Tag Archives: Mayor Robin Jones

Uncategorized

Ontario Launching Provincial Booking System for COVID-19 Vaccines

INDIVIDUALS 80 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER WILL BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS ONLINE OR BY PHONE

NEWS RELEASE – MARCH 14, 2021

TORONTO — The Ontario government is launching a provincial booking system and customer service desk to support COVID-19 vaccination appointment bookings. The portal will be live on Monday, March 15 at 8:00 a.m. and will be accepting appointment bookings at mass immunization clinics, starting with individuals aged 80 and older.

“We are making steady progress in the execution of our vaccine distribution plan, and the launching of the online booking system is another major milestone,” said Premier Doug Ford. “In this phase of our plan we are still offering vaccines to our most vulnerable, so I encourage everyone aged 80 and older to use the portal to book an appointment. For everyone else, please be patient, as we get more supply, the vaccine will be offered to more people.

“Beginning tomorrow, individuals who will be turning 80 or older in 2021 (born in 1941 or earlier) and wish to make an appointment — or an individual trusted to make an appointment on their behalf — can visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine. On this page, they will be guided to make an appointment through the provincial booking system, or their local public health unit if there is a local public health unit booking system or call centre in place. When booking an appointment, individuals will be asked for information from their green Ontario health card, birth date, postal code and email address and/or phone number. At the time of booking, eligible individuals will schedule their first and second vaccination appointments.

Individuals who still have a red and white health card, or who require assistance with booking, can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488 beginning on Monday, March 15.  

“The provincial booking system will be critical in supporting the next phase of Ontario’s vaccine rollout as more vaccines become available,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We know everyone is eager to receive the vaccine, and as we continue to build capacity, we are making it easier and more convenient for individuals to book and receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.

“At this time, vaccination appointments are only available for individuals turning 80 or older in 2021 as part of Phase One of Ontario’s vaccine distribution plan. Starting in April, the online booking tool and call centre will extend to additional age-based groups that are part of Phase Two.

The province is expecting a high volume of traffic to its online booking system. We know everyone is eager to receive the vaccine, but we are asking those not yet eligible to avoid accessing the booking system or calling the service desk to allow those that are eligible the opportunity to book an appointment.

“With the launch of the new provincial booking portal and support number we are reaching yet another milestone in our plan to vaccinate Ontarians as fast as we can and as soon as we receive the vaccines,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Our task force continues to work to bolster and adjust our vaccine rollout plan as shipments to Ontario continue to fluctuate. The portal and customer support number will prove instrumental through Phase 2 as we open mass vaccination sites and inoculate more Ontarians.

“Phase One of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is nearing completion, and the Ontario government is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk.

“The introduction of these booking systems puts in place the final piece in the province’s infrastructure to rollout its vaccination program,” said General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier. “There is now a fulsome range of options for the people of Ontario to book an appointment and receive their vaccine, but please only use them if and when it is your turn.”
QUICK FACTS
For individuals turning 80 or older in 2021 who do not have internet access, please call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Eligible individuals can visit the provincial booking system to find out how they can schedule their vaccine appointments, or check the website of their local public health unit.

To book an appointment, individuals will need to have a green photo health (OHIP) card as both numbers on the front and back of the card are required. Expired cards will be accepted.The provincial booking system will direct individuals without a health card to their public health unit for identity validation, and will provide contact information.

To support the administration of the vaccine, 255 vaccination sites across the province are planned for March, including 153 mass immunization clinics.

A pilot for pharmacy vaccine administration began on March 12 in select regions, including Toronto, Windsor and the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington region. To book an appointment, eligible Ontarians aged 60-64 can visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a participating pharmacy.

Vaccinations in primary care settings and community locations, such as physician offices, began in Hamilton, Toronto, Guelph, Peterborough, Simcoe-Muskoka, and Peel as of Saturday, March 13, 2021. Primary care providers will not be taking appointments by request, but will be contacting eligible Ontarians aged 60-64 directly to book an appointment starting March 10, 2021. They will only be offering the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine at this time.

To date, over 1.1 million vaccine doses have been administered across the province, including over 127,000 doses administered to long-term care home residents. Over 285,000 Ontarians are fully immunized, including over 60,000 long-term care home residents. Ontario is leading the country in the total number of vaccines administered and has fully immunized more individuals than all provinces and territories combined.

For the month of March, Ontario is expecting to receive 870,480 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 483,700 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Ontario has also received 194,500 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine the week of March 8. 
 
Uncategorized

WESTPORT moved to “YELLOW – PROTECT” on March 15

The purpose of Yellow-Protect is to strengthen measures to limit the spread. The community spread of the variants is both rapid and wide. We are all thankful that the vaccines are beginning to be provided to our 80+ residents and emergency front line workers and that the roll out will continue for the next many months. Please don’t let your guard down in the meantime.

I have copied the regulation for Yellow-Protect from the Ontario government site to help keep you informed.

Always stay home if you have symptoms, physically distance by staying two metres apart from people you don’t live with, wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces and avoid non-essential travel.

Gatherings and close contact

Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with) and stay at least 2 metres apart from everyone else.

If you live alone, you can have close contact with only one other household.

Events and social gatherings in private homes, backyards or parks (for example, barbeques):

  • Indoors: 10 people
  • Outside: 25 people

Organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities (for example, event spaces):

  • Indoors: 50 people
  • Outside: 100 people

Religious, wedding and funeral services:

  • Indoors: 30% capacity
  • Outside: 100 people

Rules for all businesses

All open businesses must:

  • screen employees (use the COVID-19covid 19 Screening Tool for Workplaces)
  • post signs at all entrances informing people how to screen themselves for COVID-19covid 19 before entry
  • limit capacity so guests can stay at least 2 metres apart
  • make sure anyone indoors wears a mask or face covering, including workers who have to come within 2 metres of anyone else (with some exceptions)
  • make sure workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects the eyes, nose and mouth when they must come within 2 metres of anyone who is not wearing a mask or face covering or separated by plexiglass
  • clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces, such as equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers frequently
  • manage line ups to make sure customers are at least two metres apart wearing face coverings or masks
  • create a safety plan, post it in a place where workers and patrons will see it and have it available upon request (for example, to inspectors or law enforcement officers)

Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments

Guests must:

  • sit with at least 2 metres between tables
  • wear masks or face coverings except when eating or drinking (with some exceptions)
  • wear a mask or face covering and keep 2 metres apart when lining up
  • give their name and contact information

Time restrictions:

  • Establishments must close by midnight
  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
  • No one can drink alcohol after midnight

Not allowed:

  • Buffets
  • More than 6 people per table

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

Capacity limits:

  • Indoors:
    • 10 people per class
    • 50 people in areas with weights or exercise equipment
    • 50 spectators
  • Outside:
    • 25 people per class
    • 100 spectators

Capacity limits apply per room if the facility follows Guidance for facilities for Sport and Recreational Fitness Activities During COVID-19covid 19.

Everyone must:

  • always wear masks or face coverings except when exercising or playing sports (with some exceptions)
  • stay 3 metres apart in classes or areas with weights or exercise equipment and 2 metres apart everywhere else
  • make reservations (only one required per team)
  • give their name and contact information

Team and individual sports must:

  • be modified to avoid physical contact

Some exemptions apply for high-performance athletes and parasports.

Outdoor ski, ice and snow recreational amenities open for recreational purposes.

Meeting and event spaces

Capacity limits:

Guests must give their name and contact information.

Not allowed:

  • Booking multiple rooms for the same event

Time restrictions:

  • Establishments must close by midnight
  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
  • No one can drink alcohol after midnight

Stores

Fitting rooms cannot be right next to each other.

Guests must wear a mark or face covering and stay at least 2 metres apart inside and when lining up and gathering outside.

Personal care services

Closed:

  • Oxygen bars
  • Steam rooms
  • Saunas

Guests must give their name and contact information.

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

Capacity limits:

  • 50 people

Guests must give their name and contact information.

Not allowed:

  • Table games (for example, poker, blackjack, roulette)

Time restrictions:

  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
  • No one can drink alcohol after midnight

Cinemas

Capacity limits:

Time restrictions:

  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
  • No once can drink alcohol after midnight

Everyone must:

  • Always wear masks or face coverings except when eating or drinking (with some exceptions)
  • Give their name and contact information

Performing arts facilities

Capacity limits:

  • Indoors: 50 spectators per facility
  • Outside: 100 spectators per facility

Guests must give their name and contact information.

There must be a barrier (for example, plexiglass) between singers and wind- or brass-instrument players and audience members.

Time restrictions:

  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
  • No one can drink alcohol after midnight
Uncategorized

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Region Moved to Yellow – Protect Level

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

MEDIA RELEASE

March 12, 2021Today the government of Ontario announced that the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region will move from the Green–Prevent level to the Yellow – Protect level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Framework. The sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the region over the past two weeks means that the region is on the border between yellow and orange zones.

A Section 22 Class order was put into effect on March 5 in the Municipalities of Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place and Beckwith to reduce opportunities for people to gather and have close, unprotected contact with others outside their household in public and private facilities. Given there are new restrictions on food premises within the Yellow Zone, Section 5 Dining and Drinking Establishments of the Section 22 Order will be rescinded as of Monday, March 15, 2021 at 12:01 AM. The remainder of the Section 22 Order remains in effect.

The move to the Yellow – Protect level means that strengthened public health measures will come into effect in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark on Monday, March 15, at 12:01 a.m. The additional measures include limited hours of operations for certain settings, limits on the hours for sale of liquor in food and beverage establishments and limits on the number of individuals permitted in food and drinking establishments (6) and other settings. Full details of the limitations and restrictions for the Yellow – Protect Level can be found on the Health Unit’s website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/business-re-opening/framework/.

“The move from Green-Prevent to the Yellow – Protect level in our region highlights how quickly COVID-19 can spread when public health measures are not in place,” says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “Our staff are working diligently to follow-up with all people with COVID-19 and their high risk contacts to isolate them and prevent transmission in our community.  We are relying on the residents, businesses, services and workplaces in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark to follow precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in their settings. It is in our hands to protect our communities, and prevent further restrictions at levels beyond yellow.”

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.

 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 circles beyond the household are no long encouraged.

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

Uncategorized

COVID-19 VACCINES

 Canada approves its first single-dose vaccine


And then there were four. Health Canada approved Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, adding it to the ranks of previously approved two-dose vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The announcement came with an extra shot of optimism, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that another 3.5 million Pfizer doses would arrive in Canada months ahead of the expected timeline.

Uncategorized

UNITED NATIONS’ Statement on International Women’s Day – 8 March 2021.

Required credit is GIF: UNDP/Paru Ramesh

THEME: ‘WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: ACHIEVING AN EQUAL FUTURE IN A COVID-19 WORLD.’

This year’s International Women’s Day is like no other. As countries and communities start to slowly recover from a devastating pandemic, we have the chance to finally end the exclusion and marginalization of women and girls. But to do that, we need immediate action. Women must have the opportunity to play a full role in shaping the pivotal decisions being made right now as countries respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic – choices that will affect the wellbeing of people and the planet for generations to come.

To do this, we must break down the deep-seated historic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers that prevent women from taking their seat at the decision-making table to make sure that resources and power are more equitably distributed. For instance, across the world, women remain concentrated in the lowest paid jobs, many in extremely vulnerable forms of employment. Women are nearly twice as likely than men to lose their jobs during the COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the pandemic will dramatically increase the poverty rate for women and widen the gap between men and women who live in poverty. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working with countries across the globe to address these inequalities. Our eye-opening new policy brief explores how a Temporary Basic Income for women in developing countries could provide part of the solution. UNDP argues that a worthwhile monthly investment of 0.07 per cent of developing countries’ GDP could help 613 million working-aged women living in poverty to absorb the shock of the pandemic. It would also contribute to the economic security and independence that is necessary for women to engage more deeply in the decisions that could change their future.

Despite the barriers, women, especially young women, are at the forefront of diverse and inclusive movements for social change — online and in the streets. That includes their leading role in taking a stand against climate change, fighting for a green economy and pushing for women’s rights. And we know that more inclusive leadership and representation leads to stronger democracies, better governance, and more peaceful societies.  Look, for instance, to research by UN Women, which demonstrates that involving women in peace processes is likely to make peace agreements last much longer. However, we aren’t moving fast enough. At the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government, for example, will take another 130 years. To disrupt the status quo, UNDP is working to amplify women’s voices and promote their participation and leadership in public institutions, parliaments, the judiciary, and the private sector. With our support, some 180 different measures — from electoral quotas to gender-smart business policies — were put in place by countries across the globe in 2019. And the COVID-19 Global Gender Response Tracker by UNDP and UN Women is helping Governments to identify and address gaps in their response to the pandemic – from ways to address gender-based violence to how to redistribute unpaid care work.

To build forward better from the COVID-19 crisis, and to get the Global Goalsfirmly back on track, we cannot simply return to the world we had before. We must do things differently. That means shattering the barriers that hold women and girls back. This year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry for Generation Equality. It is time to finally fully harness the power of women’s leadership to realise a more equal, more inclusive and more sustainable future.

–          Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)