Office of the Mayor and Council Update
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Friday, May 15 COVID-19 emergency
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As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend I know you’re all itching to get out, but please keep the safety of yourself and your loved ones at top of mind.
Control your risks with my three Cs – your risks rise with crowds, confined spaces and circulating a lot. So stay apart and stay local as we continue on our reopening path.
That reopening path begins tomorrow with the opening of marinas and golf courses, read more about both below, and continues on Tuesday with the reopening of many more retail outlets and resumption of all construction.
We’re determined to forge ahead but let’s always be cautious as we do so. As you’ll read in this newsletter, there remains much we don’t know about the coronavirus, its resurgence and effects. As tempting as it may be to gather, remember that the life you save could be someone you love.
Instead of gathering for fireworks, please see below how you can view virtual fireworks from the comfort and safety of your own home.
We’ve come so far in this COVID-19 pandemic journey and as your reminder, you can scroll to the end of this email for the updated timeline.
As we begin the unofficial start of summer, I wish you a safe long weekend and as always, should you ever need assistance, please email me at
[email protected]
and I will guide you to the help you need.
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Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- Visual narrative tracks the spread of COVID-19
- Talking can generate coronavirus droplets that linger up to 14 minutes
- Coronavirus dispatches from an ER doctor in Toronto
- COVID-19 linked to 30-fold increase in rare childhood inflammatory disease
- Sailors on sidelined carrier get virus for second time
- Deaths per million close to home and around the globe
- Mississauga mayor says the city is not yet ready to reopen quickly
- Region’s mayors cautious as Ontario moves to reopen
- Premier addresses municipalities' concerns around reopening
- Marinas to reopen tomorrow
- There's still time to celebrate Police Week, virtually
- Golf courses cleared to open tomorrow
- Courses open in Oakville
- Doug Ford hints at lifting gathering restrictions
- Study reveals which jobs are considered high risk for COVID-19 contact
- Government of Canada extends Emergency Wage Subsidy
- Support for research staff in Canada
- Turmoil in Canada’s food supply chain points to summer shortages
- Schools in greater Montreal area will be closed until September
- Canada’s horses are at growing risk of death
- Retail in Canada to change forever
- Common coronavirus questions answered
- The argument for lockdown
- Head of NYC’s public hospital advised against lockdown
- Mexico sees largest one-day spike in coronavirus cases
- Russian doctors dying on the front lines
- Sweden's deadly month
- Movie theatres are on the brink of collapse, can innovation save them?
- Jeff Bezos could become world's first trillionaire
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Total confirmed cases in Halton have increased by 18, including 3 pending, from 532 confirmed cases yesterday to
550
with
7
new confirmed cases in Oakville from 180 to
187
.
There was 0 reported recoveries in Oakville and Halton Region, that recovered total remains at
156
.
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Ontario’s regional health units are reporting another 358 COVID-19 cases and 30 new deaths since Thursday morning.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, the health units have reported a total of 23,057 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 1,905 deaths. The 358 cases reported in the last 24 hours — a low 1.6 per cent jump — was in line with a flat trend in recent days; the province has seen an average of 355 new cases reported per day over the last seven days.
73,829 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Canada with 5,499 deaths. 36,528 or 49 per cent of cases have recovered.
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Visual narrative tracks the spread of COVID-19
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It’s updated frequently and free to use.
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Talking can generate coronavirus droplets that linger up to 14 minutes
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A new study
shows how respiratory droplets produced during normal conversation may be just as important in transmitting disease, especially indoors.
Also take a look at the
3D simulation
of droplets that shows why physical distancing is so important
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Coronavirus dispatches from an ER doctor in Toronto
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At St. Michael’s Hospital, James Maskalyk has a firsthand view of what the COVID-19 pandemic is like for patients and physicians.
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COVID-19 linked to 30-fold increase in rare childhood inflammatory disease
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Doctors in an area of Italy hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic have published detailed data on a cluster of 10 children who experienced an unusual inflammatory disease amid the outbreak, lending solid support for the link, which the province acknowledged earlier this week.
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Sailors on sidelined carrier get virus for second time
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Five sailors on the aircraft carrier sidelined in Guam due to a COVID-19 outbreak have tested positive for the virus for the second time and have been taken off the ship, according to the Navy.
The resurgence of the virus in the five sailors on the USS Theodore Roosevelt underscores the befuddling behaviour of the highly contagious virus and raises questions about how troops that test positive can be reintegrated into the military, particularly on ships.
All five sailors had previously tested positive and had gone through at least two weeks of isolation. As part of the process, they all had to test negative twice in a row, with the tests separated by at least a day or two before they were allowed to go back to the ship.
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Deaths per million around the globe and close to home
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Mississauga mayor says the city is not yet ready to reopen quickly
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While the Ontario government is working to gradually reopen the province's economy (in fact, an announcement on the first phase of the province's reopening plan is expected to be made on May 14), Mississauga’s mayor says the province needs to understand that some denser cities need more time to flatten the curve.
At a May 13 press conference, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said that Mississauga is not ready to begin reopening its economy as fulsomely as the province might like.
"While I welcome the gradual reopening of the economy, we need to continue to remind ourselves that the picture here in the GTA is much different than it is in the smaller, more remote areas of the province," Crombie said.
"Cases as a whole in Ontario are declining, but that is not the case here in the [Greater Toronto and Hamilton area]. This is the tale of two pandemics in Ontario."
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Region’s mayors cautious as Ontario moves to reopen
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GTA mayors are urging caution even as Ontario Premier Doug Ford Thursday unveiled details of a plan to start reopening the province for business, pointing out that big cities are in a different situation from smaller communities.
Toronto Mayor John Tory and Dr. Eileen de Villa, medical officer of health, meanwhile urged businesses and residents to continue to exercise caution, to stay home as much as possible and to continue practising social distancing, to avoid flare-ups of the communicable disease.
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Premier addresses municipalities' concerns around reopening
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In today's daily briefing, Premier Doug Ford directly addressed the concerns of GTA mayors who feel their cities may not be ready to reopen. He said no one is forcing re-openings but cautioned that regions that don't reopen will essentially be forcing their residents to go elsewhere to shop.
His message continues to be to work together, stating "we got in this together and we'll get out of it together."
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Marinas to reopen tomorrow
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Thanks to the hard work of marina staff, the town’s marinas and boat launches will open tomorrow in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
This group is just one of many that have been tirelessly preparing during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure services can be restored as orders are lifted by the province.
From installing docks to communicating with boat owners, their dedication has paid off so this enjoyable service can return for the summer.
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There’s still time to celebrate police week, virtually
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Golf courses cleared to open
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Oakville golf courses that will open tomorrow include:
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Doug Ford hints at lifting restrictions on gatherings
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Premier Doug Ford is strongly hinting that Ontario’s ban on gatherings of more than five people during the
COVID-19 pandemic
could soon be lifted.
Amidst admitting he had his daughters over for Mother’s Day and that he understood the pain everyone was feeling by not being able to see family, the Premier confirmed that lifting the five-person cap — in place to stop the spread of the virus that has killed about 1,800 people in the province — was being discussed with Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s top public health official.
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Study reveals which jobs are considered high risk for COVID-19 contact
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People who clean teeth, cut hair, work with children and serve food will be at high risk for coming into contact with
COVID-19
when the economy opens, says a new report released Friday by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
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Government of Canada extends Emergency Wage Subsidy
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Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for an additional 12 weeks to
August 29, 2020
.
Wage Subsidy Consultation
The Government will consult with key business and labour representatives over the next month on potential adjustments to the program to incent jobs and growth,
including the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold. Any potential changes following the consultation will have as key objectives to maximize employment, ensure the CEWS reflects the immediate needs of businesses, and support the post-crisis economic recovery.
Regulatory Changes to the CEWS
The Government also announced the approval of regulations to extend eligibility for the CEWS to ensure that it continues to support those employers and workers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and protects the jobs Canadians depend on.
These regulations extend eligibility for the CEWS to the following group
s:
- Partnerships that are up to 50 per cent owned by non-eligible members;
- Indigenous government-owned corporations that are carrying on a business, as well as partnerships where the partners are Indigenous governments and eligible employers;
- Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Associations;
- Registered Journalism Organizations; and
- Non-public colleges and schools, including institutions that offer specialized services, such as arts schools, driving schools, language schools or flight schools.
The Government also intends to propose legislative amendments to ensure that the CEWS continues to meet its objectives.
These proposed amendments would:
- Provide flexibility for employers of existing employees who were not regularly employed in early 2020, such as seasonal employees;
- Ensure that the CEWS applies appropriately to corporations formed on the amalgamation of two predecessor corporations and
- Better align the treatment of trusts and corporations for the purpose of determining CEWS eligibility.
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Support for research staff in Canada
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced $450 million in funding to help Canada’s academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment will:
- Provide wage supports to universities and health research institutes, so they can retain research staff who are funded from industry or philanthropic sources and are unable to access some of the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures. This would apply even if their work has been temporarily suspended. The government will provide up to 75 per cent per individual, with a maximum of $847 per week.
- Support universities and health research institutes to maintain essential research-related activities during the crisis, and to ramp back up to full research operations once physical distancing measures are lifted. This will cover up to 75 per cent of total eligible costs, and will support activities such as the safe storage of dangerous substances, and restarting data sets that were interrupted during the pandemic.
This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which has helped protect Canadian jobs, and committed billions in support to Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the pandemic. It will help sustain Canada’s research excellence and protect our research talent, in support of the COVID-19 response and the post-pandemic economic recovery.
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Turmoil in Canada’s food supply chain points to summer shortages
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The Canadian government is worried about the country’s food security as the
COVID-19
pandemic disrupts supplies and causes labour shortages.
Food prices may rise and some products could become unavailable in supermarkets, Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said.
The threat comes after the spread of COVID-19 temporarily
shut down one of Canada’s largest beef processing plants in April
and forced some poultry and pork facilities to temporarily idle or slow output. A similar wave of outbreaks at meat plants in the U.S. has already withered available supplies at grocery stores and driven up retail prices for beef and pork.
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B.C. extends state of emergency
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A state of emergency first issued back in March was extended again by B.C.'s premier on Wednesday.
John Horgan announced another two-week extension during a joint news conference with the province's energy minister. Cabinet approved the extension at a meeting earlier in the day. Horgan described it as a move meant to keep people healthy and safe, and said the state of emergency will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
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Schools in greater Montreal area will be closed until September
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At a news conference Thursday in Montreal, Premier François Legault said the metropolitan Montreal region has not seen the reduction in hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 needed to allow schools and daycares to be reopened safely by May 25, as previously announced.
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Canada’s horses are at growing risk of death
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As COVID-19 keeps riding lessons and horse shows out of commission, businesses in dire straits are rationing food and putting off medical care for their animals – or euthanizing them to cut their losses.
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Retail in Canada to change forever
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Many retailers in Canada are in turmoil amid store closures due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), and the situation isn’t likely to get much better as stores start to open in parts of the country this spring. Many retailers are in a restructuring phase and some are now examining bankruptcy protection. Some retailers have already announced that they will shutter permanently. This will transform our neighbourhoods and shopping centres for years to come with many retailers and foodservice businesses becoming nothing but a memory.
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Common coronavirus questions answered
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How do you properly wear a mask? Is it safe to borrow library books? Am I more at risk if I have asthma?
Answers to commonly asked questions are
here.
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The argument for lockdown
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According to professor and
New York Times
contributor Justin Wolfers, 0.23 per cent of all New Yorkers have died from COVID-19, contrary to the argument made against lockdown by the
Wall Street Journal
, which claimed only 0.01 per cent of those who got the virus would die from it.
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Head of NYC’s public hospital advised against lockdown
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Now Mayor Bill de Blasio has put him in charge of contact tracing.
Click on the image to read the full story.
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Mexico sees largest one-day spike in coronavirus cases
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Mexico recorded its largest one-day rise so far in coronavirus cases Thursday, and health officials said the country is at "the most difficult" moment in the pandemic.
There were 2,409 new virus confirmations, the first time that number has exceeded 2,000 in one day. In percentage terms, at 6%, it was not the largest one-day percentage rise.
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Russian doctors dying on the front lines
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Russia is hailing its medical workers as heroes, their photographs plastered on billboards and their stories glamorized on state TV. But as the country develops into one of the global epicenters of the disease, those workers are suffering astonishing levels of infection and death in their ranks.
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Sweden was one European nation that decided to stay open as many others locked down. While the country has avoided the devastating tolls of outbreaks in Italy, Spain and Britain, it also has seen an extraordinary increase in deaths, mortality data show.
Click image to read the full story
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Movie theatres are on the brink of collapse, can innovation save them?
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The movie theatre industry faces an existential threat from the coronavirus and streaming.
Read about
what’s caused the decline and how the second “Trolls” movie has played a factor in this New York Times story.
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Jeff Bezos could become world's first trillionaire
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According to
Comparisun
, a company which allows small- to medium-sized firms to compare different business products, the world's first trillionaire will likely be Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.
Their projection shows Bezos reaching trillionaire status by 2026. The company said their projection is based on taking the average percentage of yearly growth over the past five years and applying it to future years.
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Celebrating
Victoria Day
will be different this year. Let's continue to follow the advice of public health officials and stay safe by avoiding gatherings.
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Another Oakville family has been creating inspirational rock messages. Watch the video to see these pieces of art.
https://youtu.be/kQt1UoZ9vjk
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Tuesdays & Thursdays • 10 am
Family Storytime on Instagram Live
Get moving with stories, songs and fun during Family Storytime! Hosted virtually on Instagram Live. Follow
@oakvillelibrary on Instagram
.
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 2 pm
Kids Library Club
Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays as we explore fun activities in the fields of science, technology, art and more! Tuesday's session is all about
Poetry
and Thursday will be
Hour of Code
(wait list only). Limited spaces.
Register
Fridays and Saturdays • 10 am
Family Storytime on YouTube
Follow
OPL on YouTube
and enjoy Family Storytime, both live and pre-recorded. On Fridays, we go Live at 10 am, and on Saturdays, we upload new, pre-recorded stories - both at 10 am, and by OPL staff. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube page so you don't miss out!
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Staff Book Recommendations on YouTube
Listen to over 100 short book reviews from OPL staff, uploaded weekly on
YouTube
.
Daily
Virtual Tech Help
Book a virtual one-on-one session for basic technology assistance. Limited sessions.
Register
Note:
Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Visit
opl.ca/programs
for up-to-date information.
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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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Downtown Oakville Instagram live series
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On Wednesday, May 6 Downtown Oakville will be launching a weekly Instagram Live Series hosted by different Downtown businesses. The live events will allow you to purchase products, participate in fitness classes, attend workshops, and more!
Follow @oakvilledowntown on Instagram to learn more and tune in.
Schedule
May 20 at 7 p.m. - Fred Astaire Dance Studio
May 27 at 7 p.m. - Downtown Oakville Live Auction
June 3 at 2 p.m. - Lakeshore Yoga
June 10 at 1 p.m. - Makers Mojo
June 17 at 2 p.m. - Must Boutique
June 24 at 7 p.m. - Dr. Adrienne, Naturopathic Doctor
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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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