I’m sure you can appreciate my office is receiving a large volume of e-mails and phone calls outlining various concerns and questions about this evolving situation and its impacts on specific individual situations and our country. We’ve been working as quickly as possible to respond to everyone. Given the volume of inquiries and vast range of issues being raised, I’m providing a comprehensive summary in an effort to cover as many aspects of those concerns associated with this health challenge, which I hope will assist in addressing your own inquiry. These aspects include:
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- COVID-19 Self-Assessment
- Support for Ontarians
- Social Distancing
- Useful Contacts
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LIST OF ESSENTIAL WORKPLACES
Read the list of essential workplaces in response to COVID-19. If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
https://www.ontario.ca/page/stopping-spread-covid-19
Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ONTARIO TOGETHER: HELP FIGHT CORONAVIRUS
We welcome help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19. Follow this link.
If you need help making an online submission, call 1-888-777-0554
RISK TO CANADIANS & SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
Currently, the Government of Ontario has advised the public health risk associated with COVID-19 is low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:
• aged 65 and over;
• with compromised immune systems;
• with underlying medical conditions
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
Symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- flu/cold like
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- pneumonia
Complications from the 2019 novel coronavirus can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.
There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illnesses will recover on their own.
You should:
- drink plenty of fluids
- get rest and sleep as much as possible
- try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
BEING PREPARED DURING COVID-19
All Canadians need to consider proactive measures we can each take to remain healthy and do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Now, just as always during any flu season, stay at home if you’re sick and encourage those around you to do the same until they no longer have any symptoms.
COVID-19, like many viruses, is spread through contact. Avoid physical contact like shaking hands, hugging. We recommend exercising frequent hand washing, as well as coughing and sneezing etiquette. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles.
If COVID-19 becomes a common in Dufferin-Caledon, residents should think about how to adjust behaviours and routines to minimize the spread of infection. For more tips and guidance on making a plan, including filling prescriptions; stocking up on essentials and avoiding panic buying; caring for those who are ill; receiving reliable information; and communicating with neighbours, friends, and loved ones, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
SOCIAL / PHYSICAL DISTANCING
This is a term which has arisen with the spread of COVID-19. It means making a conscious effort to avoid close contact with others by establishing and maintaining a two metre (or six feet) distance from other people. It is not the same as self-isolation.
USEFUL CONTACTS
- Coronavirus Hotline 1-833-784-4397
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health 1-800-265-7293 (x. 7006)
- Peel Public Health 1-888-919-7800
- Ontario Public Health 1-866-797-0000
- Constituency Office of MPP Sylvia Jones 519-941-7751
It is my hope this information on COVID-19 is helpful in answering your questions and concerns. I must reiterate that this situation is rapidly changing and evolving. For the most up-to-date information, please press the button below:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Updates
If you have a specific concern regarding COVID-19 which hasn’t been addressed through this summary, please contact me again by e-mail at or call my Orangeville constituency office at 519-941-7751 or toll-free at 1-800-265-1603 Please note my office is currently closed to walk-in visitors, in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. However, phone messages will be checked regularly and responded to as quickly as possible.
Ministry of Health Information
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Travelers Returning Home
Education and Learn from Home Information
To fight the spread of COVID-19, Ontario public schools will remain closed to teachers until May 1, 2020, and to students until May 4, 2020. Private schools will also remain closed until April 13, 2020, according to the Declaration of Emergency, which only allows closures to be extended for one 14-day period at a time.
As these dates come closer, this decision will be re-evaluated based on public health advice. The closure may be extended if necessary to protect the health and safety of students, families and staff.
Ontario Extends School and Child Care Closures to Fight Spread of COVID-19
We need your help:
businesses and organization who can help with supply 1-888-777-0554:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus
