 By Pepper Parr
March 4th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
With the vaccination registration system created by the Regional Public Health Unit up and running very efficiently -many have registered and know when they are going to get their first dose AND their second dose; every one now waits for the vaccine to actually arrive.
 This is what we are being protected against – a virus that has challenged the scientists. A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting us to where we are – and this is just the beginning.
Burlington released data yesterday on how the roll out is expected to take place.
The graph below is small and not that easy to read – we pass along what we get – you can now determine what the plan is and where you fit in.
Following the simple rules and exercising some patience will get us all to the point where we are vaccinated and moving along to some state of normalcy.
Pandemics are a little like the Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup – these things don’t happen very often and you don’t fully appreciate what has taken place until it is over.
 This is the status of the vaccination roll out for Burlington as of March 3rd. 
 By Pepper Parr
March 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It is easy to complain. However, when the job is well done the people who did the job have to be recognized.
And this morning the Gazette wants to recognize the superb job the Public Health unit in Halton has done with the COVID vaccine registration procedure they put in place and opened up this morning.
 Dr Hamidah Meghani decided no to rely on the province and went ahead and created a vaccination registration program for Halton. She made the right decision. It works. It works. It is a little complex and some people may need some help if they are not computer literate.
Make sure you have your OHIP card – they need that number.
You get to choose the date you want – if that date is full they will give you the closest date they have. You get to choose the time you want.
You can choose any one of the four locations in the Region.
Read the questions they ask carefully. If you get something wrong – they point out where you made the mistake and you get to correct it.
When you’re done – you print it out. The document you print gives you the date you are to attend and the date for the second shot.
It works.
Thank the people at the Region for a job well done. The province is still working on a registration system. Halton decided that the province might be late so went ahead and created their own.
I’ll let you know how my jab in the arm goes when it is my turn.
Again, a job well done folks.
 By Pepper Parr
March 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
After a marathon Statutory meeting that had 58 plus delegations who wanted to be heard, Council will be back at the table for a meeting that will include the setting of the tax rate for 2021.
Health, Safety and Well Being are on the agenda. Staff at city hall were surveyed.
One graph tells just how things are going.
By Staff
March 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The online booking system for residents over 80 to book an appointment for a vaccine shot launches today.
To make your appointment click HERE. Read the instructions they give you carefully. Read the balance of this article before you go to register. The link to register is also at the bottom of this article.
Starting Wednesday March 3, Halton residents who are 80 years of age and older can book their appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.
To support residents 80 years of age and older who require transportation, Halton Region has been working with Specialized Local Municipal Transit service providers and Private Transportation (taxi) services to ensure residents can conveniently request and arrange free transportation to and from Regional clinics if required.
“Vaccinating those most at risk of complications from COVID-19 is critical,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “If you know someone who is 80 years of age or older and may need assistance accessing information or booking their online appointment, please reach out to them to assist. While we continue to vaccinate priority groups, I am urging everyone to keep staying home except for essential purposes, avoiding social gatherings and preparing to be vaccinated when it is your turn.”
Residents who are not currently 80 years of age and older, please do not call 311 or visit the online booking system to ensure eligible residents have access.
Appointments will be available for clinic sites in the City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton and Town of Halton Hills. Free transportation options will be available for all eligible residents if required. Halton’s Vaccination Clinics are not open to the public and are available by appointment only.
There will be no walk-in appointments.
To make your appointment click HERE. Follow the instructions
By Pepper Parr
March 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Beth Martin oversees the Burlington Together Facebook page.
That organization has been a significant supporter of the Burlington Food Bank – they call her their secret treasure.
 Beth Martin – recipient of Rotary Paul Harris Award and founder of |Burlington Together She is a recent recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow award.
Burlington Together is currently assembling Activity Kits that will be distributed through the Burlington Food Bank, Wellington Square and Community Living Burlington.
Martin wanted to add tooth brushes and tooth paste to the package. She is currently looking for donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste, if anyone is able to donate.
The Activity Kits contain art supplies, books, activities for different age groups.
This round the kits will also contain hygiene items: body wash, shampoo and deodorant.
The activity kits are sponsored through a grant with TD Bank allowing them to create 500 kits to share in the community.
 
While Food is critical to a household – so is finding things for the kids to do when they are not able to get out as much as they would like.
Burlington Together is also planning to kick off GROW A ROW again this Spring. Starting April/May, they are looking to build on the great success this program had last year in sharing fresh produce with the Burlington Food Bank.
We are looking for a volunteer Garden Coordinator for the Burlington Food Bank if you are interested in helping us out, send an email to info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca.
 By Staff
March 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Some good news
The online booking system for residents over 80 to book an appointment for a vaccine shot is set to launch on Wednesday.
Starting Wednesday March 3, Halton residents who are 80 years of age and older can book their appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.
“Getting our most vulnerable residents vaccinated as quickly as possible is our top priority”, said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our clinics are ready and our online booking system is set to open for appointment bookings on March 3.
Our ability to vaccinate our community is dependent on supply from the Federal Government and direction from the Province on who to prioritize for vaccination.
To support residents 80 years of age and older who require transportation, Halton Region has been working with Specialized Local Municipal Transit service providers and Private Transportation (taxi) services to ensure residents can conveniently request and arrange free transportation to and from Regional clinics if required.
“Vaccinating those most at risk of complications from COVID-19 is critical,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “If you know someone who is 80 years of age or older and may need assistance accessing information or booking their online appointment, please reach out to them to assist. While we continue to vaccinate priority groups, I am urging everyone to keep staying home except for essential purposes, avoiding social gatherings and preparing to be vaccinated when it is your turn.”
Quick Facts:
- On Wednesday March 3, eligible Halton residents, who are 80 years of age or older, or someone on their behalf, will be able to go online to book an appointment via halton.ca/COVIDvaccines or Halton’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic webpage.
- Halton residents can call 311 if they require booking support. Please only call 311 if you are unable to book online to ensure those residents requiring support can be assisted.
- There will be appointments available to book for every resident who is 80 years of age and older during March and April. All appointments are contingent on the availability of vaccine supply.
- Residents who are not currently 80 years of age and older, please do not call 311 or visit the online booking system to ensure eligible residents have access.
- Appointments will be available for clinic sites in the City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton and Town of Halton Hills. Free transportation options will be available for all eligible residents if required. Halton’s Vaccination Clinics are not open to the public and are available by appointment. There will be no walk-in appointments.
Halton continues to vaccinate priority populations as identified by the Province and with vaccine supplies currently available. As of Friday, February 26, 28,622 doses have been administered in Halton to priority populations. Mobile teams of Public Health and Paramedic Services staff continue to administer vaccinations to long-term care and retirement home residents.
Halton Healthcare continues to operate the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for prioritized health care workers, essential caregivers and staff of long-term care and retirement homes and adults receiving chronic home care.
To get the latest information on Halton Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program including who is currently eligible, transportation options and how to book an appointment, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines. Halton Region’s website is being updated as the program progresses, and residents are asked to check this page regularly for the latest information.
By Pepper Parr
March 2, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Last week we did a piece on some research the MoH for Halton Region mentioned to members of Regional Council which she said at the time she found very startling and concerned that if the data was correct and the situation we are in was mis-handled a third wave was a possibility.
And that that third wave would not be like the first and second wave; it would spread more quickly and more people would succumb to the virus.
We did a short piece with a graph that set out what Dr Hamidah Meghani was talking about. In this article we are able to show you some of the supporting evidence . It is chilling.
The data does not mean anything is going to happen, it does, we believe, point to what could happen if we are not very careful.
 The supermarkets are doing everything they can to educate the public. Wear the mask – keep your distance. It does make a difference. Reference is made to three COVID-19 VOC have been identified, including:
PANGO lineage B.1.1.7: first detected in the United Kingdom in September, 2020;
PANGO lineage B.1.351: first detected in South Africa in October, 2020; and
PANGO lineage P.1: first detected in Brazil in January, 2021.
As of February 15, 2021, Ontario has confirmed a total of 319 COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) cases; the vast majority (96.9%; 309/319) are PANGO lineage B.1.1.7.
COVID-19 VOC cases have been confirmed in 15/34 (44.1%) public health units across 6/7 (85.7%) geographic regions (i.e., no VOC cases have been identified in the North West region).
The Central East region accounts for 80.3% (256/319) of COVID-19 VOC cases in the province, in part due to a large outbreak in a long-term care home in Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
The majority (81.2%; 259/319) of confirmed VOC cases are linked to outbreaks or close contact with a confirmed case.
A total of 38 fatalities have been reported (case fatality: 11.9%); all have occurred among those 60 years of age or older.
 Where did the person with the new virus pick it up? Close contacts and an outbreak. How do we combat that?
 Number of confirmed COVID-19 VOC cases by PANGO lineage, severity, and outcome: Ontario, December 1, 2020 to February 15, 2021(We believe the word EVER should have been Never)
 Number of fatalities among confirmed COVID-19 VOC cases by PANGO lineage and age group: Ontario, December 1, 2020 to February 15, 2021. It is the older people who are dying.
 Number of confirmed COVID-19 VOC cases by PANGO lineage and likely source of acquisition: Ontario, December 1, 2020 to February 15, 2021 This data has determined what the province decided to do and what is continuing to do. Take care of the elderly and when the vaccine arrive inoculate the older people and hope that we can get enough people inoculated before the variants work themselves into the general population.
It is truly a race against time.
We may have wasted much of what we had.
Related article
The MoH was startled.
By Pepper Parr
February 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Just over a week ago when Dr. Hamidah Meghani was speaking to the Regional Council she mentioned data she had seen very recently that she found startling and under the wrong situation could lead to a third wave of infections.
We touched base with the Region’s media support people where Julia Le is usually very good at digging out material for us.
Dr Hamidah Meghani was talking about what are referred to as VOC – Variants of Concern – these are COVID19 mutations that appear to spread very quickly and impact those pov60 and over – for the 80 and over they have a very high morbidity rate.
The 20 page report has numerous graphs – the one sums it all up, and we suspect the one that keeps Dr Meghani awake at night is below.
If the mutation were to get out and into a population – no one has been able to even guess at the damage that would be done and the lives lost. This information is one of the reasons the Mayor of the City of Toronto has said – no large public events until after Canada Day. No Pride Parade – nothing where large numbers of people would be gathered in an outdoor setting.
The graphics that accompanied the Epidemiological Summary spell out the real concern and what has the health community rushing to get people vaccinated. It is a race against time – and we are not ready.
This Epidemiological Summary covers Variants of Concern in Ontario: December 1, 2020 to February 15, 2021
The Gazette will do a follow up piece on this.
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 By Pepper Parr
February 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Is there a provincial election in the wind?
The province released a media background piece on some forthcoming legislation called Ontario Taking Steps to Make it Easier and Safer to Participate in Provincial Elections.
The media release explains that new legislation would help modernize the voting process in a COVID-19 environment by taking steps to make it easier and safer for people to vote, become a candidate, and protect provincial elections against outside influence and interference.
The Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021, would, if passed, help guard against threats such as the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, under-regulated third-party advertising, irregular campaign spending, and collusion.
 Doug Ford – can he be re-elected? “We strongly believe that Ontario voters should determine the outcome of elections, not big corporations or unions, American-style political action groups or other outside influences,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “That’s why we are proposing legislative action to protect Ontarians’ essential voice in campaigns and to make it easier to cast a vote safely in an advance poll or on election day. These amendments would help modernize Ontario’s electoral process and ensure it is updated to meet urgent challenges, including COVID-19.”
The proposed reforms build on the Ontario legislature’s 2016 decision to ban corporate and union donations to political parties and help ensure individuals remain at the centre of the electoral process.
To protect Ontario elections, 19 legislative amendments have been proposed to:
• Make it more convenient and safer for people to vote in a COVID-19 environment by increasing advance polling days from five to ten, changes first proposed by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer;
• Double the amount individuals can donate to a candidate, constituency association, leadership contestant or party from $1,650 to $3,300 per year, protecting the essential voice of Ontarians in campaigns;
• Extend third-party advertising spending limits from six to 12 months before an election period and introduce a definition of collusion to help protect Ontario’s elections from outside influence and interference; and
• Clarify the rules that allow Members of Provincial Parliament to maintain individual social media accounts before, during and after a writ period, as well as pave the way for the legislature to set other social media rules.
Elections Ontario has reported that the scale of third-party advertising in Ontario is greater than at the federal level, and Ontario is the only province in Canada where third-party spending is counted in the millions of dollars, rather than in the thousands. In 2018, third parties spent over $5 million during the election period and the six months prior to the election.
“Each and every Ontarian is a driving force of our democracy – from casting their votes to volunteering on campaigns or putting one’s name on a ballot,” said Attorney General Downey. “We want to ensure that the electoral system continues to evolve to protect their central role as individuals and promote fairness in the electoral process for everyone.”
 She can draw the crows but hasn’t been able to translate those faces into voters. Nice to know that they are keeping themselves busy at Queen’s Park. One wonders how the current Progressive Conservative government would fare if they had to face the electorate. Lots to complain about – but have you looked at the other two choices. Andrea Horwath does not seem to be able to win an election. A new leader could make a difference – is there anyone with real strength and profile on the NDP benches? Look hard and let me know what you find.
As for the Liberals – their leader has yet to run for a seat in the Legislature. Other taking a few cheap shots at the province for goofs on the Covid19 file, Del Duca hasn’t made much of a mark.
There is a group planning a policy convention – something the Liberals badly need if they are going to learn anything from the Kathryn Wynne disaster. A good stiff broom is needed if the Liberals are going to be competitive. If they can find a way to tap into and reflect what the people of Ontario really want they could form a government.
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
February 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region is ready to open our vaccination clinics for prioritized populations once vaccine supplies are secured by the Federal Government.
“Halton Region staff have been working tirelessly to ensure we are prepared to vaccinate our residents, starting first with our most vulnerable populations,” said Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr.
“Like other regions, our ability to get these sites operational is dependent on supply from the Federal Government. These clinics are in addition to our mobile teams vaccinating residents in long-term care and retirement homes, Halton Healthcare’s clinic for health care workers and our ongoing preparations to eventually provide vaccine to the rest of our community.
I cannot thank our Public Health, Paramedic Services, Hospital teams and staff working behind the scenes enough for their dedication to get us ready.”
Clinics are located in each municipality and have been selected based on the ability to maintain health and safety measures, accessibility and amenities.
- Gellert Community Centre, 10241 Eighth Line, Georgetown
- St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville
- Compass Point Bible Church, 1500 Kerns Road, Burlington
- Milton Centre for the Arts, 1010 Main Street East, Milton
These are initial locations and other clinics may be identified as required.
“The preparation of these clinics is an important milestone in our work to vaccinate those most at risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to get the vaccine when it is your turn, and in the meantime, prepare yourself and your family by reviewing credible information on the vaccines on halton.ca.”
Quick Clinic Facts:
- The clinics are not yet open to the general public. The clinics will first serve priority populations identified by the Province, beginning with adults 80 years of age and older.
- Information on clinic openings and how to book an appointment will be available when the amount of vaccines is confirmed. The public and current priority populations will be notified through a variety of print and digital channels when the booking system is ready and more details are confirmed.
- Planning is also underway to provide additional supports such as transportation for residents who require them. More information will be provided as those details are confirmed.
The Gazette will provide details on just where these places are later in the week
By Pepper Parr
February 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Working our way through winter days that at times have a beauty of their own; getting some of the needed exercises shoveling snow.
Living with the expectation that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that all we have to do is follow the rules that have been explained very well.
 This is where the outbreaks have taken place Some of the messaging doesn’t get through. While reporting to the Regional Council Dr. Hamida Meghani said that if people choose to get out to a restaurant there shouldn’t be more than four at a table and that all four should be from the same household. Not two people from one household and the other two people from a different household.
The Regional Public Health Unit is producing solid data that gives a promising picture. The unit is in the process of going through a phase that will see it continue to handle the identification of new infections and follow up on the tracing that helps determine where the infections came from. The arrival of variants to Covid19 makes that job much harder and calls for an even faster response. A tough task for a unit that is already overloaded.
 Facilities and logistics group has worked with Human Resources to recruit the 400 nursing people that will be needed to do inoculations for up to 12 hours a day – seven days a week once the required vaccines have arrived. On top of it all they are putting in place the procedures needed to begin the mass inoculation that will begin hours after the vaccines arrive.
Dr. Meghani works with a team that is now seasoned and beginning to be able to keep at least half a step ahead of the pandemic many don’t really fully understand.
During the most recent update given to Regional Council Dr. Meghani was seen to actually chuckle – just a bit, while responding to a question. There haven’t been all that many occasions for her to slip away from the sobering side of the possible outcomes if the variant Covid19 infections get out of control. I suspect this keeps her awake at night
 This is where the infections are being found. For Burlington the east end of the city has the highest rate.  The hospitalization rate and the effective reproduction number are what support the view that we are getting ahead of the virus.  The very legitimate fear that the hospitals would not be able to cope with the number of people needing serious care would become a reality – the current numbers indicate that – so far – so good.  The Public Health Unit has been able to reach 93% of those people who have become newly infected in one day; This is critical in identifying the source of the infection.
By Staff
February 19TH, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We asked the Regional Health Unit for an update on who will get vaccinated first.
We received the following:
“Preparations are underway to vaccinate additional priority populations identified by the Province, including adults 80 years of age and older and recipients of chronic home health care. We will be providing an update to the community in the coming days with additional details as they are confirmed.
Understanding that these groups may have barriers to accessing information and appointments, we are also working with our local partners who will support us in targeted outreach to these populations.”
The link provided in the quote is important.
By Pepper Parr
February 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The day the COVID19 vaccines arrive, expect the Prime Minister to make an announcement on how well his government is doing ensuring that Canadians are getting the Covid19 virus protection they need.
Dr. Hamidah Meghani at the Regional Public Health unit will move the people who have been hired to give us that needle into position and wait for the province to tell her exactly when the vaccines are going to be in the inoculation centres ready for use.
 The administering of the vaccine is a three phase program. Earlier this month Dr. Meghani and her team met with General Rick Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff , now retired, who is overseeing the distribution of the vaccines that were purchased by the federal government for distribution to the provinces.
The Halton Regional plan was approved – now Meghani and her colleagues are waiting for the word – the vaccines are here.
So – when the vaccines arrive does that mean we all scoot over to the inoculation centre? Not quite.
We learned yesterday that there will be just four inoculation centres in Halton. One will be at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital that will handle all the front line people – which at this point are those in the medical field.
Regional Council members wanted to know if the people who work in the supermarkets will be considered front line. Dr. Meghani said she did not know, that that has yet to be determined.
We know now that there will be a process to register for a jab of the needle.
The province is in the process of creating a computer application (app) that people will use to register.
Nothing more than that at this point.
The province has not been able to launch that application; it is apparently in trials at this point. It will be on a program called COVAX.
What has become very clear is that the province is calling all the shots – the Public Health units follow the directions they are given.
Meghani expects to be inoculating people before that provincial app is ready – she has a backup plan in place.
 The time line – who is expected to be vaccinated when. Asked when does this all start – Dr. Meghani said – the day after the vaccines arrive. Where will the inoculation centres be located in each community? Not yet determined. They know where they want them to be – now to work out the details with the municipalities or the school boards.
We did learn that the Region will pick up whatever there are in the way of costs at the local level.
We learned too that the Region has hired 200 nursing people and will be hiring an additional 200 for a total of 400 people in place.
Interviews are taking place in the evenings and on the weekends.
Halton CAO Jane McCaskill mentioned that the Region has spent an additional $1 million and has invested heavily in Information Technology upgrades.
Dr. Meghani said that the Region will have a backup system in place. This woman doesn’t leave very many stones unturned.
By Pepper Parr
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
During an in depth meeting at which Dr Hamidah Meghani and Halton Region CAO Jane McCaskill took Regional Council through where things were with the current Covid infection rate and the plans to begin immunizing residents, we learned that Dr. Meghani was concerned, she actually said “startled, when she saw an early version of a report that will be made public on Friday about the rate at which the COVID19 variants are growing out in the community.
 The lock down we just came out of worked – the number of infections has been much lower – many think it should have been even lower before ending the lockdown. She said on more than one occasion that she could see a possible third wave, using the word “likely”.
Regional Councillors got a solid briefing with Chair Gary Carr saying that the problem Halton is going to have is not enough in the way of supply to do the job that has to be done if we are to get ahead of the virus.
 A very sophisticated and well staffed Regional Vaccine Committee is in place – everyone is just waiting for the arrival of the vaccines. Sometime in January Chair Carr and Burlington Mayor Meed Ward were on to the province demanding that they deliver on what had been promised so that the Region could vaccinate the people in Long Term Care Centres. Hot spots in Toronto got what was supposed to come to Halton.
Watching Gary Carr when he is angry is not a pretty picture.
By Staff
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Recreation facilities welcome back participants in recreation programming that will start to re-open with a phased approach starting the week of Feb. 16.
Not all programs and facilities will be opened immediately; re-staffing and facility preparation is underway.
All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music Registered Programs already running until March 26 will continue as is with no change at this time.
Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.
Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the Province’s COVID-19 framework include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.
 Outdoor events limited to 25 people at a time • 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating and Aquatic Fitness
• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap payment only accepted
• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a maximum capacity of 10 people
• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and Leighland parks, weather permitting
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
 Team sports are on hold. • For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
 Public performances – including at the Performing Arts Centre are not taking place. . Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barriers
By Staff
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It should come as no huge surprise – COVID19 infections are being reported at several schools in the Region.
 A single student was infected and the class was closed – the school remained open. Just the one infection reported in Burlington at the Mohawk Public school where the classroom has been closed.
Classes resumed at schools this week.
How many infections are there likely to be? No one has any idea. At this stage everyone is keeping a very close eye and readying for whatever they think could happen and be ready to respond.
It is going to be stressful week – we know why the infection took place – someone without the infection came in contact with someone who was infected.
The virus is in the community. How deep is infection rate likely to be ? We don’t know yet.
By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The new provincial plan will ensure people are getting the right supports at the right time.
In an announcement last week the province said it is now “working with its municipal partners to better connect people to the supports they need as the next step in the province’s plan to modernize the delivery of social assistance. As part of its plan, frontline workers will have more time to focus on connecting clients with supports such as job-readiness programs, housing, childcare, skills training, and mental health services. At the same time, the province will gradually take on more program administration to make it easier for people to navigate the system.”
 Welfare and social services for Halton are administered at the Regional level, however the impact could be significant.
“Ontario is facing deep economic challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Our government is taking action by developing a sustainable social assistance program that takes the administrative burden off local front-line workers, so they can spend more time helping their clients connect to community supports that will get them ready for jobs.”
“As part of the Recovery and Renewal Plan announced last fall, the province worked with municipalities to design a Vision for Social Assistance Transformation to ensure people are getting the right supports at the right time so they can re-enter the workforce. The vision outlines plans for a new social assistance delivery model that allows frontline workers to focus on results for people rather than paperwork. Based on a 2018 study, caseworkers spent approximately a quarter of their day – about 400 hours a year – filing and organizing paperwork.”
Under the new delivery model:
• The province will focus on overseeing social assistance applications and payments making it quick and easy for people to access the system while safeguarding program integrity. Currently, 47 agencies at the municipal/District Social Services Administration Board level co-fund and manage delivery of social assistance in Ontario.
• Municipal partners will use their expertise to deliver person-centred casework and knowledge of local supports to help people get back to work and access supports to stabilize their lives such as housing and health care.
In acknowledgement of the unique needs and priorities of First Nations communities, the Ontario government will continue working with First Nations partners towards a separate plan to renew social assistance for First Nations communities.
“Ontario finds itself at a significant crossroad,” said Minister Smith. “We must continue our work to renew the social assistance system during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the province’s economic recovery and helping the people of Ontario find financial independence and stability. Our plan for a transformed social assistance system will help us achieve that.”
Work on social assistance reform is already underway and will be phased in over the next several years. The province continues to build on this work which includes centralized intake and prototyping a streamlined applications process to continue to free up staff time so they can focus on client support.
Sounds great in principle – let’s see how the Regions react to the program.
Right now the Regions are up to their ears coping with a massive vaccination program that has been plagued with delivery problems.
By Pepper Parr,
February 15th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
I learned this morning that sometime soon – which probably means sometime in March, the Priority list that sets out who is going to be vaccinated, and when, is going to be updated and this time will include all those who are over 80 years of age.
 That caught my attention because I fall into that category.
When do I go to get my needle – don’t know.
Where will I go? – don’t know.
How do I find out – not sure. Spent way too much time wading through the Halton Public Health web site. Lots of information but nothing that relates to my situation.
When I go – what do I need to take with me? I assume my OHIIP card – anything else? Don’t know.
Will I be given something that confirms I have been vaccinated? Hope so – want to put it on a T shirt.
There just has to be a better way to communicate with an anxious public.
By Staff
February 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is transitioning twenty-seven public health regions out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework
“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our number one priority. While we are cautiously and gradually transitioning some regions out of shutdown, with the risk of new variants this is not a reopening or a return to normal,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
 “Until vaccines are widely available, It remains critical that all individuals and families continue to adhere to public health measures and stay home as much as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”
Based on a general improvement in trends of key indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, improving hospital capacity, and available public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, the following public health regions will be moving back to the Framework on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and will no longer be subject to the Stay-at-Home order:
Grey-Lockdown:
· Niagara Region Public Health
Red-Control:
· Chatham-Kent Public Health;
· City of Hamilton Public Health Services;
· Durham Region Health Department;
 Nothing in the Region will be able to open up – maybe next week. · Halton Region Public Health: includes Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills;
· Middlesex-London Health Unit;
· Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services;
· Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit;
· Southwestern Public Health;
· Thunder Bay District Health Unit;
· Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health; and
· Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Orange-Restrict:
· Brant County Health Unit;
· Eastern Ontario Health Unit;
· Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit;
· Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit;
· Huron Perth Public Health;
· Lambton Public Health;
· Ottawa Public Health;
· Porcupine Health Unit; and
· Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
Yellow-Protect:
· Algoma Public Health;
· Grey Bruce Health Unit;
· Northwestern Health Unit; and
· Peterborough Public Health.
Green-Prevent:
· Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; and
· Timiskaming Health Unit.
After returning to the Framework, public health regions will stay in their level for at least two weeks at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health and workplace safety measures to determine if the region should stay where they are or be moved to a different level.
Visitor restrictions for long-term care homes will once again apply to those homes in the public health regions that are in the Orange-Restrict level or higher. In addition, long-term care homes must implement enhanced testing requirements.
Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province’s pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an “emergency brake” to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to immediately advise moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission.
Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, to target specific transmission risks in the community.
“While the trends in public health indicators are heading in the right direction, we still have work to do,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Everyone is strongly advised to continue staying at home, avoid social gatherings, only travel between regions for essential purposes, and limit close contacts to your household or those you live with.”
What does level Red mean?
 By Staff
February 11th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The province has not cancelled the March Break – they did push t back to April 12 to 16.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, issued the following statement regarding March break:
 Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, “In support of our collective efforts to keep schools safe, we are postponing March break until April 12-16, 2021.
This decision was made with the best advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, including consultations with many local Medical Officers of Health.
“Many students have been learning remotely since the start of 2021. It is critical we follow public health advice to protect schools and avoid a repeat of the concerning spike in youth-related cases over the winter break, when students and staff were out of schools for a prolonged period of time. We are taking this precaution based on advice from health experts, including the province’s Science Table and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to help protect against the emerging COVID-19 variants of concern.
“We appreciate the hard work of students and staff in the education sector and I want to be clear: March break is being postponed, not cancelled. To keep schools open, we must keep them free of COVID-19. The actions announced today serve to limit opportunities for congregation – while reaffirming the evidence that schools are safe for students. By continuing to follow public health advice, and by introducing additional safety measures and more testing, we are supporting our collective efforts to keep COVID-19 from entering our schools.
“With respect to travel, our government’s position on this is unchanged. Ontarians should refrain from travelling, particularly given the increase in new variants that pose a direct risk to our country. Please stay at home as much as possible and continue following the direction of public health officials so that we can keep schools open and protect our seniors, frontline health workers and all families.
“These decisions – based on the advice of medical experts – are never easy, but they are necessary to keep Ontario families safe.”
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