Vital updates:
- On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer Health and the local medical officer of health, Windsor-Essex will be allowed to move into Stage 3 on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. The decision was based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing. This was the last region to move into Stage 3, and as of Wednesday, the entire province will be at Stage 3 of the provincial re-opening framework. Premier Ford has indicated that no further relaxations will be forthcoming until a vaccine is available.
- The Ontario government is taking steps to make commuting and travel easier in the Greater Toronto Area by confirming the Preferred Route for a new 400-series highway and transit corridor across York, Peel and Halton regions. Advancing the GTA West corridor is anticipated to reduce travel times for drivers and support economic growth and job creation. The GTA West corridor will include a four-to-six lane 400-series highway, separate infrastructure dedicated for transit and passenger stations, as well as intelligent transportation features and truck parking. By 2031, the overall traffic on this route is expected to exceed 300,000 auto vehicles trips per day.
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Canada Post, is hosting a free webinar on August 12th between 1pm and 2pm to help you adapt your marketing message for the new ‘business as usual.’ In this session, Mamta Dogra, Senior Manager, Small Business Marketing, Canada Post, will share tips and resources on how to get your message in-market as you adapt your business, generate renewed brand awareness, and find the right customers. Registration is free.
- The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) will hold a joint webinar on the importance of women’s entrepreneurship for economic recovery at noon on August 11th. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on women. Most strikingly observed amongst women from disadvantaged populations, it is also taking a harsh toll on women entrepreneurs. This discussion is centred on how women’s entrepreneurship and leadership is critical to a stronger economic recovery in Canada. Registration is free.
Reading recommendations:
- Why the idea of social bubbles might need to be re-evaluated, Sara Jabakhanji, CBC News
- 6 legal questions on recruiting, retaining remote workers, John Dujay, Canadian HR Reporter
- COVID-19 could have a lasting, positive impact on workplace culture, Erica Pimentel , The Conversation
If you are showing symptoms, contact your health care provider, call the Public Health Info-Line at 905-688-8248, or chat to Public Health online. For testing, call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19) for information on test centres in Niagara and to book an appointment.
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, wear a mask or face covering. 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.
