July 16 Office of the Mayor and Council Update
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Trudeau announces funding to help
cities and provinces restart economy
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Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Federal Government will provide $19 billion to provinces and territories to help fund a safe restart of the economy.
The PM, who had previously promised $14 billion, recognizes that COVID-19 isn't just a health pandemic, but an economic one too.
I, along with Mayors of other municipalities and associations have been advocating for funding since early in the pandemic, recognizing that, due to COVID-19 closures, the town would face severe financial shortfalls. You can read more about Oakville's in the
Oakville Beave
r story below.
The announcement of more money, which will hopefully result in more funding to municipalities, is a welcome one, particularly as we begin the 2021 budget process. Municipalities are unable to run deficits, which means that shortfalls need to be made up elsewhere, such as tax increases.
As we safely resume services and await moving into Ontario's Stage 3, we are making progress. We're able to collect fares on transit, payment for swimming at the pools we have open and fees for CampOak summer day camps. But there's a long way to go and we're hopeful this additional funding from the Federal Government will help fill in the gap.
For the updated COVID-19 timeline, please scroll to the end of this email. You'll see how far we've come through the pandemic and recovery.
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Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- Moderna publishes preliminary report on coronavirus vaccine
- Toronto man recovering after 104 days in ICU with COVID-19
- Fewer COVID-19 patients in ICU are dying as pandemic progresses: paper
- Weekly town update with CHCH Morning Live
- Project Police on Patrol launches in Oakville
- Town of Oakville says big tax increase possible to recover from COVID-19
- Young Oakville equestrian seeks racial equity in her sport
- Provincial Government announcements
- Province extends emergency orders
- Ontario extends expiry period of marriage licenses
- Ontario Health Data Platform website now live
- Ontario relaxes long-term care visiting rules
- Government of Canada announcements
- Federal Government to provide provinces and territories with $19B for safe restart of economy
- Resumption of inmate visits in federal correctional institutions
- More competition the best way for Canadians to get cheaper cell phone plans
- Research shoes Canada's higher COVID death rate due to Canadians living longer with chronic disease
- Quebec office buildings can gradually reopen with measures in place
- Quebec ombudsman backs mandatory masks as petition calls on province to cancel rule
- B.C. warns COVID-10 silently circulating in community
- Florida sets new daily record for COVID-19 deaths
- Rising virus totals force rethink of bars, schools, tourism
- As pandemic rages out of control, CDC head warns of darker times this fall
- Russian hackers have tried to steal COVID-19 research
- New York Governor: "wear a mask"
- In other COVID-related news
- Schools reopening may lead to outbreaks, but we can’t afford to keep them closed: experts
- Cineplex won’t open movie theatres Friday as Ontario regions move to Stage 3
- Nearly 5,000 U.S. citizens have tried to enter Canada for shopping, recreation despite COVID-19: CBSA
- Doctor puts on six face masks in video to debunk idea that they lower oxygen levels
- 8 in 10 teachers worried about plans to reopen schools in the fall: report
- Toronto's mask law needs 'clarification,' puts onus on businesses to enforce it, critics say
- Legal groups launch court application over sharing of COVID-19 test data with police
- Women's participation in labour force reaches lowest level in three decades
- Coronavirus face mask exemption cards being sold online are fake
- Dr. explains coronavirus transmission
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Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by
+1
from 800 to
801
with
0
new confirmed cases in Oakville total remains at
265.
There is currently
1
COVID-19 patient being cared for at OTMH and 13 active cases in Oakville.
There was
+1
reported recovery in Oakville, from 277 to
277
and
+5
recoveries in Halton Region from 814 to
819
.
Oakville's community transmission rate holds at 38 per cent since the last report.
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Ontario reported 111 new cases of COVID-19
today, 37,163. Of those, slightly less than 89 per cent are considered resolved by the Ministry of Health. There have been 2,737 deaths in the province. Currently, 107 COVID patients are hospitalized with 26 in ICE and 20 of those on a ventilator.
Canada has 109,082 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases as of today. Provinces and territories listed 72,626 of those as recovered or resolved.
And as of today the global coronavirus case count stood at 13,589,273, with 584,990 deaths and 7,607,033 cases considered recovered, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
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COVID-19 deaths per million
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Moderna publishes preliminary report on coronavirus vaccine
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Healthy volunteers who took Moderna's coronavirus vaccine candidate appeared to generate an immune system response to the virus, and there were "no trial-limiting safety concerns," according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Toronto man recovering after 104 days in ICU with COVID-19
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For months, Bruno Iozzo’s family waited for news of whether he would survive COVID-19.
In late March, the healthy 73-year-old man was among the first COVID-19 patients admitted to the Humber River Hospital in Toronto. For the next 104 days, Iozzo would fight the infection in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
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Fewer COVID-19 patients in ICU are dying as pandemic progresses: paper
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Fewer patients admitted into intensive care due to COVID-19 are dying, according to
a new paper published on Wednesday
in the journal Anaesthesia that reviewed and analyzed more than 10,000 cases from two dozen studies around the world.
The report, which looked at relevant studies published between late January and end of May found that the death rate for adult COVID patients in ICU decreased over time, to 41.6 per cent from above 50 per cent. Dying from COVID while in ICU, however, was still nearly double that of patients admitted into ICU for other viral pneumonia.
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Weekly Town update on CHCH Morning Live
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Masks continue to be the hottest topic as I update CHCH Morning Live on what's going on in Oakville.
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Project Police on Park Patrol (POPP)
Launches in Oakville
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To reduce the incidence of nuisance-type behaviours in public spaces, the Halton Regional Police Service, in partnership with the Town of Oakville Municipal Enforcement Services, has launched Project Police on Park Patrol (POPP). This project will run until September 30, 2020.
With the arrival of warmer weather and the lifting of pandemic restrictions, residents of Oakville have turned to our parks, school grounds and trails to enjoy their summers. In recent weeks, the Halton Regional Police Service and Town of Oakville Municipal Enforcement Services have received an increase level of complaints and calls for service related to nuisances in these public spaces.
We want to assure the residents of Oakville that we recognize and share your concerns.
Project POPP will introduce enhanced patrols at a number of municipal parks, school properties and trail systems across the Town of Oakville, and will include enforcement of Town By-laws and Provincial and Criminal Statutes, including:
- Mischief
- Loitering
- Underage drinking
- Disturbances
- Noise complaints
The Halton Regional Police Service and its partners remain committed to community safety and liveability through prevention, education and enforcement initiatives.
Members of the community can continue to call the Halton Regional Police Service non-emergency line 905-825-4777 to report nuisance-related concerns. Reminder: 911 is for emergencies only.
We thank you for keeping our community a wonderful place to work, live and play.
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Town of Oakville says big tax increase possible
to recover from COVID-19
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Oakville Mayor Rob Burton says that without federal and provincial support, municipalities will have to consider plans to raise property taxes, user fees and charges or cut services to recover revenues lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement came following a virtual meeting of the 2021 Budget Committee, which was held on July 7.
During that meeting Town Treasurer and Acting Corporate Services Commissioner Nancy Sully noted current projections show a nearly $10 million budget gap that needs to be addressed.
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Young Oakville equestrian seeks
racial equity in her sport
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Lauryn Gray decided to tell her story and in doing so, perhaps inspire change in her own small way.
No, she hasn’t experienced ugly racist taunts while growing up in Oakville. Racism and police brutality are things she discusses in depth with friends because social justice is important to her, not because she has firsthand knowledge.
But she does have something to share.
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Provincial Government announcements
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Ontario extends emergency orders
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The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended most emergency orders currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) until July 29, 2020. Keeping the emergency orders in place provides the government with the necessary flexibility to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations, such as seniors, while continuing to implement its
Framework for Reopening the Province
with many regions entering Stage 3 on Friday.
On July 7, 2020, the Government of Ontario introduced the
Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
that would, if passed, ensure important measures remain in place to address the threat of COVID-19 once the provincial Declaration of Emergency has ended. The extension of these emergency orders under the EMCPA would allow orders that remain essential to be continued under the proposed legislation , if pas sed. The government continues to review emergency orders currently in place to determine when and if they can be safely eased or lifted.
The following orders under s.7.0.2 (4) of the EMCPA are extended until July 29, 2020:
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The Ontario government is taking steps to extend the expiry period of most marriage licences that have not been used due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This change is being made as a proposed amendment to the Marriage Act, and if passed, will help reduce the financial and administrative burden for many engaged couples.
The province is proposing to extend the expiry date for most marriage licences issued between December 1, 2019, and the end of the province-wide Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19. These licences would still be valid and could be used for up to 24 months from the end of the Declaration of Emergency. Couples with a qualifying unused marriage licence issued during this timeframe are encouraged to hold onto it. They would have up to 24 months to use it and would not need to replace their marriage licence.
If there has been a change of name or marital status, or a couple no longer has their unused licence, they would have 24 months from the end of the province-wide Declaration of Emergency to apply for a replacement licence at no provincial cost. The replacement licence would be valid for three months from the date it was issued, so couples would only apply for a replacement within three months of their rescheduled wedding. Couples needing a replacement licence are encouraged to contact the municipality where they purchased their unused licence.
"I would like to thank the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the municipal partners who worked with us to develop this solution," said Minister Thompson. "This reduces the burden for many of these couples by saving them the time and money that would be needed to apply for a new licence."
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Ontario Health Data Platform website now live
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Ontario relaxes long-term care visiting rules, as province reports fewest COVID-19 cases since March
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Effective immediately, up to two people at a time can visit a loved one outdoors, said Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton Wednesday. Visitors outside no longer need to show they've taken a COVID-19 test in the previous two weeks.
Indoor visits, which are currently limited to
essential workers and families of palliative patients, will be permitted as of July 22, with a two-person limit.
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Government of Canada announcements
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Federal government to provide provinces and territories with $19B for 'safe restart' of economy
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The federal government will provide $19 billion to the provinces and territories to help fund a "safe restart" of the Canadian economy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today.
The money will focus on seven priority areas, including enhanced COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line workers and businesses, funding for municipalities for transit, a national sick leave plan and child care so that parents can get back to work.
Some of the money will go toward improving the state of long-term care, and to fund mental health services and tackle homelessness.
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Resumption of inmate visits in federal correctional institutions
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The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced today that inmate visits have begun to gradually resume across the country with the first sites having re-opened on July 9, 2020.
Our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees, inmates and the public. A number of infection prevention measures will be in place for inmate visits. Prior to being allowed to enter an institution, visitors must undergo an active screening, including a temperature check. Visitors are also required to wash their hands before entry, wear a mask and practicing physical distancing at all times. Visitor spaces will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each visit.
Those wanting to visit a federal inmate are encouraged to review the new measures and requirements. Visits must be booked at least 48 hours in advance and there are limitations on the number of people permitted, and the duration of visits.
A webpage has been developed to provide information on when each site will be open for visits. We encourage the public to check the website regularly for updates. If, at any time, there are new or suspected cases of COVID-19 in an institution or unforeseen circumstances at the site, this could affect visitations. Those planning a visit should always confirm their visit with the institution before travelling.
As a preventative measure, on March 13, 2020, CSC went down to critical operations to reduce the amount of people coming and going from institutions to reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19. As a result, CSC suspended visits to institutions, in-person programming, temporary absences (unless medically necessary) and international transfers.
As restrictions start to ease across the country, CSC created a governance structure that includes labour partners and stakeholders to inform decisions on the resumption of activities. CSC constantly monitors the public health situation in each region, including community transmission, and makes decisions to increase access to sites based on risk levels. CSC also consults public health and local occupational health and safety and inmate committees prior to implementing any plans.
Correctional programming has resumed in many institutions and Elders and Chaplains have started returning to sites to support inmates. Citizen Advisory Committee members, lawyers and contractors are also starting to return for in-person work with inmates.
These are first steps and we will continue to monitor this evolving situation and adjust our measures and operations, as needed, based on the latest public health evidence.
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More competition is the best way for Canadians to get cheaper cell phone plans
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Even with the widespread introduction of “unlimited” cell phone plans, more Canadians could save money on their cell phone bills if Bell, Rogers and Telus faced greater competition from regional carriers like Freedom Mobile and Videotron.
This finding is part of the Competition Bureau’s final submission in the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC)
review of mobile wireless services
.
The Bureau’s analysis found that prices can be more than 50% lower for all cell phone users in markets where there is strong competition from regional carriers. These savings are far greater than what some customers may have saved as a result of “unlimited” plans.
The Bureau continues to recommend that the CRTC pursue a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) policy where Bell, Rogers and Telus would sell temporary access to their wireless networks to regional carriers who intend to invest and further expand their own networks. This model represents an incremental, time-limited policy to incentivize and accelerate the expansion of regional carriers so that they can quickly deliver lower prices and greater choice to more Canadians.
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Research shows Canada’s higher COVID death rate due to Canadians living longer with chronic disease
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Heart researchers say there’s a surprising reason Canada has seen higher COVID-19 deaths than many countries with fewer health-care resources — more Canadians live longer with chronic disease, putting them at greater risk of dying from COVID-19.
Research led by Heart & Stroke also found the pandemic has likely postponed thousands of cardiovascular procedures.
Lead author Cindy Yip said the findings underscore the devastating consequences of poor heart health, even if excellent medical care and technology is available.
“Quality of care is good to have, but it’s not enough,” said Yip, principal investigator and director of data knowledge management at Heart & Stroke, formerly known as the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
She said Canadians are somewhat vulnerable to pandemics such as COVID-19 because so many have survived other health crises.
“Because people are living longer with chronic disease like heart conditions and stroke we need to take actions, and we need them to take care of their health in order to avoid the poor outcome from COVID-19.”
The study notes 11.7 per cent of Canadians suffer from cardiovascular disease, including strokes. That puts us in the top third among 63 countries studied — worse than the 11.6 per cent found in the United States, 10 per cent in Russia, 7.6 per cent in South Korea, 4.3 per cent in India and 3.8 per cent in Pakistan.
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Quebec office buildings can gradually reopen with coronavirus measures in place starting Saturday
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The province still strongly recommends working from home when possible as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
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Quebec ombudsman backs mandatory masks as petition calls on province to cancel rule
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Quebec’s decision to make masks obligatory in indoor public spaces to limit the spread of the novel
coronavirus
is reasonable, according to the province’s ombudsman.
After receiving a “high volume of requests” about the measure, the office issued a statement on Tuesday in support of the requirement.
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B.C. warns COVID-19 'silently circulating' in broader community, as health officials announce 21 new cases
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Florida sets new daily record for COVID-19 deaths
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Florida reported the largest one-day increase in deaths from the novel coronavirus since the pandemic began and its second-largest increase in cases ever on Thursday.
Florida announced 13,965 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the state and the centre of the latest outbreak to over 315,775, according to the state health department.
Florida's COVID-19-related deaths rose by 156 to a total of 4,782, surpassing its previous one-day record of 133 new deaths on July 12. Current hospitalizations of patients with COVID-19 was the highest ever reported at 8,626, up 321 in the past 24 hours, according to a state agency.
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Rising virus totals force rethink of bars, schools, tourism
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Bars may be off the menu and many schools look set to remain closed for months to come as the new coronavirus causes more illness and death in many countries and the U.S. South and West.
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As pandemic rages out of control, CDC head warns of darker times this fall
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If seasonal influenza roars back this fall while the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, the combined weight of the diseases could cause US healthcare systems to collapse, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Tuesday.
The grim warning comes as COVID-19 is spreading out of control in many areas of the country, which is now seeing upwards of 60,000 new cases a day.
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Russian hackers have tried to steal COVID-19 research
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Russia has tried to steal information and intellectual property from researchers working on a COVID-19 vaccine, cyber security agencies in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom are alleging.
The major national security and intelligence threat was identified by the three countries as the result of “Russian cyber threat activity” directed at organizations that are doing research into and development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment.
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New York Governor: "wear a mask"
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New York, once the epicenter of the U.S.’s coronavirus outbreak, has a message for the rest of America: Wear a mask.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a national ad campaign Thursday to urge Americans to wear face coverings in public to stop the spread of the virus.
The campaign, titled “Mask Up America,” was co-produced by Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and features celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, Rosie Perez and Ellen Pompeo.
“We want to be sure all Americans know what we know here — that it is essential to wear a mask in order to protect one another,” Cuomo said in a statement.
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In other COVID-related news:
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Schools reopening may lead to outbreaks, but we can’t afford to keep them closed: experts
Increased community transmission is expected when schools reopen, but experts say that's not necessarily a reason to keep them closed.
Cineplex won’t open movie theatres Friday as Ontario regions move into Stage 3
In a statement to Global News, a Cineplex spokesperson said the company welcomes the news of Stage 3 reopening but is still reviewing what's being proposed by the province.
Nearly 5,000 U.S. citizens have tried to enter Canada for shopping, recreation despite COVID-19: CBSA
According to new data from the Canada Border Services Agency, more than 10,000 U.S. citizens have been turned away at the Canadian border during the pandemic — and almost half of them were hoping to enter Canada to shop, go sightseeing or simply for recreation.
Doctor puts on six face masks in video to debunk idea that they lower oxygen levels
A doctor in Ireland has made a video that appears to debunk the notion that wearing a face mask can lower a person’s oxygen levels.
8 in 10 teachers worried about plans to reopen schools in the fall: report
Mental health, readiness to learn and health measures are all issues of concern for Canadian teachers.
Toronto's mask law needs 'clarification,' puts onus on businesses to enforce it, critics say
Some business owners and experts in employment law say Toronto's mandatory mask bylaw is creating issues because it's unclear for some and puts the ;onus on businesses to enforce it.
Legal groups launch court application over sharing of COVID-19 test data with police
A group of Canadian organizations has launched a court application in Ontario Superior Court challenging the provincial government's decision to share personal information with police about Ontarians who test positive for COVID-19.
Women's participation in labour force reaches lowest level in three decades: RBC
A new study from the Royal Bank of Canada shows COVID-19 pushed women's participation in the labour force down to its lowest level in three decades.
Coronavirus face mask exemption cards are being sold online. Experts say they’re fake
As mandatory face mask bylaws pop up across Canada and the United States, so are fraudulent cards claiming to exempt people from the rule.
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Dr. explains coronavirus transmission
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In this video, Dr. Mike Hansen explains what airborne transmission is and how it relates to contracting coronavirus.
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Halton Environmental Network is launching Pop-up Clean-ups! The socially distanced clean-ups are a safe and fun way to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference in your community. Not only will you be cleaning up litter, but you’ll be tracking the waste you find. The collected data will empower our community to make informed decisions on how to protect our environment.
You can either lead a clean-up or take part in one! Students also have the opportunity to gain volunteer hours for school credit with each clean-up they do. If you are interested, please register
here
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Food Banks experiencing record demand
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Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.
Kerr Street Mission:
905-845-7485 or donate online at kerrstreet.com
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Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate under increased safety measures. I
f you know or are aware of someone who is struggling, call 211 and get help to navigate the network of health, community and social service programs. This service is offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has interpretation for over 150 languages. And, if you are able, please consider supporting the Meals on Wheels effort by making a donation.
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Call the COVID-19 hotline
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For the duration of the pandemic, if a member of the public wishes to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders, they may contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722
It is critical that our residents use 911 for emergencies only.
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