{"id":952,"date":"2021-02-22T18:26:45","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T23:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paulainslie.com\/blog\/?p=952"},"modified":"2021-02-22T18:28:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-22T23:28:15","slug":"952","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paulainslie.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/22\/952\/","title":{"rendered":"My #COVID #Update for February 22, 2021 for #Ward24 #Scarborough #Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

February 22, 2021 Update<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Neighbours,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would like to continue to thank everyone for their efforts during these difficult times, I know it has been tough, but we must continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our community safe. It is also important to remember, our mental health is paramount, and that we take care of ourselves and seek support if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To join the meeting at the time of the event:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

City of Toronto COVID-19 Case Update:<\/strong> (Data as of February 21, 2021) <\/em><\/strong>There has been an increase of 366 COVID-19 cases<\/strong> in the City with 338 people currently hospitalized<\/strong>. Through the pandemic the City has seen a total of 95,293 cases of COVID-19<\/strong>, of these, 88,746 cases have recovered<\/strong>. To this date, there have been 2,616 COVID-19 deaths<\/strong> in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City\u2019s reporting platform<\/a>. Province of Ontario status of COVID-19 Cases can be found here.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 testing site and vaccine information \u2013 <\/strong>Residents can learn more about testing locations in their neighbourhood at www.toronto.ca\/covid19testing<\/a> . If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine please visit the City\u2019s webpage for the latest news and information at www.toronto.ca\/covid19vaccine<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Toronto Public Health region remains under the <\/strong>shutdown and stay-at-home orders<\/strong><\/a> until at least March 9, 2021.<\/strong> It remains imperative that we all respect the COVID-19 orders and stay home as much as possible. When you are outside of your home for essential purposes, remember to wear a mask or face covering, practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene. Get the latest information about service changes<\/a>, COVID-19 vaccination rollout<\/a> and COVID-19 regulations and lockdown guide.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caf\u00e9TO registration opens this Friday, February 26 at 9am. <\/strong>The first window will remain open for a full month, until Friday, March 26, and the second window will open immediately afterward. Local restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into the curb lane and onto sidewalks can register online using a clear process. Pending public health orders, approved Caf\u00e9TO curb lane locations from the first window would be installed as soon as mid-May \u2013 almost two months earlier than last year and in time for the May long weekend. More information can be read in this news release.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Caf\u00e9TO online webinar for local operators is planned for Tuesday, March 2 at 9:30am<\/strong>. Local restaurant and bar operators interested in expanding their outdoor dining space into the curb lane, sidewalks and on private property can learn about program guidelines, timelines, new program features and next steps for participating in this year\u2019s program. Previous Caf\u00e9TO participants should also attend to learn about program changes and enhancements. Sign up for the webinar here.<\/a> Details about CafeTO, including how to register, are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City of Toronto is working closely with Toronto Public Health (TPH) and The Salvation Army to manage an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Maxwell Meighen Centre, a shelter funded by the City and operated by The Salvation Army. <\/strong>As of today, there are 29 cases, which have all screened positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC). The samples are currently undergoing whole genome sequencing by Public Health Ontario to identify the variant strain. TPH declared an outbreak at Maxwell Meighen on February 3, 2021. An outbreak is defined as two or more positive cases, within a 14-day period, that are epidemiologically linked to a specific shelter setting. All clients who have tested positive have been sent to a dedicated isolation\/recovery site with supports to recover. For more information please read this news release.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

City of Toronto providing financial relief for taxicab industry. <\/strong>As part of the 2021 budget approval process, Toronto City Council voted to provide a temporary reduction in the renewal fees and regulatory charges for Taxicab and Limousine Vehicle-for-Hire licensing categories. This initiative will assist up to 8,670 drivers in the city. This $2.47 million support will enable the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n