at-home order, therefore construction sites remain open.

On Wednesday morning, Business Manager Mike Gallagher, on behalf of Local 793, sent a letter to Premier Ford urging the government to include construction workers as a priority group in Phase 2 of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Gallagher stated that “IUOE Local 793 members cannot work from home, and together with the thousands of other building trades workers, have been the backbone of Ontario’s economy during this challenging past year.”

Read the letter in its entirety here or in the link below.

Ontario is reporting 3,215 new COVID-19 cases and 17 additional deaths on Wednesday. The province also reported a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 8.9 per cent a day ago, the highest rate in three months.

Throughout the pandemic, Local 793 has worked hard to stay on top of the rapidly evolving crisis. Drastic measures were taken to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as closing area offices, having staff work from home, cancelling general membership meetings and all monthly meetings.

“COVID-19 Fatigue” is to be expected, but it is important to remain vigilant and continue to use personal protective equipment (PPE), follow physical distancing guidelines, and implement hand hygiene practices to prevent COVID-19 transmission to ourselves, our families, and our co-workers. Most importantly, get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible to do so. See the link below for age eligibility in your area and how to book an appointment.

As always, stay safe and stay vigilant.

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