Vital updates:
- Applications were opened today for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) programs. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they’re sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. Applications for the CRSB can be made here, while application for the CRCB can be made here. The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), which gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, will open on October 12, accessible here.
- The Ontario government has invested $500,000 to help 92 Niagara-area residents train for careers as personal support workers (PSWs). The training began on September 8 and offers a blended online and in-person format. Graduation is expected within 40 weeks. Unemployment in St. Catharines-Niagara has approximately doubled since pre-pandemic levels, according to Statistics Canada, and stood at 23,300 as of August. The Government of Ontario’s study of online job postings in the region showed that educational assistants, metal processing inspectors and home support workers are among the most in-demand workers. This training is intended to address the need for more personal support workers, particularly, the government noted, given the region’s aging population.
- The Government of Canada has suspended export permits to Turkey after reports that Canadian technology is being used in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Global Affairs Canada will investigate these claims.
- Niagara Health’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Niagara Falls has moved to the main hospital building at 5546 Portage Rd. For more information on Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres, including testing criteria, how to book an appointment, days/times of operation and maps to the centres, please visit www.niagarahealth.on.ca/centres.
Reading recommendations:
- Stock markets sell off after Trump coronavirus diagnosis adds to uncertainty, CBC News
- What Happens When Presidents Get Sick? Timothy Naftali, Foreign Policy
- Why Canada Won’t Go Broke, Max Fawcett, The Walrus
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.
