Below are some helpful public health resources and updates on the Ontario government state of emergency.
Provincial state of emergency & province-wide closures
On March 17, Premier Doug Ford announced a state of emergency, it was extended until June 2. On March 23, the Premier announced that all non-essential workplaces are to close, and that the state of emergency may be extended. On March 28, Ontario restricted gatherings of more than 5 people, with limited exceptions (see here). Restrictions on business are being gradually lifted as of Tuesday, May 19.
The list of workplaces that may remain open can be found here. Businesses can ask questions about closures of at-risk workplaces by calling the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 or [email protected].
School Update - Closed until May 31
On March 31, the Provincial Government announced that public schools will remain closed until May 31. E-learning information is available at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde websites. Additionally, the Ontario Government has provided the Learn From Home resource for students to practice math and literacy, which can be accessed here.
Public Health Updates
COVID-19 self-assessment tool
The Ministry of Health's self-assessment tool has been updated. Use this to determine what steps you should take should you exhibit symptoms: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
Information from the City of Hamilton
Find out how Hamilton is preparing, the number of cases in Hamilton, and how to protect yourself. Includes the phone number for Hamilton's COVID-19 hotline.
Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health
Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick, and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.
Ontario.ca/coronavirus & **New website: COVID-19.Ontario.ca
Information from the Government of Canada
Updates on the national response, travel advice, and preparedness.
Information on Travelling from the Government of Canada
All Canadians travelling abroad have been asked to return to Canada. Canadians stuck abroad who need help can call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or email at [email protected]
For Medical Advice:
Telehealth Ontario
For medical advice, you may contact Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential service. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information is available in multiple languages.
Telephone: 1-866-797-0000
Hamilton Public Health
The City of Hamilton has established a COVID-19 hotline to answer questions from residents: 905-546-2424 ext. 7970 or [email protected]
Assessment Centres
Hamilton has two COVID-19 Assessment Centres that are now open. These clinics will assess whether people need more medical care and/or testing for COVID-19 based on symptoms (cough or fever), travel history and/or exposure to known cases.
See what to do before going to an assessment centre, and where the centres are located at: https://www.hamilton.ca/public-health/covid-19/covid-19-assessment-centres
COVID-19 self-assessment tool
The Ministry of Health's self-assessment tool has been updated. Use this to determine what steps you should take should you exhibit symptoms: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
If you have recently traveled
If you have travelled outside Canada, Hamilton Public Health Services asks that you self-isolate, and monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada.
If you have these symptoms, call the Hamilton Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline 90-546-2424 ext.7970. They will provide advice on what you should do.
For more information, see: https://www.hamilton.ca/public-health/covid-19/guidance-travellers-and-covid-19
Queen's Park Updates
As of March 13, the Legislature is set to resume operations on Monday, March 23. However, all parties approved an emergency measure to potentially suspend operations. All party leaders, including NDP leader Andrea Horwath, met with the Premier on March 11 for an update on the province’s response.
The Ontario NDP has also been advocating for stronger protections for workers, by calling for the government to reinstate paid sick leave and to halt the requirement for sick notes. Click here for an update on the March 19 emergency legislation.
The Ontario NDP has also released its own comprehensive plan and recommendations for the Premier. The Ontario government will be introducing a financial update in the legislature on March 25. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling for that financial statement to include a plan to send $2,000 Ontario Emergency Income cheques to households experiencing unemployment or lost income during the COVID-19 crisis.
Click here for the Ontario NDP's comprehensive plan to support families and businesses
Financial Update & Government COVID-19 Action Plan
On March 25, the Ontario Government provided a financial update in lieu of the annual budget. This included an action plan that responds to the COVID-19 crisis. It includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and it also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals. See: https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html