As the COVID-19 situation in Toronto continues to evolve, I hope that you and your families are taking the proper precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Through these communications, I will endeavour to keep you up-to-date on the ever-changing situation in our local community.
May 7 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
May 1 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
April 27 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
April 14 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
April 7 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
April 1 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
March 26 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
March 23 Update from Jaye Robinson: click here.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus, please contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit.
Before calling, it is recommended that you first use the Government of Ontario’s online self-assessment tool, here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
Public Health has asked Toronto residents to avoid visiting an assessment centre unless they have symptoms.
March 17 Update from Jaye Robinson: see below.
After the barrage of news over the past week, I am writing to provide some clarity on the most recent updates regarding the measures enacted in Toronto to contain the spread of COVID-19.
This morning, the Government of Ontario declared a State of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately in the Province of Ontario:
These measures follow last week’s announcement that all public schools in Ontario will be closed until April 5, 2020.
Gatherings of over 50 people are also prohibited at this time.
Today, Mayor John Tory announced that City Hall, Metro Hall, and all civic centres will be closed to the public as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. All non-essential staff have been asked to work from home.
At this time, many non-essential services have been suspended, facilities closed, and most City-operated programs cancelled. For a full list of affected services, please visit: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/
Essential and emergency services, as well as garbage collection, water treatment, TTC, and road maintenance operations remain unaffected and will continue to operate uninterrupted.
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen De Villa, recommends that Torontonians stay at home as much as possible and continue to practice social distancing.
All travellers returning to Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days. At present, the Federal Government is recommending that Canadians abroad return home as soon as possible.
The City has urgently convened a dedicated Economic Support and Recovery Task Force (ESRTF). The ESRTF will identify both short and long-term strategies to support businesses and residents impacted by the COVID-19 situation. Several immediate measures have already been implemented, and there is work underway to establish a contingency fund for businesses and enhance the City’s Small Business Advisory Services.
More information will be posted on the City’s website as additional measures are put in place: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/economic-support-recovery/
You can find more information about the Government of Canada’s Economic Response Plan for residents and businesses here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan
We are also looking to the Provincial Government for specific measures to support businesses in Ontario impacted by the Premier’s announcement to declare a State of Emergency.
Please note that updates provided by the City’s Emergency Operations Centre will be televised daily, at 3:45PM. You can stream the updates online, here.
For resources, information and advice related to COVID-19 in Toronto, please visit: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/
For more information on the Government of Ontario’s response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
For more information on the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19, including travel advisories, national updates, and federal financial support, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to follow the professional advice of our Toronto Public Health team and the guidance of our Federal and Provincial counterparts.
Our team continues to be available to serve you by phone and email, in accordance with recommendations from our Medical Officer of Health. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 416-395-6408 or .
In these times of uncertainty, it is heartening to see the residents of our City supporting our most vulnerable community members. I know Torontonians will continue to rally together in the face of adversity to meet the challenges before us in the coming weeks.
Warm regards,
Jaye Robinson
* Information as of March 17, 2020
|
|
