We have an incredible team at Halton Region. I am proud of everyone who is working around- the-clock to slow the spread of COVID-19 and maintain the critical services we all rely on. These staff have put their lives on hold to be there for us when we need them the most.

Each staff member has a story—including our members of the Halton Region Public Health team who have been working to manage cases and outbreaks, assess risk and track the virus through contact tracing.

Some of the other Regional staff on the frontline of our response to COVID-19 include:

• communications and customer service professionals connecting our community to the information they need;
• public health staff assessing risk and tracking the virus through contact tracing;
• paramedics responding to medical emergencies and helping with COVID-19 testing in long-term care homes;
• long-term care staff providing support for some of our most vulnerable populations;
• social and community services staff providing essentials like food and shelter for individuals and families;
• emergency management staff coordinating with community partners on our response;
• waste management operators providing critical waste services;
• water and wastewater technicians maintaining high-quality drinking water; and
• so many others who are continuing to provide residents and businesses with important support services and resources.

On behalf of Regional Council, I thank everyone on the frontline for all you have done and continue to do. I have put together a short video to say how proud I am of our staff during this challenging time—your contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Since the declaration of COVID-19 as an emergency in Ontario and in Halton, we have seen many examples of the community coming together to say thank you to our frontline workers. When I walk through my neighbourhood, I have seen chalk messages on sidewalks and signs posted in windows reminding us to stay strong. And, every evening, I hear the sound of shouts, claps, cheers and car horns for those on the frontline who are working to keep us safe and maintain critical services in our community. Thank you for showing your support for our brave healthcare workers, frontline responders and essential workers. They need our support more now than ever.

To learn more about our staff on the frontline, search the hashtags #StrongerTogether and #HaltonON on social media. For more information on Halton’s response to COVID-19, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.

Remember to be kind, be informed and be safe. Please continue to stay home, practice physical distancing and listen to the advice of public health. We are stronger together.