Good evening Kanata North neighbours,
As we continue to stay home and change our day to day routine, I have come to notice how adaptable our community is. Many of us are learning new skills, adjusting the way we work, and thinking outside the box to keep busy. It’s amazing, and we are fortunate to be able to do this.
Kanata North Update
- I hope you are continuing to stay busy at home. After a few weeks, it can be difficult to think of new activities to keep busy. Please continue sharing how you are spending your days to inspire your neighbours. Use #KickCovidtotheCurb to explore new ideas!
- Our local businesses are facing major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. I cannot stress enough the importance of supporting our local businesses if you can. The Kanata North Business Association and the Kanata Central Business Improvement Area have both created web pages for you to #ShopLocal. I encourage you to check them out.
- If you require assistance due to self-isolation, please reach out. Over 160 Kanata North neighbours have signed up to help you through this difficult time. We can pick up groceries, medication, or walk your dog. Please sign up here.
- Today I chatted Lauri Moussa, the Executive Director of the Kanata Central Business Improvement Area (KCBIA). It was a great discussion about the shopping area, as well as efforts currently underway to support local businesses. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
- When shopping for groceries and essentials, please remember to maintain physical distancing whenever possible. Please remember to be mindful of other people’s space.
- Thank you to everyone who joined me yesterday in thanking our first responders. It was great to see so many of you in our community participate, like this:
Ottawa Public Health/City of Ottawa
- Ottawa Public Health is the best source for up-to-date information. Please continue to visit their website for updates.
- Tomorrow, April 3, the City of Ottawa will host an Arabic Facebook Live event, COVID-19: What You Need to Know. Residents will hear from Ottawa health professionals here at 7 p.m. The broadcast will stay online for those who can’t tune in live.
- Residents are reminded that, to stop the spread of COVID-19, all city parks are closed to discourage usage and group gatherings. The amenities and spaces that are closed include:
- Public sports fields – including those located at recreation facilities.
- Ball diamonds
- Basketball and tennis courts
- Skateboard parks
- Off-leash dog enclosures
- Park and play equipment are also closed, as they attract multiple users. More importantly, the surfaces are not cleaned and could potentially spread the COVID-19 virus. The prohibited equipment includes:
- Play structures
- Swings
- Slides
- Climbers
- Adult fitness stations
- Benches and picnic tables
- There will be a virtual town hall on April 9th at 2 p.m. to discuss the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are encouraged to ask questions during this time. You can watch via the city’s social media channels or on Rogers Television. In addition to Mayor Jim Watson, the panel includes:
- Keith Egli, Chair, Ottawa Board of Health
- Steve Kanellakos, City Manager
- Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health
- Anthony Di Monte, General Manager, Emergency and Protective Services
- Peter Sloly, Chief, Ottawa Police Service
- Today, there was an increase of 58 cases bringing the total to 252 cases. 14% of cases required hospitalization and 5% needed intensive care. 6% of the cases are due to community spread. We can lower this number by doing our part and staying home.
- As the next step in the regional response to COVID-19, a new Care Clinic will open on Monday. It will be operated by Queensway Carleton Hospital, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and the region’s Clinical Care Coordination Centre (C4). The clinic’s primary function will be to provide treatment for people with symptoms of respiratory illness – cough, fever and cold-like symptoms – that can’t be managed at home. It will be located at the D. A. Moodie Intermediate school in Bells Corners and will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. The clinic will be equipped to do basic diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays and lab tests.
- If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. Masks also need to be changed frequently.
- However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading when you cough or sneeze.
- If you do decide to use a mask, please consider the following:
- Masks only work when combined with frequent hand cleaning with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Before touching the mask, wash your hands properly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Put the mask over your mouth and nose and make sure there are no gaps on the top of your nose and around your cheeks and chin.
- Do not touch the mask once you have it on. If you have to touch the mask, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after you touch the mask.
- Change the mask as-soon-as it is damp. Do not re-use masks that are made for only one use.
Ontario Government
The following updates were provided by the Province:
- The Provincial Government announced emergency action to support victims of crime and protect front-line staff who continue to uphold the administration of justice in response to COVID-19. The government of Ontario will provide more than $2.7 million to support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes during the COVID-19 crisis. This additional one-time emergency payment will help front-line staff respond to challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and enhance access to immediate supports for victims, including extended hotels stays, transportation, and meal vouchers available through the Victim Quick Response Program Plus (VQRP+).
- Understanding that the pandemic can cause stress, the Ontario government is making it easier for everyone to reach out for mental health support during the COVID-19 outbreak. To improve access, the province is providing emergency funding of up to $12 million to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports and $2.6 million to support Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
- These services will help people experiencing anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges, including people who are unable to access their regular in-person counselling supports, and will address the needs of those working on the frontlines who are dealing with the difficult realities of COVID-19 every single day.
- Where to Find Help:
- For Ontarians currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options.
- For Ontarians interested in public addictions services and mental health services for those over 18, they can contact ConnexOntario, Ontario’s mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line at 1-866-531-2600.
- Children and youth under 18 can locate mental health services through the Ontario.ca and Kids Help Phone websites, or contact Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 support, if they need someone to talk to.
- Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service providing professional counselling, information, and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to postsecondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Learn more at www.good2talk.ca.
- To access BounceBack and their guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support, visit bouncebackontario.ca or ask your primary care provider for a referral.
Federal Government
The Federal Government provided the following updates:
- The government has launched a COVID-19 app. This app can be downloaded on the Apple store or the Google Play store. The app is equipped with the latest information from the Federal Government and valuable resources from Health Canada.
- The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides temporary income support to workers who are not working due to COVID-19. The CERB replaces the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit announced earlier in March. Applications for the CERB will open on April 6, 2020 at Canada.ca/coronavirus. Those who have applied for Employment Insurance due to COVID-19 on March 15 or later will automatically be processed through the CERB. You can find more information on the background of this emergency benefit here.
- Last night, a shipment of over a million masks was received and The Federal Government is working around the clock to validate the shipment to ensure it meets Canadian standards. This is in addition to the 10 million masks that have come in over the last days and which are being distributed to Provinces.
Thank you for doing your part and staying home. We are a strong community, and we will get through this. Please reach out if you need anything.
Stay safe.
Stay healthy.
Stay home.