Uncategorized

Health Experts Say the COVID-19 Outbreak Has Likely Peaked in Ontario

Sticky
News Release

April 20, 2020

Modelling shows physical distancing still needed to prevent further spread

TORONTO — The Ontario government today released updated COVID-19 modelling, which shows that the enhanced public health measures, including staying home and physically distancing from each other, are working to contain the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. However, the Chief Medical Officer of Health says emergency measures must remain in place to continue reducing the number of cases and deaths.

“The modelling clearly demonstrates that we are making progress in our fight against this deadly virus. That’s due to the actions of all Ontarians, those who are staying home and practising physical distancing, and to the heroic efforts of our frontline health care workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “But COVID-19 continues to be a clear and present danger, especially to our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. That is why we must continue to follow the advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and stay the course in order to keep people safe and healthy.”

Key highlights from the modelling update include:

  • The wave of new community spread cases of COVID-19 in Ontario appears to have peaked.
  • Outbreaks in long-term care and congregate settings continue to be a major concern. Concerted actions are underway to protect vulnerable people in these settings.
  • Ontario is now trending toward a best case scenario rather than a worst case scenario and has significantly improved its standing as compared to March modelling.
  • The province has avoided a significant surge in cases. Total cumulative cases are forecast to be substantially lower than worst case or even moderate case scenarios projected by previous models.
  • While several hundred new cases are identified daily in Ontario, hospitals across the province have not been overwhelmed by the COVID-19 outbreak as a result of capacity planning and the public health measures currently in place. The rate of growth day-over-day is declining.
  • To further reduce the number of cases and deaths, it remains critical that Ontarians continue to adhere to public health measures, including staying home and practicing physical distancing if they must go out for essential reasons only.

“The information released today shows early but unmistakable signs that our efforts are working,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These numbers are not an accident. They are the re sult of months of planning and collective action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. However, in order for these projections to become reality, each of us must continue to stay home as much possible and practise physical distancing.”

To enhance protections for residents and staff in long-term care homes, last week Ontario launched the COVID-19 Action Plan: Long-Term Care Homes. This action plan will ensure the implementation of critical new measures to prevent further outbreaks and deaths from COVID-19 in long-term care homes. These measures include enhancing and expanding testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed cases; providing public health and infection control expertise; and redeploying staff from hospitals and home and community care to support the long-term care home workforce.

“The new province-wide modelling data are encouraging, but we know that long-term care homes and other congregate settings will track on a different path,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We will continue to take aggressive action to support our most vulnerable residents and their caregivers.”

QUICK FACTS

  • All Ontarians need to stay home unless absolutely necessary for essential trips, such as accessing health care services, groceries, picking up prescriptions or supporting vulnerable community members with meeting essential needs. If you must leave your home, go alone and stay at least two metres apart from others.
  • Ontario has made improvements to its COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool by expanding its symptom list, addressing the most high risk individuals, and making it more accessible and responsive.
  • Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health: wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Uncategorized

Westport BMO Planned Bank Closure – Update

A registered letter has been sent to the BMO Board of Directors outlining our concerns regarding the closure of the Westport branch. My correspondence was accompanied by letters submitted by local businesses, community members, and community organizations. In addition to the BMO Board of Directors, I also forwarded letters of concern to the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. I will continue to keep you informed as updates are received.

Today, I attended the BMO Open House in Westport at 10:45 a.m. I personally delivered a copy of the letter sent to the BMO Board of Directors, along with the accompanying letters from businesses, community members, and groups. to the Regional Vice-President Ricardo Campagna. At the time of my visit, I was the only person in the branch and the first to attend the open house to formally express concerns about the closure.

I had a meeting with Mr Ricardo Campagna, Perth BMO Branch Manager Tim Williton, and Westport BMO Branch Manager Yousaf Mansoor. It became clear early in the discussion that Mr. Campagna had prepared messaging from Head Office, including confirmation that the decisions to close the branch and remove the ATM are final. This underscores why our correspondence was directed to the BMO Board of Directors, as they are the ultimate decision-makers.

With limited flexibility demonstrated by the Vice-President, I encouraged BMO to consider options to offset the additional costs residents will incur when accessing cash through the third-party ATM at Circle K. We discussed a couple of potential approaches, and Mr. Campagna committed to raising these options with senior leadership.

I did, however, have a more encouraging conversation with Mr. Williton. He expressed openness to exploring strategies to provide limited personal banking services for Westport residents after the branch closes, including both virtual and in-person options. He also confirmed that there is ample safety deposit box availability for Westport customers and advised that further information will be provided to customers regarding alternative services and supports.

At last week’s meeting, Council directed staff to actively pursue opportunities to attract another financial institution to establish a presence in Westport.

As additional information becomes available to Town Hall, we will continue to keep the community updated.

Uncategorized

Passing of Katherine Graham, OPP Police Services Board

On behalf of the Village of Westport Council and the community, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Katherine Graham.

Ms. Graham was a valued member of the Leeds OPP Police Services Board, where she served as a Public Appointee. Councillor Barry Card, Westport Council’s representative on the Board, spoke highly of Katherine’s dedication and contributions, noting that she brought an important and thoughtful public perspective to the Board’s work. Her commitment to community service will be remembered and she will be greatly missed.

Ms. Graham passed away on December 16, 2025, at her home in Lansdowne.

Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with Katherine’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Committed to community. Dedicated to progress.