 By Pepper Parr
March 18, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
How do you run a city when what you think what was going to be possible when you got to work proves to have changed before lunch. And by that time of day you have handled upwards of 100 emails and attended two critical meetings with two more in the afternoon.
That’s the pace City Manager Tim Commisso has found himself dealing with – and he knows it isn’t going to change any time soon.
 In an exclusive interview with the Gazette Commisso said “it has been this way since last Thursday” – “focusing on public safety and doing everything possible from an administrative point of view to help stop the spread of the virus.”
Managing virus infections is in the hands of the Hospital with the Regional Medical Officer of Health alongside to ensure that communication with the public is as clear as they can make it.
“The Province is under a State of Emergency – so they call all the shots. Two of my people keep a close watch of what comes out of the federal and provincial offices.”
The job for Commisso is to ensure that he has the resources he needs and is able to allocate them – that changes by the hour.
Treasurer Joan Ford has created special accounts to monitor the spending.
 Gerry Smallgage, Hydro president has a lot of crisis management experience – he was front and center during the 2013 ice storm. All the senior staff on the Emergency Control Group are putting in the same long hours. Gerry Smallgage, President of Burlington Hydro, sits in on the ECG meetings as does the Mayor who ensures that members of council are fully engaged.
Commisso reports that about 5% of staff are working from home. He added that there is a certain amount of “apprehension” within city hall but added that “all the senior staff on the Emergency Control Group have worked very hard on our COVID 19 emergency response…very proud of their work as a team especially over the past week.”
We are dealing with a different reality – a situation that is dynamic, changing every time there is a change at the federal and provincial levels.
 Burlington Teen Tour Band was cancelled due to concerns over COVID19 in the United States. “A week ago we cancelled the Teen Tour Band trip to the United States,” said Commisso. “and we did so very reluctantly – there wouldn’t be any reluctance today.
“We are in meetings that run from an hour to four and a half hours; the volume of information is staggering. Work done at the municipal level impacts on almost everyone.
I am in touch with the Regional CAO at least once a day.
Mayor Meed Ward sits in on all critical meetings and attends the meetings at the hospital as well. It is in situations like this where the Mayor excels – she is a Momma Bear when there is a challenge and loves situations where decisions have to be made quickly and a questioning voice is needed.
Coordinating communications is the critical part –people need to know what we are all up against.
“I am currently working within a three week window – keeping a close eye on the resources I have and where I might have to allocate them.”
 City Manager Tim Commisso – 15 hour days. Asked if he thought this was what the job was going to be when Marianne Meed Ward invited him for coffee – there was a long pause before he said – “I did have six solid weeks of experience getting Thunder Bay through the flood they had while I was CAO there.”
Asked if there were summer vacation plans for the Commisso family in place, Commisso just sighed.
Which raises an important question: Should Commisso fall ill – who would fill the shoes he wears?
By Staff
March 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region today confirmed the fifth case of COVID-19 in Halton region.
Halton’s fifth case, a female resident from Oakville in her 50s, returned to Toronto from Los Angeles on March 8 (Flight AC790; Air Canada). She became symptomatic on March 8, and presented herself for testing at Joseph Brant Hospital on March 14. As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the hospital took all precautions, including testing in an isolated environment with all necessary personal protective equipment. Halton Region Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management. The case is self-isolating at home.
Another individual is awaiting confirmatory testing—a female resident from Burlington in her 20s who returned to Toronto from Los Angeles on March 2. She became symptomatic on March 8, and presented herself for testing at Joseph Brant Hospital on March 13.
This case is self-isolating at home. It has been determined that the case was symptomatic during a recent trip to Ottawa on the following flights: Toronto to Ottawa on March 9 (Flight WS3464; WestJet) and then Ottawa to Toronto on March 11 (Flight WS371; WestJet). Individuals who have travelled on these flights are considered exposed to a case of COVID-19.
Passengers who travelled on any of the above-mentioned flights need to self-monitor and self-isolate if they become symptomatic within 14 days of being on the flights.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “While we continue to see more cases, I want to reassure residents that most individuals who do contract COVID-19 with mild symptoms will recover on their own,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health.
“We are starting to see cases emerge where there is no direct link to a confirmed case and thus indicate community transmission. Please continue to follow the advice provided by health care professionals, self-monitor or self-isolate as appropriate and simply stay at home if you are feeling unwell.”
“Joseph Brant Hospital has taken important measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors as well as our staff, physicians and partners,” said Eric Vandewall, President and Chief Executive Officer at Joseph Brant Hospital. “We have set-up isolated areas for immediate screening and care, have reduced elective program and service offerings, as directed by the Ministry of Health, and we are preparing larger clinical areas should the need for more inpatient capacity arise. All of our physicians and staff are prepared for the increased demands and additional infection control precautions that are required during this time.”
Halton Region Public Health is focusing on those most at risk of COVID-19. Our current priority is to hear from high-risk groups only:
• health care providers who are seeking or reporting information;
• residents who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; and
• health care workers or essential services workers who are experiencing symptoms.
Not everyone requires testing. Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home. It is recommended to rest, drink fluids, eat well and stay home. You do not need to contact Public Health.
As always, if you have severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 is to:
• stay home when ill;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
• wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub;
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces; and
• do your best to keep at least two metres away from others.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources. For more information on COVID-19 including confirmed cases in Halton, symptoms, risks and when to contact Halton Region Public Health, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.
 
By Staff
March 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ride Free
The City of Burlington has announced that Burlington Transit will not be charging ride fares. Free rides will be in place until at least until April 5
Transit users can now only board and exit the bus from the rear doors. This is to help social distancing between transit riders and transit drivers. Customers with mobility devices can still board and exit through the front doors
All Burlington transit vehicles will be sprayed with a long-term disinfectant
The city is also continuing to support the efforts to slow the COVID-19 virus. We continue to deal with a number of items tied directly to the City’s overriding goal of keeping our staff and the public safe and minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus by following the advice of our public health officials to increase social distancing.
 CLOSED Effective immediately City hall will be closing facilities and asking staff to work from home with the exception of services that need to be delivered under one of the following categories:
• Are required to meet certain legislative requirements
• Support employee and public health, safety and security
• Enable critical community services and supports, including COVID-19 mitigation and recovery
• Support services necessary to keep essential services operating
• Protect and operate vital infrastructure
• Fulfill contractual, legal and financial obligations
Going forward, responding to emergency situations across all City service areas will be a priority.
Additionally, the following updates are also in place, effective immediately:
• Burlington Transit will not be charging ride fares. Free rides will be in place until at least until April 5
 CLOSED • Downtown Transit Terminal building will be closed
• Customer service can still be reached at contactbt@burlington.ca, 905-639-0550 or on Twitter @BurlONTransit.
• Transit users can now only board and exit the bus from the rear doors. This is to help social distancing between transit riders and transit drivers. Customers with mobility devices can still board and exit through the front doors
• All Burlington transit vehicles will be sprayed with a long-term disinfectant
• Halton Provincial Offences Act Courthouse is closed to the public, this closure includes access for stakeholders, defendants, public and enforcement agencies. Essential services will continue to be carried out and an Intake Court Protocol has been put in place
• Building inspections will be limited and will focus on emergency inspections (vehicle impacts, fire damage, unsafe buildings), footings/foundations, site servicing, exterior (garages, decks, sheds, etc.) so as to ensure social distancing
• For inquiries related to active applications, please reconnect via email with the Building & Bylaw representative who is handling your file
• All sports field permits are suspended until further notice. Pick up games are highly discouraged in keeping with public health messaging about social distancing.
• Garbage pickup in parks is suspended. Residents are asked to take whatever you carry into a park; you also carry out including taking pet waste home for disposal with regular household waste
The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.
This situation is evolving every hour and we are continually monitoring. The City of Burlington will continue to keep you informed.
For further information and updates, the City has launched the webpage Burlington.ca/coronavirus.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “The health and safety of our entire community is a top priority and that includes our city staff delivering front line services. The City’s decision to scale back to providing essential services helps slow down the spread of COVID-19 and helps increase the safety of the public and our staff working from home, as well as those staff who continue to provide our critical services.
That’s why we’re closing city hall, offering free transit for the time being, discouraging gatherings in parks and taking more steps.
The Mayor’s Office is working remotely, and we’ll be focusing our attention on COVID-19 related matters, so there may be a delay in our response to any non-urgent communications. I thank you for being patient. The situation is changing daily, and sometimes even hourly, and we’re prepared and flexible to respond. I’ve been getting a lot of messages of support from the community directly and on social media, so please continue to look out for one another and follow the expert medical advice.Burlingtonians are strong and we will get through this.”
City manager Tim Commisso has been putting in 15 to 16 hour days. Tim Commisso, Burlington City Manager Tim Commisso, who is putting in 15 and 16 hour days said: “We have the ability to offer many of our services online so working remotely is a vital step towards protecting staff and limiting face-to-face exposure to slow the virus’ progression. I would like to commend staff for being flexible and dedicated to continuing to provide excellent services to the best of their abilities.”
By Staff
March 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Decisions are being made in the community that give us some sense as to what we might be in for as we struggle to deal with COVID19.
 Most of the “ribbers” may decide to just give up on this season due to COVID19 The chief medical officer of health for Ontario has recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings due to COVID-19.
The Oakville Family Ribfest was not scheduled until the end of June 2020 – more than 90 days away.
 A crowd like this isn’t going to be permitted this summer. No word yet from the Sound of Music on what their plans are. The Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar, announced today that the event will be postponed until June of 2021
The health and safety of all the families in our community are our top priority. Strong measures are required to manage the transmission of this virus and the timeline required to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 in Ontario will be prolonged so we believe it is prudent to take this preventative action.
There is much that we do not know about this virus – the biggest over-riding concern may well be how much we have to adapt to cope.
No word on the Burlington Ribfest or the Sound of Music.
By Pepper Parr
March 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A Different Drummer, is one of the more consistently successful book stores in the country.
 Ian Elliot, the proprietor, brings a quaint, almost old world politeness to the way he goes about running the business.
Quiet, polite, erudite and knowledgeable, Ian yesterday sent a note to the community.
Hello. This is Ian Elliot with A Different Drummer Books. Starting today, in compliance with the directives of government and health officials, we will close our physical store for the next several days.
 Ian Elliot We will continue to provide books to you via telephone and email, at 905 639 0925 and diffdrum@mac.com. We’re always happy to share recommendations and consultations by these means.
We invite you to take advantage of the free delivery service we’re offering. We can also arrange curbside pickup outside our shop at 513 Locust Street in Burlington.
We’re reviewing news developments and the guidelines for retailers each day. We’ll announce a full reopening as soon as this is possible.
We wish everyone safety in this trying time. As always, we are honoured to be your bookstore and we remain deeply grateful for your understanding and support.
With all our very best,
 By Ray Rivers
March 18, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
By any other name it’s a community mitigation strategy. But really, social distancing sounds something an advertising executive would dream up. Is it one or two or three meters, and does that mean we don’t need to wear a mask, not that there are any on the empty store shelves? How does one practice social distancing at the security check-in at the airport, or the checkout line at Costco, or at the dinner table in the nursing home?
The Chinese have suffered the onslaught of this COVID 19 coronavirus the most so far, shouldering the largest death rates and biggest blow to their economy, the second largest in the world. But their infection numbers have tumbled in recent days and now they claim most of the new cases are from people coming into China from somewhere else.
 This is what they mean by social distance – it works. Was their apparent success in beating the virus into the ground due to social distancing? Well if that means forcing everyone, by law, to wear a mask in public. Or if all the cinemas and restaurants, etc. are to be shuttered. Or if all travel is banned as it was in Wuhan city and Hubei province.
 Those dogs are not being sold as a pets. Wuhan was where the bug first appeared. It is believed to have mutated or skipped from some kind of disgusting piece of wildlife being sold in the ‘wet markets’ of Wuhan to those stupid enough to eat just about anything. It’s that archaic cultural thing. Rhino horn powder to get you excited and bat soup to help you find your way in the dark. But isn’t that what also gave us SARS a little over a decade ago.
The Chinese authorities have now permanently banned the sale of wildlife everywhere and they have expressed outrage that Mr. Trump has decided to name the disease after the place where it originated.
In apparent retaliation, one Chinese official has claimed that the US army had brought the disease to Wuhan. Russian trolls had also been making those claims, but the last time the American military was anywhere near Wuhan had to be just before Mao came to power. That would make it an incredibly long lived dormant virus.
 An example of cultural differences – this one just isn’t all that healthy. Donald Trump has been accused of racism before and he is no stranger to the blame game. But for some reason China has just expelled some US journalists. Chinese authorities do have a nasty habit of hiding the truth so perhaps this is odious, and not just some kind of retaliation. They had muzzled their own scientists and social media during the early days of the outbreak, for example.
But back here in Canada we have finally done what our health experts said we shouldn’t ever do, that it would be counterproductive. We have banned travel, by airplanes anyway, and closed our borders to all but the Americans. Still it is worrisome that the degree of coronavirus infection in the US is not reliably known, and what numbers they do have are likely underestimates. So wait for it.
And now emergency laws are being enacted in each province to shut down any place anyone would want to go. That should keep us at home except for buying groceries and drugs, and maybe going to work. And then there is this social distancing.
 Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Social Distancing Meaning – Travel restrictions –
Trump’s China Virus – China Wet Market –
 By Staff
March 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Joe Gartan, a Burlington resident sent us a note:
“Cleared the border 3 hrs ago, arriving by car from California at Fort Erie. We were asked about our health and were given a pamphlet. We are self-isolating.
“The attached note was posted on a gas station door in Columbus Ohio this morning.”
 Everyone is going to have to be as proactive as the operator of this gas station.
 By Pepper Parr
March 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an upside to this COVID-19 business: in its continuing effort to support citizens and slow down the COVID-19 virus, payment is not required for on-street parking or in municipal parking lots until further notice.
Wow !
This is to take away numerous people touching the same parking machines throughout the day.
 Brian Dean and then ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward holding one of the last coin only parking meters in the city Parking enforcement for lack of payment is also suspended. Machines are being put ‘out-of-order’ and covered with stickers to let patrons know that payment is not required.
Parking enforcement is currently limited to safety-related issues such as fire routes, accessible parking, no parking/stopping areas and blocked areas. Time limit restrictions have been relaxed to help those working from home or self-isolating.
For this measure to be successful and deliver its intended relief, it is imperative that parking permit holders in municipal lots continue to park in their assigned lots.
Residents who would like to dispute a ticket, can do so online or via a phone meeting. Because ticket review requests have dropped in volume, parking services is reducing the number of days per week that online and phone requests will be reviewed.
Online and phone ticket reviews will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., until further notice.
The city advises that the best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.
The Crisis Management Team (CRT) has certainly busy. Earlier in the day the Mayor announced that the city is now at a Level 3, which means the CMT is Full Activation – High – Crisis – Mission Critical – Impacts the ability for the Corporation and/or Department or other service areas to deliver essential services and/or impacts the community on a large scale. A Level 3 activation would mean the activation of the City’s Emergency Control Group (ECG). No definition of just what power the Emergency Control Group has and how it operates.
For further information and updates, the City has launched the webpage Burlington.ca/coronavirus.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward is in “complete support of the City’s decision. The COVID-19 situation has created a lot of uncertainty and worry for many residents — paying for parking while ducking out quickly for food or supplies shouldn’t be one of them.
“In addition, relaxing time limit restrictions will help those community members working from home or self-isolating. These are difficult times, but we will get through them, as long as we continue to follow the advice of our medical professionals and employ social distancing. Please remember to check in on family, friends and neighbours via phone, email and social media.”
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns has advised that “At this time, it’s so important as a city to focus on essential services, including parking.
“Keeping visitors and patrons safe while parking in the downtown remains a priority. We recognize our downtown partners require support as many have temporarily closed or modified operations.”
If all the commercial doors are closed – why will people be downtown? Just asking.
 Lisa Kearns – gets a price for the nicest office decor Kearns adds: “I am encouraged that offering this relief is one additional way we can show that we are all in this together.”
Brian Dean, Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association “appreciates the flexibility in parking operations toward our continued growth in this uniquely challenging time.”
There is a lot of sunshine and lollipop banter in some of the dribble coming out of city hall.
By Pepper Parr
March 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province declared a State of Emergency this morning and put a number of requirements in place.
These measures are an attempt to enforce distance between people, a proven way to slow pandemics.
Experts have also been urging people to practice voluntary “social distancing.” The term has been trending on Twitter, with even President Trump endorsing it on Saturday.
Still, people all over the United States have been out in large numbers at restaurants, bars and even sporting events, suggesting more than a little confusion around what social distancing is and who should be practicing it.
 The graphic makes the point – we can stop the spread of the virus – by keeping distance between us. This is deeply worrying, experts said, because even those who become only mildly ill — and maybe even those who never even know they are infected — can propel the exponential movement of the virus through the population.
They emphasized that it’s important for everyone to practice social distancing, not just those considered to be at high risk or who are seriously ill.
“These are not normal times, this is not a drill, we have never been through anything like this before” said the Ontario Medical Officer of Health.
 Six feet – indoors and outdoors. What exactly is social distancing? We asked experts for practical guidance.
What is social distancing?
Put simply, the idea is to maintain a distance between you and other people — in this case, at least six feet.
That also means minimizing contact with people. Avoid public transportation whenever possible, limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings — and definitely do not go to crowded bars and sporting arenas.
“Every single reduction in the number of contacts you have per day with relatives, with friends, co-workers, in school, will have a significant impact on the ability of the virus to spread in the population,”
This strategy saved thousands of lives both during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and, more recently, in Mexico City during the 2009 flu pandemic.
I’m young and don’t have any risk factors. Can I continue to socialize?
Please don’t. There is no question that older people and those with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable to the virus, but young people are by no means immune.
And there is a greater public health imperative. Even people who show only mild symptoms may pass the virus to many, many others — particularly in the early course of the infection, before they even realize they are sick.
So you might keep the chain of infection going right to your own older or high-risk relatives. You may also contribute to the number of people infected, causing the pandemic to grow rapidly and overwhelm the health care system.
 Meetings will be different – and will take some getting used to. If you ignore the guidance on social distancing, you will essentially put yourself and everyone else at much higher risk.
Experts acknowledge that social distancing is tough, especially for young people who are used to gathering in groups. But even cutting down the number of gatherings, and the number of people in any group, will help.
Can I leave my house?
Absolutely. The experts were unanimous in their answer to this question.
When you do leave your home, wipe down any surfaces you come into contact with, disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer and avoid touching your face. Above all, frequently wash your hands — especially whenever you come in from outside, before you eat or before you’re in contact with the very old or very young.
Can I go to the supermarket?
Yes. But buy as much as you can at a time in order to minimize the number of trips, and pick a time when the store is least likely to be crowded.
When you do go, be aware that any surface inside the store may be contaminated. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the handle of the grocery cart, for example. Experts did not recommend wearing gloves, but if you do use them, make sure you don’t touch your face until you have removed the gloves.
Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, recommends stowing your cellphone in an inaccessible place so that you don’t absent-mindedly reach for it while shopping. “That could be a transmission opportunity,” she said.
If it’s a long shopping trip, you may want to bring hand sanitizer with you and disinfect your hands in between. And when you get home, wash your hands right away.
Those at high risk may want to avoid even these outings if they can help it, especially if they live in densely populated areas.
Dr. Marrazzo said her mother is an “incredibly healthy” 93-year-old who usually drives herself to the store, but she said she has asked her mother not to go out during this time, because “the risks are too great given the age-related mortality we’re seeing.”
 This is what we need to do every time there is a line up – this is what stops the spread of the virus. It’s O.K. to go outdoors for fresh air and exercise — to walk your dog, go for a hike or ride your bicycle, for example. The point is not to remain indoors, but to avoid being in close contact with people.
You may also need to leave the house for medicines or other essential resources. But there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe during and after these excursions.
When you do leave your home, wipe down any surfaces you come into contact with, disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer and avoid touching your face. Above all, frequently wash your hands — especially whenever you come in from outside, before you eat or before you’re in contact with the very old or very young.
Can family come to visit?
That depends on who is in your family and how healthy they are.
“Certainly, sick family should not visit,” said Dr. Marrazzo. “If you have vulnerable people in your family, or who are very old, then limit in-person contact.”
But if everyone in the family is young and healthy, then some careful interaction in small groups is probably OK. “The smaller the gathering, the healthier the people are to start with, the lower the risk of the situation is going to be,” she said.
At the same time, you don’t want family members to feel isolated or not have the support of loved ones, so check in with them by phone or plan activities to do with them on video.
Can I take my kids to the playground?
That depends. If your children have any illness, even if it’s not related to the coronavirus, keep them at home.
If they seem healthy and desperately need to burn energy, outdoor activities such as bike rides are generally OK. But “people, especially in higher-risk areas, may want to think twice about trips to high-traffic public areas like the playground,” said Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School.
Kids also tend to touch their mouths, noses and faces constantly, so parks or playgrounds with few kids and few contaminated surfaces are ideal. Take hand sanitizer with you and clean any surfaces with disinfecting wipes before they play.
Serious illness from this virus in kids is rare, so the kids themselves might be safe. “That doesn’t mean they can’t come home and give it to Grandma,” said Dr. Marazzo.
So kids should wash their hands often, especially before they come into contact with older or high-risk family members.
 I’m scared to feel alone. Is there anything I can do to make this easier?
It’s a scary and uncertain time. Staying in touch with family and friends is more important than ever, because we are biologically hard-wired to seek each other out when we are stressed, said Dr. Jonathan Kanter, director for the Center for Science of Social connection at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Dr. Kanter said he was particularly worried about the long-term impact of social isolation on both the sick and the healthy. The absence of physical touch can have a profound impact on our stress levels, he said, and make us feel under threat.
He said even imagining a warm embrace from a loved one can calm the body’s fight-or-flight response.
In the meantime, we are lucky enough to have technologies at hand that can maintain social connections. “It’s important to note that social distancing does not mean social isolation,” Dr. Chaudhary said.
She suggested people stay connected via social media, chat and video. Be creative: Schedule dinners with friends over FaceTime, participate in online game nights, plan to watch television shows at the same time, enroll in remote learning classes. It’s especially important to reach out to those who are sick or to high-risk people who are self-isolating. “A phone call with a voice is better than text, and a video chat is better than a telephone call,” Dr. Kanter said.
 It is a very simple rule – follow it. How long will we need to practice social distancing?
That is a big unknown, experts said. A lot will depend on how well the social distancing measures in place work and how much we can slow the pandemic down. But prepare to hunker down for at least a month, and possibly much longer.
In British Columbia, the recommendations on social distancing have continued to escalate with the number of infections and deaths, and as the health system has become increasingly strained.
“For now, it’s probably indefinite,” Dr. Marrazzo said. “We’re in uncharted territory.”
By Staff
March 17, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Today, the Government of Ontario announced that it is declaring an emergency under the the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
In doing so, Ontario is using every power possible to continue to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families.
 Premier Doug Ford with members of his Cabinet declaring a State of Emergency “We are facing an unprecedented time in our history,” said Premier Ford. “This is a decision that was not made lightly. COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions. We are taking this extraordinary measure because we must offer our full support and every power possible to help our health care sector fight the spread of COVID-19. The health and well being of every Ontarian must be our number one priority.”
As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:
 Groups of 50 are the limit and only in specific circumstances • All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
• All public libraries;
• All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
• All licensed child care centres;
• All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
• All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
• Concert venues.
Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.
“We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We know these measures will affect people’s every day lives, but they are necessary to ensure that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people.
We’re working with all partners across the system, from public health to hospitals and community care, to do everything we can to contain this virus and ensure that the system is prepared to respond to any scenario.”
“Our government is taking an important step to protect Ontarians by declaring a provincial emergency through the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, establishing Ontario’s ability to quickly implement and enforce orders in the public interest,” said Solicitor General Jones. “Our government will continue to respond to this outbreak by limiting the exposure of individuals to COVID-19 and ensure the health and well-being of all Ontarians.”
Ontario is also investing up to $304 million to enhance the province’s response to COVID-19 by providing the following:
• $100 million for increased capacity in hospitals to assist with the effective treatment of COVID-19 patients both in critical care and medicine beds.
• $50 million for more testing and screening through public health, including additional funding to support extraordinary costs incurred to monitor, detect and contain COVID-19 in the province. This includes contact tracing, increased laboratory testing capacity and home testing.
• $50 million to further protect frontline workers, first responders and patients by increasing the supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies and equipment to protect them.
• $25 million to support frontline workers working in COVID-19 assessment centres, including the creation of a new fund to provide respite care, child care services and other supports as they are needed.
• $50 million for long-term care homes&nb sp;to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing to support infection control and additional supplies.
 Providing for those moat at risk. • $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth to support additional staffing, respite for caregivers impacted by school closures, personal protective equipment and supplies and transportation costs to minimize client exposure and to support social distancing, as well as additional cleaning costs.
• $5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes through increased infection control and active screening procedures.
• $4 million for Indigenous communities to support transportation costs for health care professionals and the distribution of critical supplies.
 By Staff
March 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Premier of Ontario declared a State of emergency this morning.
Effective immediately and up until March 31 the following have been ordered closed by the province
Churches – worship services – not more than 50 people
Day care – closed immediately
Indoor recreation closed
Private schools –closed
Bars and restaurants – closed – the exception is tale out service.
Theatres – closed
A more detailed report is expected from the province within the hour.
Related news story:
All the details on the State of Emergency in Ontario
 By Staff
March 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, issued the following statement about ongoing and extensive efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Given the latest developments both internationally and here at home, including growing evidence of community spread, the province is taking further action to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Based on advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, Ontario is responding to the evolving situation by moving forward with new measures to help contain the virus, including the recommended closure of all recreational programs and libraries, private schools, daycares, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants, except those that may only offer takeout or delivery. These closures would be in line with the updated guidance to avoid large gatherings of over 50 people.
Premier Doug Ford said he “recognizes that these measures will significantly impact the lives of many Ontarians. However, as the number of cases in Ontario continues to grow, we must heed the advice of our public health experts and take decisive action to protect the health and safety of the public, our government’s top priority.
“As this situation continues to evolve, we are prepared to continue to respond quickly and effectively to any scenario to keep Ontarians safe.”
On another level sales at cannabis retail locations have risen – they are offering home delivery. Business is brisk at LCBO outlets. One Gazette reader reminds people that “vodka does not kill this virus”.
By Staff
March 16th,, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, April 3, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court.
A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please contact your local Provincial Offences court.
Contact information for all municipal courts is available here:
 Provincial Court House – new location – Walkers Line north of Dundas In addition, please be advised that the Chief Justice has made an order pursuant to s. 85 extending certain timelines for the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act until April 23, 2020.
The following timelines have been extended:
Sections 5(6), 5.1(b), 5.1(12), 9(1)(a), 11(1), 11(4), 17.1(6.1), 18(1), 18.1(5), 18.2(1), 18.3(1), 19, 66(1), 69(1), 116(2)(a), 116(3) and 135(2) of the Provincial Offences Act, and sections 5(2) and 5(3) of the Rules of the Ontario Court (General Division) and the Ontario Court (Provincial Division) in Appeals Under Section 116 of the Provincial Offences Act, O. Reg. 723/94.
A copy of the order is available on the Ontario Court of Justice website.
It will also be available at all POA court offices as soon as practicable.
By Pepper Parr
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a quieter city today.
The malls and the locations where people gather are either closed or close to barren when it comes to people getting out of the house.
Some restaurants were open. Staff are not certain how long that will last – one staffer said he thought that restaurants would stagger their hours.
City hall was closed to the public.The closed sign is going to be seen in a lot of locations.
Large national retail chain operations have closed their stores.
The provincial Medical Officer of Health has said she is recommending that restaurants limit their service to take out only
The Burlington Centre looked like a wasteland. Few cars in the parking lot and fewer in the hallways.
 Parking lot at Burlington Centre on Guelph Line  One of the aisles at the Burlington Centre
 Retail operations were shuttered at the Burlington Centre  National chains decided to close.
 By Pepper Parr
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
To protect the public and City staff and to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, all City facilities including City Hall continue to be closed to public until Monday, April 6. City operations, services and responses are focused on protecting the community from COVID-19 and urgent matters.
While Mayor Meed Ward has not yet declared an official emergency on COVID-19, the City of Burlington activated its Crisis Management Team (CMT) on Friday, March 13 to coordinate City efforts to protect public and staff from the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining essential City services to the community.
The activation of the CMT is a phased approach as part of the City’s Emergency Management Program. The City of Burlington has four (4) levels of emergency activation, which mirrors that of Halton Region and the Province.
Alert Level – Very Low – Manageable – has no immediate impact on service operations or resources.
Level 1 – Enhanced Monitoring – Low – Disruptive Impacts a small subset of essential services or a broad range of essential services for a short period of time or has no immediate impact but impacts will grow if not addressed in a timely manner.
Level 2 Partial Activation – Medium – Issue/Crisis Management and/or Disaster Management. An event, procedure, practice or action that may trigger a crisis community centric (public facing) and / or a corporate /department impact disaster that occurs (internal facing with service line impact(s).
Level 3 Full Activation – High – Crisis – Mission Critical – Impacts the ability for the Corporation and/or Department or other service areas to deliver essential services and/or impacts the community on a large scale.
Currently, the City is at Level 2.
A Level 3 activation would mean the activation of the City’s Emergency Control Group (ECG).
During the onset of this pandemic, the City started tracking outbreaks geographically. As the numbers of the infected population started to spread, we increased our level to an enhanced monitoring state and proactively pulled together our Rapid Response Team which was comprised of executive representatives across the corporation to collaborate and strategize means of preventing the spread of COVID-19 across our corporation and in the community. Upon receiving information of infected residents of Burlington and monitoring staff returning from declared countries in self-isolation, the City of Burlington decided to activate its Crisis Management Team under a Level 2 – Partial Emergency Activation.
In alignment with the approach from the federal government, the best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community is stay home, except for essential trips.
 City buildings closed to general public access effective March 16 include:
NEW – Burlington Performing Arts Centre
NEW – Provincial Offences Courtrooms will be closed from March 16 through April 3; however the Courthouse remains open for business.
City Hall – phone/online/drop box still available
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Burlington Transit – Transit Operations Centre
Animal Shelter
City offices in SIMs Square office building – 390 Brant St.
414 Locust St. offices
Burlington Fire Headquarters and all stations
In addition to all Parks and Recreation services and programs being cancelled and facilities being closed, residents are asked to avoid using City playgrounds until further notice.
Essential services including Burlington Fire, Burlington Transit including Handi-Van, Halton Court Services, Traffic Services, Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations and Animal Control Services will continue to operate as needed to support urgent needs in our community.
Burlington Transit continues to have its buses sprayed with disinfectant to sanitize all buses.
Service Burlington will continue to operate via phone 905-335-7600 and email city@burlington.ca and we encourage residents to reach out if they have questions about COVID-19. Residents can also access services using the City of Burlington mobile app. A drop box outside of City Hall is available to drop off documents. Residents are encouraged to delay any non-essential business.
All Burlington Citizen Advisory Committee meetings have been cancelled until April 5, 2020. It is possible that meetings scheduled later into April may also be cancelled or delayed as needed.
The following meetings are cancelled:
March 18 – Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee
March 18 – Sustainable Development Advisory Committee
March 23 – Seniors Advisory Committee
March 23 – Committee of Adjustment
March 23 – Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee
March 27 – Inclusivity Advisory Committee
March 31 – Council Workshop
March 31 – Cycling Advisory Committee
April 1 – Mayor’s Millennial Committee
April 1 – Mundialization Committee
This situation is evolving every hour and we are continually monitoring. The City of Burlington will continue to keep you informed.
For further information and updates, the City has launched the webpage Burlington.ca/coronavirus.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said today that:
 Marianne Meed Ward – Mayor “COVID-19 is a very real threat to our city and the world, and we know it is understandably causing a great deal of fear and anxiety. The City has activated our emergency planning at a level 2, which allows us to respond appropriately right now.
However, we are monitoring the situation hourly and prepared to escalate if needed, working closely with our federal, provincial, regional and municipal partners. We at the City of Burlington are focused on the health and well-being of our residents as our number one priority. I encourage everyone to stay engaged with our communications to ensure you are updated and informed.
Similar to the announcement made today by Toronto’s Medical Office of Health, I would also encourage Burlington’s bars and restaurants to close to seated patrons.
Businesses offering takeout food options could remain open to offer that option to the public. As our public health officials have maintained, these steps help to flatten the growth curve of COVID-19.
We will also be watching for announcements from the federal government later this week regarding supports for business and individuals whose livelihood has been impacted by this crisis.”
By Staff
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Rocca Sisters report on the Burlington Real Estate market.
With the average price of a freehold residential property still hovering around the million-dollar mark, the Burlington real estate market shows no signs of slowing.
Inventory levels are starting to rise but clearly in no way keeping up with demand. In February, sales were up 43% and sale prices were up 21% when compared to February 2019.
Days on market reduced by 31%. Year to date, sale prices are up 17%, sales are up 28.8% and days on market are down 27.3% as compared to the first 2 months in 2019.
During the month of February, 85 of the 148 sales sold for the asking price or more. Properties sold for 101.06% of the asking price, on average.
Data on the Burlington market:
Inventory levels for the condominium market at the end of February were at the lowest we have seen since we started counting with only 45 condo apartments listed at the end of February 2019.
Both sale prices and sales were up 12.5% when comparing February 2020 to 2019. Price per square foot was up 6.47%. Year to date, sale prices were up 11.78% and sales were up 3.33% as compared to the same period in 2019.
During the month of February, condo apartments sold for 101.06% of the asking price on average and in 18 days – down 52.6% from the same period last year. More than half of the sales were sold for the asking price or more.
By Staff
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Dr. David Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region confirmed the fourth case of COVID-19 in Halton region earlier today.
Halton’s fourth case, a male resident from Burlington in his 30s, returned to Toronto from Miami on March 10 (Flight AC1645; Air Canada).
He became symptomatic on March 10, and presented himself for testing at Joseph Brant Hospital on March 14.
As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the hospital took all precautions, including testing in an isolated environment with all necessary personal protective equipment. Halton Region Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management. The case is self-isolating at home.
“While we continue to see more cases, I want to reassure residents that most individuals who do contract COVID-19 with mild symptoms will recover on their own,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Please continue to follow the advice provided by health care professionals, self-monitor or self-isolate as appropriate and simply stay at home if you are feeling unwell.”
“The individual was tested at Joseph Brant Hospital in an isolated environment. Our care team continues to follow all necessary infection prevention protocols and procedures,” said Eric Vandewall, President and Chief Executive Officer at Joseph Brant Hospital. “We are taking all necessary precautions as we screen and care for residents of Halton, and keep our patients, our visitors, our physicians and staff safe.”
Halton Region Public Health is focusing on those most at risk of COVID-19.
Our current priority is to hear from:
• health care providers who are seeking or reporting information;
• residents who have travelled to Hubei province (China), Iran or Italy; and
• residents who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Not everyone requires testing. Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home. Get rest, drink fluids, eat well and stay home. You do not need to contact Public Health.
If you are high-risk, please call 311. If you have SEVERE symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Moving forward, in lieu of issuing media releases for each new case, Halton Region will report all new confirmed cases of COVID-19 at halton.ca/COVID19.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources. For more information on COVID-19 including symptoms, risk and when to contact Halton Region Public Health, please visit halton.ca/COVID19. To get the latest information on cases in Ontario and to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus.
By Staff
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a dicey time for those commercial operations who serve the public – restaurants in particular.
 A colleague had planned on meeting with a client for lunch – called to find out if they were open. The restauranteur said they were open but that there was no one in the restaurant and they didn’t know if they were going to remain open.
Makes it hard for the customer to plan.
Some provinces are instructing restaurateurs to limit the number of people they have seated at any one time. Servers and cooks are being given beefed up instructions.
It is a tight time for everyone.
Related news story:
Downtown Business Development Association pleads for people to go downtown.
 By Pepper Parr
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Is it www. burlington.ca/coronavirus on the city’s web site that you go to for information or is it the Get Involved – the city’s portal where the answers to every question are supposed to reside, that citizens should go to for information on the COVID19 pandemic?
 Nothing on the Get Involved portal about COVID19 There is nothing on the Get Involved site.
And what there is on the coronavirus section of the city web site won’t help very much.
Is the City Manager calling the shots? He should be – his job is to run the city. If the elected members of council want him to do things differently, all it takes is a meeting of city council and the issuance of a Staff Direction.
And what’s with the Mayor possibly declaring a State of emergency – and what would that mean?
City Manager Commisso tells us that the Crisis Management Team (CMT) is now at Level 2.
What did Level 1 mean; what is the difference between level 1 and level 2 and how many levels are there ? Could the city not release just what the differences between the various levels are?
Might sound like a silly question – but could we be assured that the Mayor is Part of the Crisis Management Team?
A Rapid Response Team has been created at the City that includes staff from across the organization. The Team’s purpose is to review the latest information received from provincial, regional and public health sources and advise on appropriate actions needed related to City activities. Could the public be given a better sense as to just what that team has done?
During times of crisis one voice; one source of information and the Mayor standing there beside the city manager is what citizens need to see.
A photo of the Crisis Management Team seated around a conference table would help.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
By Staff
March 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
To protect the public and City staff and to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, all City facilities including City Hall will be closed to public access effective Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5.
Essential services will continue to operate as usual to support our community. Cemetery services will be by appointment.
Service Burlington will continue to operate via phone 905-335-7600 and email city@burlington.ca
We encourage residents reach out if they have questions. Residents can also access services using the City of Burlington mobile app.
A drop box outside of City Hall is available to drop off documents.
Residents are encouraged to delay any non-essential business or to consider conducting business online or by phone, where possible.
Meetings with City staff where appropriate can be setup on a case by case basis and will require a health screening process in keeping with established public health guidelines.
While Mayor Meed Ward has not yet declared an official emergency on COVID-19,
Burlington’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) has now fully activated the City of Burlington Emergency Response Plan at a Level 2.
This decision made today by the CMT, in close consultation with the Mayor, enables a more rapid response to dedicating specific resources to prevention and containment of the virus.
City buildings closed to general public access effective March 16 include:
City Hall (phone/online/drop box still available)
Roads, Parks and Forestry
Burlington Transit – Transit Operations Centre
Animal Shelter
City offices in SIMs Square office building (390 Brant Street)
414 Locust Street offices
Burlington Fire Headquarters and all stations
Residents are encouraged to delay any non-essential business or to consider conducting business online or by phone, where possible. Meetings with City staff where appropriate can be setup on a case by case basis and will require a health screening process in keeping with established public health guidelines.
All Burlington Citizen Advisory Committee meetings have been cancelled until April 5, 2020.
The following meetings are cancelled:
March 18 – Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee
March 18 – Sustainable Development Advisory Committee
March 23 – Seniors Advisory Committee
March 23 – Committee of Adjustment
March 23 – Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee
March 27 – Inclusivity Advisory Committee
March 31 – Council Workshop
March 31 – Cycling Advisory Committee
April 1 – Mayor’s Millennial Committee
April 1 – Mundialization Committee
City staff are reviewing options related to the upcoming March 30 Burlington City Council meeting, as there are time sensitive matters that may require Council resolution. The City of Burlington is looking into how the meeting may be conducted and will be provide an update closer to the meeting date.
For further information and updates, the City has launched the webpage burlington.ca/coronavirus
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Our first priority is ensuring public health and safety, and the safety of our staff who engage with the public. We are looking at options to ensure residents can still be served without physical attendance at City Hall. As a result, we are expecting a higher than usual call volume and we are redeploying staff to assist, but we would ask for your patience and understanding in these times.
Our decisions are not taken lightly, as we realize the impact they have on our community, but they are done in an effort to do our part to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow down the spread of COVID-19.
Quick Facts
• Contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311, 905-825-6000 or toll free at 1-866-442-5866 if you have a fever OR cough OR breathing difficulty AND any of the following:
o travelled outside of Canada in the 14 days before onset of illness; or
o close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; or
o close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who traveled to affected areas within 14 days prior to their illness onset.
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