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Mayor’s Message on COVID-19 – October 6, 2020

Mayor’s Message on COVID-19 October 6, 2020

Hello everyone, week 29 for my messages.

Predictably, the numbers remain very high with 625 cases in Ontario yesterday and now 8 straight days of over 500 per day. Nationally the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases is as high as any time during the pandemic. Ontario’s numbers now stand at 54,814 cases, 46,360 recovered and 2,980 deaths. In Canada, now over 169,000 cases, over 142,000 recovered and 9,504 deaths.

In Ontario, with our large urban populations, there are real problems with testing and tracing backlogs. Results in some areas are taking up to a week to be returned. Hospitalizations are rising in Ontario (tripled in recent weeks) and the virus has now started to emerge in some remote corners of our province.

With the onset of colder weather more activity will be forced indoors compounding the risk of spread and if we need more bad news, another “regular” flu season is about to begin. We may have a long winter coming and we all need to embrace the new normal and continue doing the things that have proven to be effective.

As of October 2, 2020, it is now mandatory in Ontario, pursuant to Ontario Regulation 364/20, schedule 1 section 2 (3),

“The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instruction issued by The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals.”

The key points are:

  • Daily screening is required for all staff before they enter the workforce.
  • Essential visitors should be screened upon arrival.
  • Screening is not required for patrons entering a workplace (e.g. Customers entering a store, restaurant, bar or other food or drink establishment).

As we have all done since the beginning of this pandemic, we will adapt and find a way to more forward.

Thank you and stay safe,

Ian