March 31, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto:
Cancellation of mass events through to June 30
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the City of Toronto will cancel all mass participation events through to June 30. This includes City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, as well as all City permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces, City-operated museums and cultural centres. This decision was made in consultation with major event organizers and supports the directive that physical distancing is critical to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The full news release here:
Childcare centres open today
The City of Toronto opened four emergency licensed child centres today for the children of eligible, essential and critical service workers. As announced last week, Toronto is the first municipality to open emergency child care centres that will operate, as the need demands, on a 24 hours per day, seven days per week basis to support critical, frontline workers. As of this morning, approximately 487 families, representing more than 705 children, have applied. The full news release here:
Keep in mind:
Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible, if you need to go out remember to practice physical distancing and keep 2 m away from others, and wash your hands often. It is crucial that everyone cooperates. All outdoor recreational amenities have been closed including beaches, sports fields/courts, picnic areas, community and condominium parks. You may walk through green spaces that aren’t already closed, but please avoid groups.
Please dispose of masks, gloves, wipes, tissues, sanitary napkins and personal hygiene products in the garbage. Remember to bag all garbage. Only put waste bins out for collection when full and do not put out any unnecessary waste. Read more https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=garbage-recycling-and-organics
Are you a tenant looking for more information on housing and income support? Find a list of resources here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=housing-support-for-tenants
Ontario Works monthly payments will be issued as usual by direct bank deposit, reloadable payment card, or mail by April1. If you normally pick up your monthly Ontario Works payment at an office or need a new replacement card, remember to practice physical distancing. Office hours and locations have been updated. More information at: toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/
Check https://www.toronto.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