COVID-19 Updates

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 have been working as quickly as possible to respond to everyone. Given the volume of inquiries and vast range of issues being raised, I am 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:

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

COVID-19 can be a deadly disease. You can take actions to help stop the spread:

Find out how to celebrate safely with the people you live with.

Find out what zone and which regional public measures are in place for your area.

Stay home – save lives and don’t put others at risk.

Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

Learn about face coverings – how to use, clean and dispose.

Get the facts about COVID-19covid 19 – basics, symptoms and treatment.

Updates and resources from Public Health Ontario

 

FEATURED UPDATES

Coming soon: Ontario Small Business Support Grant to help businesses during the Province wide Shutdown.

Learn about COVID-19covid 19 vaccines and when they will be available in Ontario

Get Support for Learners

Businesses and organizations – get free marketing materials to promote COVID Alert

Test and testing location information

Find free mental health services and supports

Read the latest announcements about COVID-19

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://files.ontario.ca/moh-provincewide-shutdown-en-2020-12-22.pdf

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, call1-888-777-0554

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 of COVID-19covid 19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe.

Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, can only speak in single words)
  • severe chest pain (constant tightness or crushing sensation)
  • feeling confused or unsure of where you are
  • losing consciousness

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • fever (feeling hot to the touch, a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher)
  • chills
  • cough that’s new or worsening (continuous, more than usual)
  • barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing (croup)
  • shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
  • sore throat
  • difficulty swallowing
  • runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes or conditions)
  • lost sense of taste or smell
  • pink eye (conjunctivitis)
  • headache that’s unusual or long lasting
  • digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)
  • muscle aches
  • extreme tiredness that is unusual (fatigue, lack of energy)
  • falling down often
  • for young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

Complications from COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. The majority of COVID-19 cases are mild and most people who get it will recover on their own. Typical treatment for common coronaviruses includes:

  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • getting as much rest and sleep as possible
  • using a humidifier or taking 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 are 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://covid-19.ontario.ca/

SOCIAL / PHYSICAL DISTANCINGThis 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. 

  • 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

USEFUL CONTACTS

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:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

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. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Businesses and organization who can help with supply please go to:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus