The City of London has altered its services to reduce the need for people to leave their homes to access them during the state of emergency and stay-at-home order.
Where in-person services were the norm, they will now become the exception with City Hall and city facilities closed to the public as of Thursday. They will remain closed until at least February 11.
"To comply with [state of emergency and stay-at-home order], in-person services will be offered only where they are legislatively required or in extenuating circumstances. Appointments will continue to be offered virtually or over the phone where services can be delivered remotely," the city said.
Changes to city services are as follows:
The outdoor winter skating trail at Storybook Gardens is closed.
The neighbourhood-managed ice rink program will continue to accept applications. However, volunteer applicants will be required to monitor ice usage to ensure compliance with the current restrictions of no more than 5 individuals gathering who are not from the same household.
Council and standing committee meetings will continue to be closed to in-person spectators. They can be live streamed through the city's website or YouTube channel. All public participation meetings will be done virtually. Those who wish to speak at the meetings must register in advance by calling 519-661-2489 ext. 7100 or by emailing PPMClerks@london.ca.
In-person and drop-in social services are not being provided at any location. Those needing the service are to call -661-4520 (toll free at 1-833-932-2297) or email socialservices@london.ca. February monthly cheques can be picked up at Citi Plaza between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m on January 28, 29 and February 1. Daily cheques can be picked up at Citi Plaza between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Friday or on an emergency basis and by appointment only. The city asked wherever possible clients should email a copy of their documents or drop them off at one of the drop box locations.
Those eligible for subsidized transit bus passes can purchases February's pass at Citi Plaza on the last two business days of the month, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., as well as every Friday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A full list of the city services affected by COVID-19 can be found by clicking here.
