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NEWS RELEASE – office of the premier – 01APR21

Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake

TORONTO —The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge  in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province. The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks. 

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, Co-Chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

“We are facing a serious situation and drastic measures are required to contain the rapid spread of the virus, especially the new variants of concern,” said Premier Ford. “I know pulling the emergency brake will be difficult on many people across the province, but we must try and prevent more people from getting infected and overwhelming our hospitals. Our vaccine rollout is steadily increasing, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. That is our best protection against this deadly virus.”

Ontario’s key indicators and latest modelling show that additional measures must be taken. From March 26 to 28, 2021, provincial case rates have increased by 7.7 per cent to 101.1 cases per 100,000 people. Current COVID-19 related ICU admissions are already over the peak of wave two and hospitals in regional hotspots will need to further ramp down scheduled surgeries. COVID-19 related ICU admissions are projected to exceed 650 beds in a few weeks. These increases are being driven by COVID-19 variants, which are transmitted easily and result in a higher risk of death and hospitalization, including in younger populations.

The provincewide emergency brake would put in place time-limited public health and workplace safety measures to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives. Measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings to a 5-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
  • Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;
  • Prohibiting personal care services;
  • Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take-out, drive-through, and delivery only;
  • Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (e.g., gyms) with very limited exceptions;
  • Requiring day camps to close; and,
  • Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors, and to the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. This does not include social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, or exercising outdoors with members of their household. Employers in all industries should make every effort to allow employees to work from home.

“Ontario, like many other provinces and jurisdictions around the world, is in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and immediate action is required to help turn the tide,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Implementing a provincewide emergency brake was not an easy decision to make and is not one we take lightly. As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians, the end is in sight, but right now these necessary measures will help to stop the spread of variants in our communities, protect capacity in our health care system, and save lives.”

The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the provincewide emergency brake comes into effect. The impacts of these time-limited measures will be evaluated throughout the next four weeks to determine if it is safe to lift any restrictions or if they need to be extended. With more than $1.6 billion invested to protect against COVID-19, schools remain safe for students and staff. Keeping schools open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario youth. During the emergency shutdown, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The spring break will continue as planned for the week of April 12. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.

“In the last few weeks a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and variants of concern has been observed across Ontario which has put considerable strain on our public health and health care systems,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Implementing a provincewide shutdown is needed to bring the third wave of this pandemic under control so that we can save lives, keep our education system open and allow our vaccination program to take hold.”

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70+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

MEDIA RELEASE – March 29, 2021

If you are over 70 years of age (born in 1951 or earlier), you can now book an appointment to receive vaccine at one of the COVID-19 clinics in Brockville, Kemptville, Smiths Falls, or Almonte (or elsewhere in Ontario).

  • If you or a family member have a green Health Card (with photo) and an email address

o   You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm.  If the booking systems are busy – try again in afternoon or later if possible to get through.

 OR

If you do not have a green photo health card, or need help to access the provincial online booking tool:

o   Call our local Leeds, Grenville, Lanark Call Centre toll-free at 1-844-369-1234, open 8:30am to 4:00pm, 7 days a week. If you cannot get through then try later in the day.

o   Emailcovid@healthunit.org and include your name, date of birth, and preferred clinic location(s) and a phone number. Due to the volume of email, it may take several days to reply.

If you have friends or family who are 70 or older (were born in 1951 or earlier), ask them if they have had their vaccine or booked an appointment.  Consider helping these individuals to book their appointments, as some may not have online access or be comfortable booking online appointments.

Only individuals who are eligible and who have booked an appointment will get their vaccine at our clinics. Do not share any booking codes you receive with family or friends.

Please check our eligibility tool to see if you are eligible to receive the vaccine at this time in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. We will be updating the tool regularly so you will be able to find out when you can receive the vaccine. If you have any health concerns, speak with your health care provider before booking.

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GOOD NEWS!

LGL Area Booking COVID-19 Vaccination for 75 and over starting Monday, March 22

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

MEDIA RELEASE – March 19, 2021

Today, the province announced that adults ages 75+ (born in 1946 or earlier) can begin booking appointments using the provincial booking system starting on Monday, March 22. The Health Unit’s COVID-19 Distribution and Administration Roll Out Plan identifies the approximate times when people in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark can receive the vaccine. This plan aligns with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan.  Anyone under 75, please check the eligibility tool to see if you are eligible to receive the vaccine at this time in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.  We will be updating the tool regularly so you will be able to find out when you can receive the vaccine.

How do you book an appointment?

Starting Monday, March 22 adults born in 1946 or earlier (ages 75+) can book by:

o   Using the Province’s new online booking tool at www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine

·          You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

o   Calling our local Leeds, Grenville, Lanark Booking Centre toll-free at 1-844-369-1234. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7 days a week or email covid@healthunit.org. 

Family and Friend Support for Booking

If you have friends or family who are over 75 years old (were born in 1946 or earlier), ask them if they have had their vaccine or booked an appointment.  Please consider helping these individuals to book their appointments, as some may not have online access or be comfortable booking online appointments.

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Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Region Moving to Red – Control Level

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

MEDIA RELEASE – March 19, 2021

Today the government of Ontario announced that the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region will move from the Yellow-Protect level to the Red-Control level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Framework. 

The move to the Red-Control level means that strengthened public health measures will come into effect in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark on Monday, March 22, at 12:01 a.m.  The additional measures include all restrictions currently imposed under the Yellow – Protect level and additional restrictions. Additional restrictions include:

·         Limits of 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors for all organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained

·         Limits for fitness facilities, where physical distancing can be maintained, of 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines; 10 people in all indoor classes, or 25 people in outdoor classes

·         Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m., with liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

·         As of Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12:01 am, adjustments are being made to dining capacity limits at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, for regions in the Grey-Lockdown, Red-Control and Orange-Restrict levels of the Framework.  In LGL, it is a max of 50 or 50% of capacity.

·         Team sports must not be practiced or played except for training (no games or scrimmage); no contact permitted for team or individual sports

·         Capacity limits of 75% for supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores, pharmacies and 50% for all other retail, including, but not limited to discount and big box retailers, liquor stores, hardware stores and garden centres

·         No personal care services that require the removal of face coverings

·         Many businesses/organizations/facilities must actively screen patrons in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health

·         Full details of the limitations and restrictions for the Red – Control Level can be found on the Health Unit’s website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/business-re-opening/framework/.

In addition to the move to Red-Control, a Section 22 Order remains in effect for Perth and Smiths Falls. The Section 22 Order for Carleton Place, Beckwith, and Mississippi Mills is rescinded effective today. These Section 22 Orders are intended to reduce opportunities for people to gather and have close, unprotected contact with others outside their household in public and private facilities.

“Moving from Yellow–Protect to Red-Control is an alert for us to ensure we are adhering to all public health precautions- be COVID-SMART at home and at work,” says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “The increase in new infections over the past two to three weeks shows how quickly COVID-19 can spread. Each of us has a part to play to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our communities.”

Staying home and apart as much as we can is the most important thing we can do. Being safe and protecting yourself means you are protecting your family, friends and co-workers. Trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons, and families should not visit any other household or allow visitors in their homes.

S – Self-isolate if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Consider getting tested

M – Mask/face covering on properly when in enclosed public spaces and when physical distancing is a challenge outdoors.

A – Avoid touching your face.

R – Remain 2 metres/6 feet apart from people not part of your household – avoid play dates, and other close social contact. Social gatherings with anyone you don’t live with are strongly discouraged.

 T – Twenty (20) seconds for regular hand hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes.

The Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Framework categorizes public health unit regions into five levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control, and Grey – Lockdown being a measure of last and urgent resort.

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Ontario’s Booking System to Expand to Individuals Aged 75 and Older as Vaccine Rollout Accelerates

More Pharmacies and Primary Care Settings to Offer AstraZeneca to Those 60+

News Release – March 19, 2021

TORONTO — With over 50 per cent of Ontario residents aged 80 and over having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ontario government is expanding appointments through its online booking system to individuals aged 75 and over, effective Monday, March 22, 2021, ahead of schedule.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, and General Rick Hillier (retired), Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force.

“The progress we are making on our Vaccine Distribution Plan demonstrates what can be done when we unleash the full potential of Team Ontario,” said Premier Ford. “Thanks to the efforts of an army of frontline health care heroes and volunteers, we are getting needles in arms even faster than we had imagined. All we need now is a steady and reliable supply of vaccines from the Federal government to ensure anyone who wants one, gets one as soon as possible so we can all stay safe.

“Ontario began vaccinating individuals aged 80 and over in February, and launched an online booking tool and a call centre to help answer questions and support appointment bookings at mass immunization clinics. Since the provincial booking system was launched on March 15, more than 239,000 appointments have been scheduled for the first and second doses.

Ontario is leading the country in the total number of vaccines administered and has fully immunized more individuals than all provinces and territories combined. To date, over 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the province, including over 129,000 doses administered to long-term care home residents. Over 294,000 Ontarians are fully immunized, including over 61,000 long term-care home residents.

“Thanks to the efforts of our health care partners and the efficiency of our booking system, Ontario has been able to schedule more appointments and vaccinate more people quickly and conveniently,” said Minister Elliott. “We are doing everything we can to protect those who are most vulnerable and will ensure that we reach every Ontarian eligible for vaccination in Phase One as we expand the vaccination program further in the coming weeks.”

On March 16, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) expanded its recommendation for the use of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to people 18 years old and older. In alignment with NACI’s latest recommendation and Ontario’s Ethical Framework, as of March 22, 2021, participating pharmacies and primary care settings will offer vaccination appointments to individuals aged 60 and over. Eligible Ontarians can contact a participating pharmacy directly to make an appointment. In addition, many primary care providers are directly contacting eligible patients to book an appointment.

The province also continues to expand the delivery channels available to administer COVID-19 vaccines, with another 350 pharmacies to be brought on board across the province in the next two weeks bringing the total to approximately 700 locations. It is expected that this number would again be doubled to approximately 1,500 by the end of April. Depending on vaccine supply, retail pharmacies could administer up to 40 per cent of all vaccinations by the end of April. Details on additional locations and the application process for pharmacy participation will be shared in the coming days. In addition, vaccinations in primary care settings will continue in collaboration with public health units.

“We have successfully expanded Ontario’s vaccine rollout plan to include pharmacies, mass vaccination centres and primary health care providers in key parts of the province,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “This is a huge accomplishment and we continue to extend this rollout to other parts of the province as more vaccines become available.” 

“Ontario’s vaccine distribution plan is now well underway,” said General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier. “We are grateful to the army of diverse teams – the health care practitioners, IT specialists, data analysts, the dedicated individuals working in logistics and many others – for their outstanding service and commitment to put the needed processes in place to make this happen.

The province continues to expect a high volume of traffic on its online booking system. Everyone is eager to receive the vaccine, but those not yet eligible for a vaccine are being asked to avoid accessing the booking system or calling the service desk to allow those that are eligible the opportunity to book an appointment.
QUICK FACTS

For the month of March, Ontario is expecting to receive 1,454,310 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Ontario received limited allocations of the Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD in March, with 483,700 doses of the Moderna vaccine split over three weeks, and 194,500 doses of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine received the week of March 8.

Ontario’s exact allocations and delivery timing for the Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines after March are pending confirmation from the federal government and are not known at this time. 

Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine at pharmacies require an appointment to be made in advance. Eligible adults aged 60 and over (if 60 or older as of the day of vaccination or, if will be 60 or older in 2021) who are interested in booking an appointment, can visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a participating pharmacy and can contact the pharmacy to make an appointment.

Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine at primary care settings are part of a limited rollout according to available supply and are not taking appointments by request. Do not call your primary care providers to book an appointment – participating primary care providers in select areas are reaching out to eligible Ontarians aged 60 and older.

If an individual is turning 75 or older in 2021 and does not live in a congregate care setting, they can schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting Ontario.ca/bookvaccine, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488. The Provincial Vaccine Information Line is open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is capable of providing assistance in 300 languages.