Vital updates:
- Niagara Falls city council opted to defer a decision on mandatory face masks to the Regional government, which has referred the debate to staff pending a vote on July 23rd. Councillor Lococo remarked that a Regional bylaw would apply only to individuals rather than to businesses, which would be governed by city bylaws and/or by provincial legislation such as that recently enacted in Quebec, which the Government of Ontario has indicated it is not inclined to pass. The Niagara Acting Medical Officer of Health may also stipulate the wearing of masks under provincial law.
- Earlier this week, the Ontario legislature approved Bill 159, the Rebuilding Consumer Confidence Act, aimed at promoting higher quality new home construction and reducing defects and warranty claims, while better protecting consumers from bad actors in the marketplace. The Act will overhaul Tarion Warranty Corporation, which administers the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act dealing with new home warranties, protections, and new home builder and vendor regulation. Homebuilders and other interested parties can review the Act here.
Reading recommendations:
- Interest rates will stay low as Canada faces ‘long climb out’ of COVID-19 hole, central bank says, Pete Evans, CBC News
- Indigenous communities at increased risk during the coronavirus pandemic, Anne Levesque & Sophie Thériault, The Conversation
If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.
Remember that a COVID-19 test is only a snapshot of your health on the specific date and time the swab was taken. No testing is perfect and a negative result doesn’t mean you haven’t been exposed to COVID-19. You can still develop symptoms days after your test was taken.
It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintain a 2-metre distance from other people. When maintaining distance is impossible, use a face mask. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Previous updates can be accessed here.
Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
