This week, our city has seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases. We’re learning that this increase is mostly attributed to young adults, aged 20-29, who are involved in high risk activities. We must remember that our efforts to adhere to the measures provided by health officials is the reason we have been able to enter Stage 3. COVID-19 is still in our community, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, and we must act accordingly. I encourage you to follow the guidelines and make well informed decisions before socializing with others. Our collective actions will have a direct impact on our future.
Kanata North Updates
- We are so fortunate to live in a caring community. Over 200 Kanata North neighbours have signed up to help those in need through the pandemic. If you need assistance with errands, please do not hesitate to sign up today and my office will coordinate with a local volunteer.
- Blood is needed through the pandemic. Please consider donating at one of the upcoming Blood Clinics at the Holiday Inn in Kanata on July 29 and 30, or August 25 and 26. You can make an appointment here.
City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health Updates (OPH)
Here are the latest updates from the City of Ottawa and OPH:
- Today, OPH reported seven new cases and no new deaths. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 2,361 and 263 deaths.
- As mentioned, this past week our city saw the largest jump in positive cases since May. Most of the cases are seen in young adults participating in high risk activities, such as indoor gatherings, socializing with more than the 10 individuals in their social circle, attending parties, and going to work when they are sick. These actions will have direct impact in how we move forward through the pandemic.
- Given that recreation facilities have been closed over the past four months due to COVID-19, the city will be extending current swimming membership expiry dates by 4.5 months. Customers who pay for their membership by monthly installments on their credit cards will have payments resume on August 15.
- The city’s Human Needs Taskforce is looking for cloth masks to support the city’s most vulnerable. Please consider donating by emailing donations@ottawa.ca to set up an appointment for drop-off. Specifically, the city is seeking cloth masks:
- Made with two or three layers of tightly woven but breathable cloth such as cotton, flannel or quilting cotton.
- Without any seams over the mouth and nose through which air may leak.
- Ideally with horizontal pleats to help fit a variety of faces.
Provincial Updates
Here are the latest updates from the Ontario government:
- In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Province is allowing seven more regions to enter Stage 3 of reopening the province. The decision is based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower or low transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.
- The Ontario government is announcing five new Ontario Health Teams and is providing additional funding to better connect care in addition to the existing 24. Through an Ontario Health Team, patients will experience easier transitions from one provider to another, including, for example, between hospitals and home care providers, with one patient story, one patient record and one care plan. Patients and families will also have access to 24/7 navigation and care coordination services. The five new Ontario Health Teams are:
- Algoma Ontario Health Team in Algoma District.
- Niagara Ontario Health Team in Niagara Region.
- Ottawa East Ontario Health Team in Eastern Ottawa, Eastern Champlain and a certain portion of Ottawa Centre, offering services in both official languages.
- Western Ontario Health Team in London-Middlesex.
- Western York Region Ontario Health Team in Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King City.
- In addition, the government of Ontario is investing $25.25 million to support the approved Ontario Health Teams. Of this funding, $9.5 million will be dedicated to virtual care, which will provide more support for vulnerable populations and individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. With the remaining $15.75 million, each Ontario Health Team will receive up to $375,000, to be used for:
- Expanding digital care, including training, education and purchasing new tools and technology for virtual visits, booking online appointments and patient portals.
- Dedicated human resources to help develop and implement this new model of care, including more collaborative responses to COVID-19.
- Purchasing business information tools to measure the performance and outcomes of the Ontario Health Team model.
- To support the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), the provincial government is investing $110,000 from the Ontario Together Fund to deliver online tools and resources that will support Indigenous businesses. The funding provided through the Ontario Together Fund will help the CCAB:
- Produce a data-driven report to assess the effects of COVID-19 within the Indigenous business community.
- Assist Indigenous businesses navigate various COVID-19 programs, services and procurement opportunities available through webinars and web-based assistance.
- Enhance CCAB’s online resource platform, Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Businesses, that provides practical guides, training, networks, and a forum to connect and share best practices.
Federal Updates
Here are the latest updates from the Canadian government:
- The pandemic has created additional and unprecedented challenges for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and the organizations that serve them. In response to these challenges, the Government of Canada invested $50 million through the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, to support organizations providing services to women and their families fleeing violence, $40 million of which is flowing through Women and Gender Equality Canada. As previously announced, $30 million of this funding has already been directly delivered to nearly 700 women’s shelters and organizations serving survivors of sexual assault.
- To ensure that families across the country have access to child care, the Canadian government is investing $625 million in federal support for Canada’s child care sector. Along with the agreements under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework, this investment means the Government of Canada will invest almost $1.2 billion to support child care in 2020-2021, a 67% increase over the next highest year in history, 2005-2006, when $700 million were announced.
Please reach out should you need anything. Stay safe.
Take care,
Jenna Sudds