The global COVID-19 pandemic has certainly brought tough times for our community, and every community around the world. It is only natural that you may be feeling anxious about what each day will bring. While we can’t be sure of what will happen next, I am taking every chance I can to encourage residents to do their part to flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19.
The instructions from our Medical Officer of Health (YouTube link), Dr. Meghani are very clear and must be taken seriously: stay home as much as possible and if you are out, always maintain a space of 2 meters (6ft.) between you and others.
Continue to protect yourself and others
You have likely heard the terms physical or social distancing (YouTube link) and “staying inside your bubble” in the media or in conversations with friends and family. Practicing physical distancing is about making changes to your daily routine to limit the number of people you come into contact with. This means:
Avoiding all non-essential trips in the community, staying away from public spaces and working from home if possible.
Having only one member of your household go out for essential groceries and medication once a week.
Using technology is also a great way to stay connected with friends and family. If you can, use an online delivery service for these essentials.
It is also important to remember you should not be visiting long-term care homes, supportive housing sites or hospitals unless you are allowed to if someone you love is critically ill.
Making smart choices to slow the spread of COVID-19 together
There are choices people make that either keep us safe or put others at risk. While you might have mild cold-like symptoms or not feel sick at all, you could unknowingly be putting others at serious risk. We all have a responsibility to protect those we love, those who are more vulnerable including grandparents, individuals aged 70 and over and anyone with underlying medical conditions, as well as to our healthcare and essential service workers who are working day in and day out to save lives and protect us.
I know that as the weather gets warmer, it is tempting to gather with others for a pick-up game of street hockey, meet up in the park or have people close to us over for a BBQ. We are still hearing reports of children using playground equipment and people ignoring the 2 metre physical gap in grocery stores or on public paths. These actions do not protect you or your community - they only help the virus spread. We all need to make smart choices together.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and local by-law enforcement officers will be ticketing people who continue to disregard the Provincial emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This Act includes mandatory orders to stay out of outdoor recreational amenities (external link), such as sports fields and playgrounds. Residents who would like to report an incident of non-compliance with these orders are asked to please call the HRPS COVID-19 Hotline at 905-825-4722.
I, like all of you, miss the time with my family and friends, but I look forward to the time when we will be able to gather once again for family dinners, celebrations and outdoor activities.
Remember you are not in this alone—we are all in this together.
One of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to access reliable, up-to-date information. Visit halton.ca/COVID19 to get the latest information about COVID-19.