April 1st End of Day Update: COVID-19
April 1, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto:
City taking unprecedented action to stop COVID-19 and save lives, the healthcare system and the economy
The City of Toronto announced strong measures today to halt the spread of COVID-19. Three key objectives for the City and its emergency response to COVID-19 include reducing the loss of life, preserving capacity in the healthcare system and minimizing social and economic impacts. As Toronto’s case numbers continue to increase (there’s been a 500 per cent increase in cases over past two week), Medical Officer of Health, Dr. de Villa is using every power available under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to implement stronger measures to help achieve the three objectives. Mayor Tory is also in the process of drafting bylaw to promote physical distancing on City property. More details here: https://bit.ly/2wbepDO
Physical distancing at City parks
Toronto parks are only open for walking, cycling and running. Using amenities in parks or congregating in groups is not permitted. City staff together with the Toronto Police Service are prioritizing the patrol of hot spot parks. While education is the first line of enforcement, the fines range between $750 to a maximum of $5,000. City staff are re-installing signage, locks and caution tape at parks where these have been removed. Additionally, the City’s Parks Ambassadors have begun a downtown hot spot education blitz and electronic portable signs will display messages near some busy parks. More information is available here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=parks
The TTC has implemented changes to not only protect operators but riders as well.
These include:
· Increase in daily disinfecting of touch points in stations and on vehicles.
· No longer accepting cash, tickets or tokens on TTC buses.
· TTC employees may choose to wear their own masks while working.
In addition to safe physical distancing and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, please follow the advice of Toronto Public Health, including:
· Avoiding non-essential trips in the community
· Limiting, postponing or canceling gatherings
· Working from home, where possible
· Keeping kids away from group settings
· Staying in your home if you are ill
· Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
As well, if you have travelled anywhere outside Canada, please to self-isolate (i.e. stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home) for 14 days after your return.
COVID-19 legal information for Steps to Justice
CLEO’s Steps to Justice website, is a site is updated on a daily basis, gives answers to more than 50 legal questions, including questions about emergency benefits assistance, Employment Insurance, getting evicted for non-payment of rent, and what to do about family law matters in the midst of the closure of the courts. Access CLEO’s Steps to Justice website here: www.stepstojustice.ca/covid-19
Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) Stroke Centre
Scarborough Health Network is proud to announce they are opening a new Stroke Centre of Excellence at their Birchmount hospital on April 8. For the first time, patients will have access to seamless stroke care services here in Scarborough.
SHN will begin delivering care through the new Stroke Centre, which will include:
- Integrated Stroke Unit: A 22-bed unit is best practice for treating stroke patients who have been hospitalized – providing medical care and rehabilitation services all within the same space.
- Stroke Prevention Clinic: SHN’s outpatient clinic will now be located at Birchmount, providing support and follow-up care for patients in managing their risk factors for stroke.
Find more information here: https://shn.ca/stroke-centre-of-excellence/
Toronto Police clarify social-distancing enforcement measures
The Toronto Police Service is reminding people that travelling, or being parked in a car, with five people or less – including individuals from different home addresses – is not against the law.
Members of the public are reminded that government directives apply to “organized public events and social gatherings” of more than five people, as well as the ordered closures of the following locations:
· All facilities providing indoor recreational programs
· All public libraries
· All private schools as defined in the Education Act
· All licensed child care centres
· All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery
· All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies
· Concert venues
· 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
Questions about organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people or open businesses that should be closed, can be addressed by calling 311.
City of Toronto bylaw officers will be monitoring and providing information and education to non-compliant individuals and businesses. In some cases, the Toronto Police are contacted to conduct enforcement actions under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The Toronto Police Service continue to conduct proactive enforcement, when necessary, and officers will use their discretion to determine the proper action.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Checkhttps://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