| Dear Neighbours, Please see the following update regarding COVID-19 key information and resources in the City of Toronto: City of Toronto to virtually commemorate second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy The City of Toronto will virtually commemorate the second anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy that happened on April 23, 2018. This year’s commemoration will take place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. The City of Toronto will live stream Mayor John Tory’s commemorative statement on the City of Toronto YouTube channel. In remembrance of the people who lost their lives, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy, the City will live stream a statement by Mayor John Tory at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. Later in the evening, there will be a virtual vigil led by community groups, We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition. To mark the time of the incident, flags on Nathan Phillips Square and Mel Lastman Square at North York Civic Centre will be lowered to half-mast at 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the day. The Toronto Sign will also be dimmed just before sunset. We Love Willowdale and Willowdale Interfaith Coalition, two community groups in North York, will lead a virtual vigil at 6 p.m. on the We Love Willowdale Facebook page. This vigil will bring together the community, provide support for those impacted and offer a space for people to interact and leave messages. As this commemoration may bring back painful and traumatic memories, those who require support or counselling are advised to call 211 to access support from the Ontario Psychological Association who is offering free mental health services. To help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 crisis, residents are respectfully requested to adhere to public health orders and refrain from gathering to lay flowers or other memorabilia at the incident sites. The City recognizes the challenges the current pandemic and physical distancing measures poses to individuals experiencing trauma as a result of this tragedy. People are encouraged to continue to take care of one another and connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone who may be impacted. City of Toronto receives shipment of three million surgical masks primarily for long-term care homes and shelters The City of Toronto is committed to ensuring our frontline staff, including emergency responders, those working with individuals experiencing homelessness, and staff in long-term care homes, have the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe and protect their health and the health of the community. Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto has received three million ATSM Level 2 surgical masks. The masks, ordered from Canadian distributor AMG Medical Inc. in late March, arrived in two shipments with the final shipment of two million masks delivered to the City earlier today. The new masks have been inspected and staff have confirmed masks are as ordered and have passed inspection. Surgical masks are used extensively by staff in the City’s emergency shelters and long-term care facilities. Prior to receiving the shipments, as of April 14, the City of Toronto had enough surgical masks for 52 days at current consumption and 25 days in the worst-case scenario. This new inventory adds approximately 127 days of stock at current consumption and would provide 60 additional days of protection in the worst-case scenario. Yesterday, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa explained that while Toronto is currently in the peak period for reported COVID-19 cases, the situation in congregate facilities is very different with higher-rates of COVID-19 infection expected to continue. This new influx of PPE will ensure staff can continue to help the most vulnerable Torontonians in our shelters and long-term care facilities. The City is continuing to source PPE to support frontline workers responding to COVID-19. The Emergency Operations Centre includes a PPE Task Force responsible for monitoring and allocating the City’s PPE, projecting PPE needs, implementing PPE conservation strategies, and investigating alternative PPE options and procurement strategies. | |
| 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! | |
| Managing Stress and Psychological Wellbeing is as Important as Managing your Physical Health | |
| Essential Government Information for COVID -19 Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.toronto.ca The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages. If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites: City of Toronto Province of Ontario Government of Canada World Health Organization Official Global Travel Advisory I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information: | |
| How to contact me: Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West Suite C52 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 Tel: 416-392-4008 Scarborough Civic Centre 150 Borough Drive Scarborough, Ontario M1P 4N7 Tel: 416-396-7222 Fax: 416-392-4006 The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check www.toronto.ca/COVID19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline 416-338-7600 or 311 Call Telehealth Ontario if you develop symptoms. Telephone: 1-866-797-0000 All my Best, Paul | |
Stories And Pictures About Life in Toronto From A City Councillor