Hello everyone,

For a four-month period, from October 2021 to the end of January 2022, the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is operating a “Shop Where Your Heart Is” Campaign. We will be doing so in partnership with the DBIA (Downtown Brockville Improvement Area) and the City of Brockville. Throughout the four-month duration of the Campaign, we will be encouraging consumers to shop locally to support and strengthen our local economy. 

The first initiative of the “Shop Where Your Heart Is” Campaign is a monthly prize draw that will run for the entire four-month period of the Campaign. Each month from the 1^st to the 29^th, consumers will have the opportunity to shop local and be rewarded for it. 

In order to be entered into a draw to win a prize at the end of each month, consumers must submit three receipts from purchases they have made at local businesses that month in an envelope provided by the Brockville Chamber. “Shop Where Your Heart Is” envelopes will be supplied to local businesses and you can ask to collect one upon your purchase. In the case that the business does not have envelopes provided by the Chamber, you can visit the Chamber office to submit your receipts and we will happily provide you with one. 

Envelopes containing your three receipts and contact information (name, phone number) can be dropped off at the mailbox located outside of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce Office – 3 Market Street West, Suite #1, Brockville, Ontario. From there, envelopes will be collected and each person’s name will be entered into a prize draw. 

The deadline to submit your envelope containing three receipts from local purchases is the 29^th of each month. On the 1^st of each month, the winner of the prize draw from the previous month will be announced. 

If YOU would like to have “Shop Where Your Heart Is” envelopes in your store and to participate in this community-driven initiative then please make an inquiry. We ask that you inform consumers of the details required for the opportunity to be entered into a draw upon their purchase. This will allow for us to encourage them to continue shopping local in order to be rewarded.

Finally, if there are any questions, whether a business or consumer, please do not hesitate to contact Josh Hare (student@brockvillechamber.com) or Pamela Robertson (pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com) at the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce office.

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce 

3 Market Street W, Suite #1, Brockville, ON, K6V 7L2

613-342-6553

As of today September 22, Ontario requires proof of vaccination to access select settings.

Download or print your vaccination receipt at ontario.ca/proofofvaccination

Businesses, access posters for your business at: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/.../2019_guidance.aspx...

Proof of vaccination requirements will come into affect in higher-risk indoor settings. The following areas will be affected:

• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
• Sporting events;
• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).

This requirement does not apply to outdoor setting areas and where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores and medical supplies.

Guidance for businesses is available from the Ontario Ministry of Health webpage. Your vaccine certificate can be downloaded using your health card.

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has now extended job-protected unpaid infectious disease emergency leave (IDEL) until January 1, 2022. To read more about the extension, visit the COVID-19 temporary change to the Employment Standards Act webpage.

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce and South Grenville Chamber of Commerce held a All Candidates Debate on Wednesday Sept 8 at the Brockville Art Centre for the riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. 

Unfortunately Lorraine Rekmans from the Green Party could not attend. 

Thank you to Sue Watts from Employment and Education Centre  for moderating the All Candidates Debate

Thank you to YourTV Brockville and Gananoque for broadcasting the event live on Sept 8 plus recording the event. 

The Brockville Vaccine clinic is MOVING. It will no longer be at the Memorial Centre. Starting Friday, August 27 it will be held at the Health Unit office in Brockville at 458 Laurier Blvd.

#DownSizing #AlmostThere #VaccinesSaveLives

Ride the River Route starting August 30th, 2021!

A new public transit service to popular employment areas from Brockville to Cardinal along County Road 2.

Starting in Brockville, the bus continues east and brings commuters to and from popular workplaces in Brockville, Augusta, Prescott, and Edwardsburgh Cardinal in a 2-hour loop, 6 times per weekday.

More details click this link 

MEDIA RELEASE 

August 20, 2021 

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a difference in our community. 

The President of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce, Orlando Spicer, is proud to announce the recipient of this year’s President's Award, The 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation. 

The President’s Award, introduced in 2009 is an optional award that can be handed out at the discretion of the current Chamber President each year. The 1000 Islands CDC is the ninth recipient of this award. 

Established in 1990, the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation is a community-based, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, staffed by a small team of dedicated professionals, and supported financially by the Government of Canada. They work cooperatively to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in support of job creation through business loans and access to capital, counseling and mentoring of small businesses, and community economic development. 

The 1000 Islands CDC is perhaps best known for securing and investing tens of millions of dollars in local and regional economic development programming to assist public and private-sector job creation initiatives. This funding has been made available through multiple sources but primarily through the generosity of the Federal Economic Development Agency For Southern Ontario (FedDev). 

There is little doubt that the 1000 Islands CDC has always been in tune with and responsive to the needs of the community at large. Nobody can predict what priorities will emerge or what resources will be available but each of us has an obligation to do the best we can to help. Executive Director Tom Russell has regularly encouraged volunteerism and community engagement as a way of life and as a path to small-town survival. He continues to champion the causes of small business and, in the past several months, has worked with his team to secure several million dollars of support for those negatively impacted by Covid-19. All tolled, since the beginning of the pandemic, over $5 million dollars has been provided with more than half in non-repayable grants to help keep our community afloat. The 1000 Islands CDC is a small organization that has always delivered big results. 

We look forward to recognizing the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation at the Awards of Excellence Gala being held on Thursday, September 30th at Sunnidell Golf & Learning Centre where we will also be announcing the recipients for: Business of The Year, Small Business of the Year, Community Excellence Award, the Tourism Award, and the Ben TeKamp Award. 

Contact: Orlando Spicer

President – Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce

613-342-6553 

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 members and has been the community's business advocate since 1906. Our mission is through proactive leadership in advocacy and networking; we support and grow business to build a strong economic community.

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce names 

Zach Benson

The 2021 Young Professional of the Year

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a difference in our community.

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 Award of Excellence for Young Professional of the Year, Zach Benson.

Zach has operated his business for 3 years now and actively uses his platform to promote physical development as well as strong mental health while supporting young athletes. Mental health is currently at the forefront of many local discussions and Zach recently provided a free seminar for local youth on Mental Health Awareness. He provides a positive impact for the youth he trains, supports and mentors. He works tirelessly to promote lifelong health practices, creating confidence, promoting physical longevity, and encouraging the highest quality of life.

Zach partnered to create Podium 4Life Foundation to support the mindset and mental health of local youth. He has held fundraisers to provide financial assistance to local families looking to support their children in staying active and healthy. He continues to explore new partnerships with local clubs and sports organizations to grow athletics in our area including football, baseball, track, golf, basketball, soccer speed skating, and hockey.  Recently, the Brockville Soccer Club allowed him to use their fields for his athletic development camp as well as a brand new 7 on 7 touch football league. His new high-performance facility opens in mid-September!

He also offers an informative podcast—Athletic Insights, which highlights former professional athletes as well as local elite athletes as guest speakers.

We look forward to celebrating the Young Professional of the Year Award with Zach’s family and friends at the Awards of Excellence Gala being held on Thursday, September 30th at the Sunnidell Golf & Learning Centre. We will also be announcing the recipients for Business of The Year, Small Business of The Year, Community Excellence Award, the Tourism Award, and the Ben Tekamp Award.

Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the Chamber office. 

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 members and has been the community's business advocate since 1906. Our mission is to foster a competitive business environment in the Brockville region that benefits the people of this region through the growth of jobs, wealth, and quality of life.

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce Names

Shelley Bacon

2021 Business Person of the Year

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a difference in our community.

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 Award of Excellence for Business Person of the Year, Shelley Bacon.

When Phillips Cables closed the doors to their Brockville plant in 1996, Shelley helped to lead a small group of employees to form their own company, specializing in armored ca­bles. The company has seen exponential financial growth and performance, going from $0 revenue to $200 million in sales in just twenty-five years. Now with 3 plants in Brockville and Prescott, employing nearly 300 fellow area citizens, Northern Cables is one of the most talked-about local business success stories this area has seen in the last fifty years!

Shelley shares his talents with the Professional Engineers of Ontario and also as the chair of the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission. Shelley is instrumental in attracting new businesses to the area and helping scale up existing businesses.

He also works diligently each year with the Rideau Science Fair, encouraging young stu­dents to thrive for success; to follow their dreams, and to never give up.

We look forward to celebrating the Business Person of the Year Award with Shelley's fami­ly and friends at the Awards of Excellence Gala, being held on Thursday, September 30th at Sunnidell Golf & Learning Centre. We will also be announcing the recipients for Busi­ness of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Community Excellence, Tourism, and the Ben TeKamp Memorial Award.

Media Release

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2021 Awards of Excellence, Citizen of the Year

JoAnne Sytsma

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses, organizations and individuals who make a difference in our community.

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 Award of Excellence for Citizen of the Year, JoAnne Sytsma. JoAnne has made outstanding contributions benefiting the well-being of our community through her many long-term commitments with various organizations. She is a shining example of a person who is true to her convictions and steadfast to her values. She believes in our community, its potential, and the people who make up our community. She works sometimes as a leader, sometimes quietly behind the scenes, to make Brockville and area a better place for everyone. No matter what her formal role may be, she always works as a ‘champion’ for our community.

Hours upon hours of her time and energy have been dedicated to all aspects of service from administration, to logistics, marketing, promotion, fundraising, recruiting , networking, participation and making donations, all to better the lives of others in Brockville and the surrounding area, and to move forward a cause. She has given her all to organizations such as the Brockville & Area Food Bank, Girls Inc, Climb for CARE, Career Services, Brockville Power & Sail Squadron, Care & Share Golf Committee, Feed Ontario, 100 Women who care, Our Kenyan Kids as well as her own family business, Dedicated Shunting Services, and her newest investment, the Village Store in Athens, to mention only a few of her accomplishments.

JoAnne demonstrates a seemingly effortless ability to inspire and motivate others to her level of contribution. Her intense motivation, energetic commitment and giving nature continue to inspire others to participate and give. She is a determined, goal oriented person who brings others together for the greater good.

We look forward to celebrating Citizen of the Year, with JoAnne’s family and friends at the Awards of Excellence Gala being held (drive-in cinema style) on Thursday, September 30^th at the Sunnidell Golf & Learning Centre. We will also be announcing the recipients for: Business of The Year, Small Business of The Year, Community Excellence Award, the Tourism Award and the Ben TeKamp Award.

Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brockvillechamber.com

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 members and has been the community's business advocate since 1906. Our mission is to foster a competitive business environment in the Brockville region that benefits the people of this region through the growth of jobs, wealth and quality of life.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The safety and well-being of our members and community are of the utmost importance to us. We will communicate all updates to our members, and the community through email, social media posts, and updates on our website. There has been so much support from so many individuals and business in our community. We have a  very supportive community and we will get through this!!!

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is appreciative of all of the front-line staff, first responders and health care professionals who continue to show dedication in our community. We will continue to update these pages as information becomes available.

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions as your business navigates through these challenges; including supporting your employees.

• Support to Businesses
• Risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during COVID-19
• Frequently Asked Questions - Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
• Employment and Social Development - Benefits and Services for Individuals and In Your Workplace

• Economic Response Plan:

  https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

• Resources for Canadian Businesses

Calling All Suppliers - Help Canada Combat COVID-19
The Government of Canada is asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.  See the list of items needed, and notify them if you can help out.

Update - Nov 2020

Resources from the Federal Government

CEWS Extension Details: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/details-on-the-canada-emergency-wage-subsidy-extension.html

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/canada-emergency-rent-subsidy.html

Lockdown Support for Businesses Facing Significant Public Health Restrictions (under CERS): 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/lockdown-support-for-businesses-facing-significant-public-health-restrictions.html

Brief Summary of Total Support under new CEWS and CERS: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/rate-structures-applicable-in-periods-8-9-and-10-september-27-to-december-19-2020.html

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.

This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html 

Government of Ontario 

Update: Thursday June 24, 2021 

TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve, the provincewide vaccination rate now surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, and on the recommendation of the the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

“Because of the tireless work of our health care heroes, and the record setting success of our vaccine rollout, we are able to move into Step Two ahead of schedule on June 30 with the support of our public health experts” said Premier Doug Ford. “We are proceeding safely with the re-opening of our province and will continue to work around the clock until the job is done.”

In order to enter Step Two of the Roadmap, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 70 per cent of adults with one dose and 20 per cent with two doses for at least two weeks, ensuring a strong level of protection against COVID-19. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ontario’s health care partners, as of June 23, 2021, over 76 per cent of the population in Ontario ages 18 and over have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 29 per cent have received their second dose. More than 13.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered provincewide.

Before entering Step Two, the province also needed to see continued improvement in key public health and health care indicators, including hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and the weekly cases incidence rates. After entering Step One, during the period of June 11 to 17, 2021, the provincial case rate decreased by 24.6 per cent. As of June 22, the number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs is 305, including 10 patients from Manitoba, as compared to 450 two weeks ago. The province expects these positive trends to continue over the coming days before entering Step Two.

“Due to a continued improvement in key indicators, Ontario is ready to enter Step Two of our Roadmap, allowing us to safely and gradually ease public health measures while continuing to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Thank you to the Ontarians who rolled up their sleeves to help us reach this exciting milestone. Every dose administered brings us one step closer to the things we’ve missed, so please sign up to receive the vaccine when it’s your turn.”

Step Two of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn, with other restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;
• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people;
• Essential and other select retail permitted at 50 per cent capacity;
• Non-essential retail permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times, and at 25 per cent capacity and other restrictions;
• Outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions;
• Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted at up to 25 per cent capacity of the particular room;
• Outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of physical distance;
• Outdoor sports without contact or modified to avoid contact, with no specified limit on number of people or teams participating, with restrictions;
• Overnight camps for children operating in a manner consistent with the safety guidelines produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health;
• Outdoor sport facilities with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals, permitted at 25 per cent capacity and with other restrictions.

Please view the regulation for the full list of public health and workplace safety measures that need to be followed.

While the province has surpassed Step Three vaccination targets, Ontario may remain in Step Two for a period of approximately 21 days to allow the most recent vaccinations to reach their full effectiveness and to evaluate any impacts of moving to Step Two on key public health and health care indicators. When it is determined to be safe, the province will promptly move to Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen.

“Due to the continued commitment of Ontarians adhering to public health measures and going out to get vaccinated, we have seen our key health indicators continue to improve across the province,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “While we can now begin preparing to ease public health measures under the Roadmap, the fight against COVID-19 is not over and we must continue adhering to the public health advice and measures currently in place to maintain this great progress.”

More Information click the link below 

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000399/ontario-moving-to-step-two-of-roadmap-to-reopen-on-june-30 

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

Update on March 19, 2021 to dining in Red Zone 

Indoor In-Person Retail:

• Essential stores (supermarkets) operate at 75% capacity
• Other retail - operate at 50% capacity
• Passive Screening
• Capacity limits MUST be publicly displayed (on store door/window)
  • Print a capacity limit sheet HERE

Dining: 

• Capacity limits
  • Indoors: the lesser of approximately 50% of indoor dining area or 50 people
  • Outdoors: limited to allow physical distancing of 2 metres to be maintained
• Contact information of all seated patrons required
• Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• Patron screening required

Hair and Nail Salons, Personal Care Services: 

• Services requiring removal of face coverings prohibited
• Require contact information from all patrons
• Screening of patrons is required

Gyms:

• Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
• Capacity limits, where physical distancing can be maintained
  • 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines
  • 10 people in all indoor classes or 25 people in outdoor classes
  • No spectators permitted, however each person under 18 may be accompanied by one parent or guardian
• Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
• Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams

Update March 15, 2021 

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60339/ontario-returning-27-public-health-regions-to-strengthened-covid-19-response-framework 

Feb 5, 2021 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions 

Jan 2021

Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs

https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs 

• Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade Update - March 26, 2020
• WSIB Financial Relief Package
• Alcohol and Gaming Commission - Liquor Licenses sell liquor for takeout or delivery along with food - March 26, 2020
• Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 - March 25, 2020
• Newsroom
• List of Essential Services - March 23, 2020

  • Updated ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES LIST REDUCED FROM 74 to 44 CATEGORIES - April 3, 2020

    Following advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, on April 3, 2020, Ontario updated the list of essential businesses that can remain open. The restrictions are aimed at further reducing contact between people and stopping the spread of COVID-19. See the revised list here.  

  • Cannabis stores and most construction projects, including non-critical industrial construction have been removed from this list. 
  • The new essential services list will go into effective at 11:59pm on Saturday, April 4.
    • Businesses and service providers with question about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can learn more at Stop the Spread Business Information Line or call -888-444-3659.
      Help is available Monday - Sunday, from 8:30 a.m - 5 p.m.

FedDev Ontario

The Government of Canada is taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can take advantage of new investments and initiatives.  Learn more about the support available.

• 1000 Islands CDC
• Grenville CFDC
• Valley Heartland CFDC - loans
•  

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Update: April 6 , 2020       The Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to bring together its vast network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and over 100 of Canada’s leading business and industry associations, including the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper as we collectively face the COVID-19 pandemic.

• COVID-19 | Pandemic Preparedness for Business

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

• Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Business

Leeds Grenville Economic Development - COVID - 19  Business Resources and Update

Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre Training & Resouce's

City of Brockville - Information and Resources 

United Way of Leeds & Grenville COVID 19 Resources 

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

• Second Phase COVID-19 Industry Survey (deadline for completion by Monday, March 23 at 8am)
• TIAO Survey 3.0 - We Need Your Input (deadline for completion by Monday, April 6)   TAKE THE SURVEY 
•  

Regional Tourism Organization 9 (RTO9)

RTO9 strives to support the tourism and travel industry in the region by closely monitoring events that could cause significant challenges to the industry, including the Covid-19 virus.  Visit the Tourism Talk website for more support.

News

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan / Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19 English

French

What Canada's Regional Development Agencies are doing to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Business Development Bank of Canada - Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses 

Health Resources & Updates

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

• healthunit.org/coronavirus

Ontario Government

• www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

• Update March 16 – Enhanced Measure to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19

Government of Canada

• www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

COVID-19 subscription for Public Health Updates 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

The Government of Ontario recommends taking the following actions to avoid the continuous spread of germs and viruses:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• 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

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus.