Here is my latest update regarding the COVID-19 situation. I want to thank you all for practicing social distancing. I know that it can be a challenge, however it is important to slow the spread of the virus and we must all do our part. I got out today for a walk with my kids in the South March Highlands, and it was lovely to see so many people out enjoying the fresh air – while keeping a safe distance as we passed others on the trails. Lovely to see smiling faces during these difficult times.
Kanata North Community Update
- The Kanata Food Cupboard needs your support. Many local families need their assistance during this time. Please consider donating in the donation bins at local grocery stores or directly at their warehouse at 340 Legget Drive. Here is a list of what is needed most.
- #KickCovidtotheCurb – While we practicing social distancing it is important to take care of yourself mentally and physically. I encourage you to get outdoors (while still leaving space for others) and share how you are spending your days to help inspire your neighbours. How will you #KickCovidtotheCurb?
- Loblaws is offering shopping from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for seniors and those needing special assistance. Please share this widely with those who can benefit from it the most.
- Have you just returned home from a trip? You must self-isolate for 14 days. If you need assistance, please sign up here. Your community is ready and here to help you, whether you need help with groceries, dog walking, or picking up medications. Please let your community help you, so we can slow the spread of COVID-19.
- The Kanata North Business Association has created a website to support Kanata North local businesses. This page can be used to buy gift certificates now for use in the future! Check out the website to support local!
City of Ottawa Update
- The City of Ottawa continues to provide essential services to all residents and provides services where possible through online or phone methods.
- This is a very fluid situation and the city continues to look for ways to deliver services while also protecting frontline staff. Today, the following changes were made to LRT services:
- LRT trains will have tape installed to block the doors and area closest to the operator cab from the rest of the train.
- Prominent signage will be placed on the doors closest to the operator cab at both ends of the train to inform commuters of this change.
- Commuters will still be able to use cooperative seating areas in all parts of the train.
- Customers with bicycles should use the door that is closest to the front of the train. You will find bicycle stickers at the appropriate doors for boarding.
Ottawa Public Health Update
- Ottawa Public Health remains the best source for all COVID-19 updates. Please visit their website for up-to-date information.
- Fraud notice: Unfortunately, there are reports of calls being made to residents posing as Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and asking for credit card information. Please note that OPH (or any health unit) will not ask you for credit card information. Do not give your credit card information out. I encourage you to report it to Ottawa Police Services.
- I know many of you will be returning from international travel back to our community. If this is you, this guide by OPH is essential reading. There’s no reason to not follow OPH instructions. We must all do our part.
- If you’ve recently tested positive or are in the process of being tested for COVID-19, please read this guide.
- If you’ve been instructed to self-isolate and are unsure what to do, please read this guide.
- There’s been a lot of misinformation circulating in our community, and at this time of heightened anxiety, it is more important than ever to have the right information. Click here for credible and accurate sources of information.
Province of Ontario Update
Today, the Provincial Government announced that they will be temporarily extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards until the current situation improves. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices, and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can visit ServiceOntario for a full list of products and services that are affected by this change.
The Province also unanimously passed legislation to implement some of the changes that were covered in previous updates. This legislation would provide job protection for individuals unable to work for the following reasons:
- Under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19.
- Acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
- Is in isolation or quarantine in accordance with public health information or direction.
- Your employer directs the employee not to work due to a concern that COVID-19 could be spread in the workplace.
- You need to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such as a school or day-care closure.
- You are unable to return to Ontario because of travel restrictions.
This legislation makes it clear that a worker will not be required to provide a medical note if they need to take the leave. However, your employer may require you to provide other evidence that is reasonable in the circumstances, at a time that is appropriate under the current situation. This could include such requests as a note from the daycare or for evidence that the airline cancelled a flight, but not a medical note. These measures are retroactive to January 25, 2020 which is the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in our Province. You can read more about these changes here.
Additionally, the Province’s Attorney General has been granted an order suspending the enforcement of residential evictions until ordered otherwise by the court. The Province has also ensured in legislation that Ontario’s businesses are not impacted by municipal noise by-laws that may unintentionally impact deliveries of urgent groceries and medicines. You can read more about these changes here.
Federal Government Update
The Federal Government continues to work closely and in coordination with Provinces to manage the COVID-19 outbreak at the national level. The Federal Government has been holding several briefings each day and further information has been provided to previous announcements. I am in constant communication with our local Member of Parliament and I will share updates as I have them. It is important to know that nationally officials have now tested more than 50,000 Canadians since the beginning of the outbreak. 25,000 of those were in the last week alone. However, testing alone will not get us out of the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing and self-isolation are required, and your commitment to follow the expert OPH advice will.
If you missed yesterday’s Federal Government announcement, I encourage you to visit this website or, for more technical details, go here.
Please continue to contact me directly at Jenna.Sudds@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2474 if you have any questions or concerns.
Stay safe and stay healthy Kanata North!
Many thanks,
Jenna Sudds
Kanata North City Councillor