April 8, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I would like to send my condolences to the family, friends and staff at the Seven Oaks Long-Term Care Home. I am sending love and prayers to the family and friends of those patients who have died as a result of COVID-19. I wish all the residents and staff who have confirmed cases a speedy, healthy recovery.
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!
Please see the following information for pet owners and professional dog walkers: https://bit.ly/2xY86DZ . If walking more than one dog, it would be prudent if the dogs were from the same home.
If you are over the age of 70 and self-isolating because of COVID-19? The City, Canadian Red Cross and other partners are providing food hamper delivery to seniors and others in need and unable to pay. Please call Red Cross at 1-833-204-9952 for eligibility and registration information. Info: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=food
If you are looking for services but are not sure what is and isn’t open, please visit 211toronto.ca, where you can find services by topic and community.
City reminds residents to maintain physical distancing over the holidays
This evening at sundown, the Jewish community will begin the eight-day celebration of Passover, and with Easter, and the start of Ramadan also here soon, many will want to spend time with family and faith-based communities. However, the City urges everyone to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this, people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart. Plan ahead for grocery shopping and consider donating to a local food bank. Learn more here.
City enforcement of orders and bylaws continues
While many are complying with the Orders and Bylaws, yesterday the City received 34 complaints related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, MLS has issued notices to 39 non-essential businesses.
Enforcement activity in Toronto continues to focus on locations with the most activity and will continue through the weekend. Yesterday, the City received 482 complaints about people using park amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw officers spoke to 629 people regarding the closure of park amenities and distancing and issued 37 written cautions and 33 tickets – bringing the total to 53 tickets since April 4. Officers also intervened to respond to a large group congregating at Smythe Park; people continuing to trespass and play golf at Don Valley Golf Course and people using cricket, baseball and off-leash dog amenities at Cedarvale Park.
Public Health guidance on home-made masks and other facial coverings
Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. de Villa spoke about steps people can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. While the best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with others, Dr. de Villa discussed the use of home-made masks while stressing the importance of keeping medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders.
Yesterday, the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health Communication released a statement on the use of non-medical masks (or facial coverings) by the public.
A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here: https://bit.ly/2RcvdRV
Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. 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