March 25, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
Please see the following today on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto
As part of the City’s continuing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, all City-owned playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment and other parks amenities, as well as parking lots attached to its parks system, will be closed effective immediately. School playgrounds, fields and equipment will also be closed. Green spaces remain open for walking and jogging
TCHC’s Our Client Care Centre received several reports yesterday from tenants who were called by someone claiming to a volunteers offering to deliver groceries to their homes, and then requesting their banking information. The following message has been shared with TCHC tenants.
FRAUD WARNING:
Tenants: If you get a call from a “volunteer” offering to deliver groceries who then asks for your banking or credit card information, hang up. It’s a scam. If you’ve been the victim of fraud, report it to local police. Toronto Community Housing staff or first responders calling you during the COVID-19 emergency will never ask for your banking or credit information.
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
Today, Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update).
The government’s action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets. Full news release can be accessed here:https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html
TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources
Actions being implemented by Toronto Community Housing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak include details on:
- Rent flexibility
- Outreach to tenants
- Food security
- Social distancing measures and more.
All information can be found on the TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources page, accessed here:https://www.torontohousing.ca/residents/community-services/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-information.aspx
Keep in mind:
There is no need to panic-buy and stockpile. Being prepared for emergencies is good advice but purchasing in bulk jeopardizes the ability for vulnerable people to get food and health supplies and other essential supplies.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul