I am very aware that many of us are worried about how we are going to get through the tough time ahead of us. It will be a test of all of us in Beaches-East York as a community, but I am certain that we will rise to the challenge. Given the global situation, things could change rapidly and we should recognize the potential transmission risk and continue to monitor closely the advice given by our public health officials.
Please do remember that we are all in this together. Let’s all try to support each other and above all, let us all please be kind.
Reminder: This crisis and the response is constantly evolving, as such changes may have occurred between the time of reading this post and publishing it. For the most up-to-date information and contact information for Toronto Public Health, Ontario Ministry of Health, and the Public Health Agency
Newsletter Updates:
March 26: Canada Emergency Response Benefit & Ontario's Covid-19 Action Plan
March 19: Updates; Emergency Legislation & Federal Relief Announcement
March 13: March E-Newsletter; Covid-19
Federal Support:
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
For a more detailed look at the Federal announcement, and break down of the various programs for individuals and businesses.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit, a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months
For more local and timely information: Updates are available daily on the following websites:
Information from Toronto Public Health on local cases, how to protect yourself and where to seek further medical support.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) self-assessment: Use this if you think COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, to help determine if you need to seek further care.
If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.
Provincial Government News Releases
The latest announcements from the provincial government are posted here: ontario.ca/news
Support for businesses
Toll-free hotline for businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health: 1-888-444-3659
Information from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada
Updates on the national response, travel advice and preparedness.
- Vulnerable populations and COVID-19
- How to isolate at home when you have COVID-19
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19 – Wash your hands
Important travel advisories and restrictions related to COVID-19, from the Government of Canada.
Telehealth Ontario
For medical advice, you may contact Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential service. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Telephone: 1-866-797-0000
Toronto Public Health Hotline
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
(closed on statutory holidays)
Saturday and Sunday:
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Translation is available in many languages.
Telephone: 416-338-7600
TTY: 416-392-0658
Email: PublicHealth@toronto.ca
My Constituency Office
My staff will be working from home until April 3, 2020, but we remain available to serve constituents of Beaches - East York by phone and email:
416-690-1032
Rbern-McGown-CO@ndp.on.ca