 By Staff
July 26th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Second boosters also available for immunocompromised youth 12-17
Following Provincial direction, starting Thursday July 28, 2022, parents and guardians can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for their children aged six months to under five years through Halton’s online booking system.
Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 can also book their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose).
Appointments are available starting Thursday July 28 at Halton Region Paediatric Clinics in convenient locations across the region (no walk-ins for six months to under 5 years age group).
Residents should check Halton’s Vaccine Clinics webpage regularly as dates and locations may vary from week to week. Appointments are also available through the Provincial booking system, participating primary care providers and pharmacies.
 Children aged six months to under five years will receive the Health Canada approved lower dose paediatric Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in a two dose series at a recommended eight weeks apart. For children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, three doses are offered at four to eight weeks between each dose.
“The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for Halton’s youngest residents is exciting news for Halton families,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “The lower dose paediatric Moderna vaccine has been through rigorous scientific reviews and is the safest way to gain protection from COVID-19 and its variants. I strongly recommend vaccinating young children to protect them and their families.”
Parents and guardians with questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service offered through SickKids. Information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine should be accessed from reliable and accurate resources. A list of resources can be found at halton.ca/COVIDvaccines4kids.
Important information & instructions
Starting the morning of Thursday, July 28, the following groups can book appointments for COVID-19 vaccination through Halton’s online booking system:
Parents/guardians of children aged six months to under five years of age can book first dose appointments for the lower dose Moderna paediatric vaccine. Appointments begin Thursday July 28 by appointment only (no walk-ins). Children must be six months of age at the time of the appointment.
Immunocompromised youth aged 12 to 17 can book their second booster dose (fifth dose) if at least six months have passed since their first booster (fourth dose). Use Halton’s online calculator to find out when you are eligible.
First and second doses for children five to 11 years of age are offered by appointment or walk-in at Halton’s Paediatric clinics. Note: Walk-in availability may vary and residents should check Halton’s website before visiting a clinic.
Appointments to receive the lower dose paediatric Moderna vaccine are also available through the Provincial booking system, and on a limited basis at participating primary care and paediatric offices, as well as at participating pharmacies and Indigenous-led vaccination clinics.
Residents who require assistance can call 311 to book their appointment. Please only call if you require immediate booking support or do not have internet access.
Residents requiring additional assistance, language supports or other accommodations at a community clinic can contact 311 prior to their appointment to arrange for supports.
Transportation services to and from appointments are available, free of charge, for those who require it and parking is free at all clinic locations.
To prepare for an appointment:
complete the COVID-19 self-assessment before arriving at the clinic;
bring your child’s health card;
wear a mask (children 2 years of age and under are not required to wear a mask);
for children attending a clinic with an adult who is not their parent or guardian, bring the completed informed consent form; and
learn more about how to prepare for vaccination by exploring the fun activities from the Halton Heroes.
To learn more please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines4kids.
 By Vlad Mudrova
July 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Organizing medical treatment abroad
Every year, millions of people travel outside their native country to receive medical services. Now it has become really simple: just visit the Booking Health website, choose a disease and a treatment method, see the list of the best clinics in the world, compare prices and make an appointment with the chosen specialist. The company’s employees will help you to make the right choice and fully organize your trip.
 Dr Marion Derasse at the Pneumology Department at . The Europe Hospitals Medical services abroad
In developed countries, medicine is developing very rapidly. It receives generous funding, so clinics buy state-of-the-art equipment, poach the best doctors from around the world, conduct many research projects, develop increasingly effective drugs, procedures and operations.
In countries with weak economies, however, medicine is stuck at the level of the twentieth century. Doctors still perform traumatic operations and use unsafe drugs and outdated techniques. As a result, the diseases that modern medicine has learned to cope with still claim the lives of millions of people.
If your native country does not offer the highest level of medicine, there is no necessity to be treated at your place of residence. You can get on a plane and go to another country. Just a couple of hours, and you will be in one of the best clinics in the world! You don’t even have to solve organizational issues on your own because this will be done by Booking Health, a certified medical tourism provider.
How to make your treatment appointment through the Booking Health website?
 Among the clinics recommended in the past is the Academic Hospital Garmisch-Partenkirchen where Ekaterina K., Georgia, Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Dieter Allescher practice. You better start by choosing a clinic. You can do this on the Booking Health website. The service is very convenient: enter a disease in the search bar, select a treatment method, and you will receive a list of clinics where it is used. You can also select the desired country and city, and specify the patient’s age (adult or child), if necessary. The list of hospitals can be sorted by price, rating, reviews, and the nearest free admission date.
The service itself will select the recommended clinics with the optimal ratio of cost and quality of medical services for you. If you want to be treated in the best hospital only, and prices are not of particular importance to you, select the option “TOP clinics” in the drop-down list.
Can’t make a choice? Please leave your request on our website. The Booking Health specialists will contact you and advise you on treatment abroad.
We have all the statistics on clinics, so we know exactly where and what disease is best treated.
How to travel abroad?
Previously, the organization of treatment abroad presented serious difficulties: the choice of a clinic, communication with the administration, medical documents, translation, visa, hotel, air tickets, language barrier, the search for an interpreter abroad and many other problems snowballed on a person who, moreover, is not in the best state of health.
Everything is much easier today. If you make your treatment appointment through the Booking Health service, the company’s employees will fully organize your trip. As a result, you can focus on your health, not worry about anything, and save a lot of nerves, effort, time and money.
 The original price will definitely not increase for you, even if additional medical procedures are required. When you make an appointment through Booking Health, the diagnosis of diseases and treatment abroad become cheaper. Prices are reduced due to the lack of additional fees for international patients. In addition, you will receive an insurance that will cover unexpected expenses up to 200,000 EUR.
This means that the original price will definitely not increase for you, even if additional medical procedures are required.
Take full advantage of medical tourism with Booking Health, and your treatment abroad will become easier, faster and cheaper.
 By Pepper Parr
July 13th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It is still out there – amongst us.
We behave as if it isn’t – it is.
Precious little in the way of notices and regular updates from the Regional Medical Officer of Health
A Gazette reader passed along a email conversation she had with a friend.
Some background:
 Are the seniors getting the attention they need at the Seniors” Centre? Is the equipment being properly wiped down after use? A friend who is an instructor at the Burlington Seniors Centre. She tested positive for Covid on Sunday. I told her she had to get in touch with staff to let them know as she had taught classes on Wednesday and Friday (16 people and 30 people). She also told me that the instructor after her shares a microphone with her (the one that goes around the head and has a mouth piece to talk into and this instructor never cleans off the mouthpiece).
I told the friend that staff needed to inform her as well as all of her participants. My friend sent an email on Sunday No mention of whether or not they would contact the seniors who had been exposed.
My friend indicated that there was very little being done in the building with regard to wiping down chairs or going above and beyond cleaning the centre properly.
I emailed Shawna (she is the liaison between council and the Burlington Seniors Advisory Committee), Lisa as the Centre is in Ward 2 and the Office of the Mayor. I had also messaged Shawna through Facebook asking her to look at her email. She notified Mandy Kerr, who is in charge of the Centre, Denise Beard, and Chris Glenn. Have not heard back from the 2 other recipients.
My concern is that the city will not inform these seniors.
Here is what we got from the Gazette reader:
“ I tested positive for Covid on Monday. Sunday evening I was not feeling great. Had a really scratchy and sore throat, runny nose and post nasal drip that resulted in some coughing. Yesterday, Monday, I had the most horrendous headache and no OTC medication worked. Terrible nausea and total exhaustion, but could not sleep. Any one who tells you covid is like a cold has no idea what they are talking about.
 “Called my physician who will call me this morning about getting Pfizer- Paxlovid which is medication given to try to reduce ending up in the hospital.
“I was so careful. Saw very few people. I let my guard down about 10 days ago and visited a friend outdoors with no mask…..won’t do that again.”
Covid19 is still with us. It seems to be targeting older people – given that Burlington has more older people than any other municipality in the Region one would like to believe that extra precautions and vigilance would be exercised – especially at those locations where seniors tend to congregate.
By Staff
June 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
At 2:52 this afternoon the city released a statement advising the public that Cooling Centres Open –
A heat warning is in effect. Residents can stay cool at all open Burlington Public Library branches.
There was no mention as to how long the hear warning was to be in effect.
Central Branch
2331 New St.
905-639-3611
Aldershot Branch
550 Plains Rd. E.
905-333-9995
Alton Branch
3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
905-634-3686
Brant Hills Branch
2255 Brant St.
905-335-2209
Kilbride Branch
6611 Panton St. Kilbride
905-335-4011
New Appleby Branch
676 Appleby Line
905-639-6373
Tansley Woods Branch
1996 Itabashi Way
905-336-5583
By Staff
June 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward opening the section of the park with the equipment more than a year ago. A number of years ago the Burlington Seniors Community paid for the installation of specialized exercise equipment that was set up in the east end of Burloak Waterfront Park, Lakeshore Rd. at Hampton Heath,
The specialized Exercise Equipment is being used as a pilot location by Passion for Parkinson’s Foundation for their exercise program to help Parkinson patients. Tomorrow, Thursday at 1:30 is the last of their 4 week pilot project at this location.
We feel that it’s important for the general public, rehabilitation professionals and seniors to be aware of the benefits this equipment can be and that it’s available free to use 24/7 at this wonderful picturesque location.
If you know of any families dealing with Parkinson’s – get in touch with the Foundation – they are there to help – and they do make a difference. Reach out to Chair -Tamara 416-230-3215
Little did the Burlington Seniors Community know when they paid for the equipment that it would be put to this kind of use.
Good things do happen.
 By Staff
June 8, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region Public Health has confirmed Halton’s first reported case of monkeypox virus. The individual is currently isolating at home and all contacts have been notified by Halton Region Public Health.
“While most people infected with monkeypox will have mild symptoms, some people such as children, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiencies are at higher risk for severe disease,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health.
 An example of monkeypox “If you have symptoms of monkeypox, it is important to stay home and call your doctor to be assessed. When seeking medical care you should wear a high quality medical mask and cover up all lesions.”
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms of monkeypox typically include
fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, low energy, muscle aches and skin rash or lesions.
The rash usually begins within one to three days of the start of a fever. Lesions can be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up and fall off, much like chickenpox.
The number of lesions on one person can range from a few to several thousand. The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Symptoms can start within five to 21 days after exposure to monkeypox, but usually appear in six to 13 days. Symptoms last between two to four weeks and go away on their own without treatment. A person infected with monkeypox can be contagious five days prior to the onset of rash until the rash has cleared and new skin has formed after a few weeks.
The virus can spread from person-to-person by respiratory secretions, direct contact with skin lesions, and/or contact with materials contaminated with the virus (for example, bedding, clothing).
The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or mucous membranes (for example, mouth, nose, eyes). Transmission through respiratory secretions requires prolonged face to face contact with close proximity to an infected person.
Halton Region Public Health continues to monitor the situation, investigate suspected and confirmed cases and complete contact tracing. For more information on the virus, visit Halton Region’s monkeypox webpage.
 By Kate Brown
April 28th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone experiences negative emotions from time to time. You may have been taught as a child to suppress them, but it’s natural to be angry. The main thing is not to let your feelings become the reason for quarrels with other people. You can learn to control anger by understanding what causes it and expressing it in healthier ways.
 Imagine the situation: you boil when the boss asks you to do extra work. Perhaps it’s not the first time it’s happened because another employee has again failed to complete his duties on time. You’re fed up and feel like you’re about to explode. Then you gather your coworkers and tell them what you think of them. Gradually your anger fades and you feel better, but you realize from the surprised looks on the faces of those around you that this was not the best way to deal with your emotions.
Usually the cause of anger is an underlying problem. It’s possible that you’re tired of doing everything for everyone at work and it’s high time you built personal boundaries. You no longer want to take on the responsibilities of colleagues who are not up to the task. Anger and quarrels will not help change the situation, it’s much more productive to learn to express emotions in other ways.
How to Control Anger
There are several ways to control anger. By following the simple instructions on this list, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which means you can calm down and relax. You’ll cope with anxiety and stress, your mood will improve, and your blood pressure will return to normal. Here’s what will help you not snap when you’re experiencing strong negative emotions.
Take a Break
Take time out and go for a short walk. This will allow you to reflect for a while before reacting to events emotionally. Go outside, feel the warmth of the sun, listen to the leaves rustling in the wind. Focus your attention on the world around you. Forget about the most pleasurable things, like gambling at a Canadian casino online or your favorite movie you’ve watched recently. This will activate your frontal cortex, and strong negative emotions will subside.
Awareness or Short Meditation
Close your eyes, slow your breathing, and allow yourself to calm down, relaxing your whole body. Take your mind to a place where you once felt happy. It could be the seashore, the mountains, or the arms of a loved one.
 Writing a journal is an opportunity to put your feelings down on paper – you’ll be surprised how you feel when you go back and read them later. Write a Diary
When you are angry, write an uncensored letter to the person who triggered your negative emotion. You can do this on paper or in your smartphone notes. Afterwards, reread the letter and try to figure out what experiences caused you to defend yourself through anger. Perhaps you feel humiliated or you are frightened by uncertainty. There is no need to send the letter to the addressee; it’s better to tear up the sheet or erase what you have written. This kind of practice helps you to structure your thoughts, find the true causes of your emotions, and cope with stress.
Deep Breathing
This method of anger management seems too simple, but it really works. The key is to start using it. If you are boiling over, but you cannot leave the room and need to continue talking to the person who provoked the negative emotion in you, turn away to breathe and count to ten. During this time, you will be able to determine the cause of your anger and outline a plan of action.
Exercise
If you are overcome by anger, do some simple exercises or swim in the pool. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel better. It’s impossible to leave a workout with the same level of stress that you came to class with. Your anxiety level will decrease, making it easier for you to make informed decisions.
Anti-stress Accessories
The easiest and most affordable of these is a wrist expander. Squeeze and unclench the exercises in the palms of your hands. Monotonous actions will help to cope with stress and relax. Bonus – strong hands and excellent grip, the main thing – do not forget to change hands periodically. “I-affirmations.”
If you feel yourself boiling over, directly (but calmly) tell the person you’re talking to what you think about what’s going on. Use “I-affirmations” and don’t get personal. For example, you might say to your boss, “I’m puzzled by what you said.” My part of the project was done yesterday.” Such communication will provide new information and allow your boss to see the situation from a new perspective.
 Speaking calmly and directly – takes the heat out of a conversation Regardless of which way you choose to deal with your emotions, it’s important to identify the cause of your anger and recognize the difference between healthy and chronic stress. Understanding what makes you angry will help you deal with future outbursts of anger. If your anger is related to the other person’s actions, let them know how and why their actions affect you. The conversation should begin in a calm atmosphere – after you can pull yourself together. Together with the person, you are talking to, come up with a plan for how to communicate in the future.
Take time to get to know yourself better and develop emotional intelligence. If you learn to manage your emotions and stop snapping at others, you can strengthen communication and make your relationship healthier.
 By Staff
April 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Beachway water treatment plant in Burlington is the largest in the Region The Covid19 infection numbers for the province are not encouraging – infection reports are climbing and the number of children not in school is alarming.
The Boards of Education don’t have any central reporting – what we are hearing from readers is that – a lot of kids are not in class.
With province wide reporting gone for now municipalities are relying on waste water testing.
While the numbers are not high – the trend is in the wrong direction
Location of the waste water treatment plans where testing is done. The test results are rising in every location
 By Pepper Parr
April 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
How does change come about?
What makes people decide they want to change something that they think could be better.
 Olivia Netto Olivia Netto and Inman Nemar were both students at Nelson high school out riding their bikes and a situation arose that had them talking about those occasions when you really need a product there is nothing at hand.
The product in this instance was feminine personal hygiene products – a taboo for many people and something that young men just don’t know all that much about and are not comfortable asking questions either. But for Olivia Netto and Inman Nemar it was a serious subject and they decided they wanted to try and bring about a change: Getting free mental products in as many public locations as possible.
“Over the course of the past few years, we’ve noticed a lack of accessibility to feminine hygiene products both within the community and at schools. Our mission is to create a donation-based drive to cater to those in need. At school, in the workplace and in Burlington”, said Inman.
They took the view that offering free menstrual hygiene products in public washrooms is now considered as essential to the community as offering toilet paper, soap and paper towels.
 Inman Nemar Providing menstrual hygiene products in each of the public washrooms in the facility also provides a more inclusive approach to support the needs of transgender and non-binary individuals.
When they decided to try and involve the city they got a very good response.
Their focus was on Burlington – given the success they have had – they have their eyes on the Region, then the province and – why not the whole country.
They researched, they asked questions and they put together a presentation that went before city council.
They wanted the city to consider a pilot program
Olivia is studying Industrial design at Carlton University and Inman is studying Life Sciences at McMaster.
Asked how they can monitor the distribution and the take up Oliva said: “We have scouts out there.”
 Why the apple? That’s something they will have to tell you. What they really want to talk about is their Pink Project. There initiative is called the Pink Project; it was enthusiastically taken up by council – they approved the project as a pilot that will be in place until the end of the year.
Public response so far has been positive
 By Staff
April 5th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Hospital’s COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over in the Labour & Delivery area of Unit 2 North 600.
 The outbreak was declared on March 25, 2022. In total, three healthcare workers contracted COVID-19. All appropriate actions were taken to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians.
We thank our staff whose expertise and teamwork brought this outbreak to a close, and all our patients and their Essential Care Partners for their patience and understanding. Our thoughts are with those whose wellbeing may have been impacted during this outbreak.
Joseph Brant Hospital remains vigilant in following the Infection Prevention and Control safety measures in place to protect our patients, our staff and our physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Staff
April 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) will be holding a virtual panel about mental health and addictions to shine a light on this important topic, help people discover the available services in the community and provide a forum for questions and answers at a time when many are looking for more support.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 7 to 8 p.m.
Via Zoom – Link to Zoom webinar:
https://www.josephbranthospital.ca/en/programs-and-services/mental-health.asp
Taking part in the event are:
 Moderator: Natalia Kusendova, MPP for Mississauga Central and Registered Nurse
Steve Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry, Medical Director, MHA (JBH)
Monidipa Ravi, Child and Adolescent Lead Psychiatrist (JBH)
Michelle Barr, Director of Services, Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK)
The need for mental health and addictions services has grown throughout the pandemic. One-third of Canadians aged 15 or older who reported having a need for mental health and addictions care said those needs were not fully met. By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness. JBH provides mental health and addictions programs and services for adults, children and adolescents.
By Staff
April 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s their story and they are sticking to it.
The government is not going to impose any restriction as COVID cases surge
 “It takes a worried worried man …” The province is sticking to its reopening agenda despite hospitalizations increasing by 27 per cent in the last week and wastewater analysis pegging new daily cases at around 30,000.
What else is there to say?
The province is going to wait this one out – and hope that nothing breaks wide open in the next two months.
If the numbers do soar – this provincial government is toast.
 By Staff
March 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Halton District School Board is hosting Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. Covering specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians, each session will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.
Sessions include:
Building Executive Function Skills in Teenagers – Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Supporting a Child who is Grieving – Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Black Mixed-race Children & Identity – Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mental Health, Well-Being & Autism Spectrum Disorder – Thursday, May 5 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating Neurodiversity – Monday, May 9 at 7 – 7:45 p.m.
Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Students – Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Anxiety & Depression in Youth – Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available.
Parents/guardians can register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form.
Sessions will be held on Google Meet, where closed captioning is available in various languages. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Sessions will not be recorded.
Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session.
The Board’s Mental Health & Well-Being webpage has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being, and how to get additional support at school and in the broader community.
By Staff
March 31st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Of course we know – but we don’t seem capable of doing all that much about what is going to happen next.
Epidemiologist Peter Jüni said the highly transmissible BA.2 variant of Omicron isn’t the main culprit — its peoples’ actions, bolstered by the relaxing of health restrictions. He calls it the “‘throw-caution-to-the-wind’ wave.”
Hospitalizations are rising, too — up to nearly 800 this week from around 600 just 10 days ago.
Meanwhile we have a Premier taking a major risk to public health while he scrambles to win re-election. Why the public health people have not returned to wider testing is hard to understand,
By Staff
March 25th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We were told that there would be small COVID-19 Outbreaks.
The Joseph Brant Hospital Inpatient Unit advised the public today that an outbreak has been declared on Unit 2 North 600 (2N600) at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) after two staff tested positive for COVID-19. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of patients, Essential Care Partners (ECPs), staff and physicians.
Joseph Brant Hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team and Employee Health Services are ensuring all those who have been impacted will be contacted, monitored and tested as required.
A number of enhanced safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians. The unit remains open to new patient admissions. Essential Care Partners can enter the unit, adhering to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements including face masks.
JBH is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work to bring a safe end to the outbreak as soon as possible. Patients or loved ones who have questions or concerns can contact a member of the JBH Patient Relations team at 905-632-3737 ext. 4949 or by email patientrelations@josephbranthospital.ca.
 By Eric Vandewall
March 23rd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
As key public health and health system indicators continue to improve, Ontario and local governments are gradually easing public health and safety measures. While many of us welcome the opportunity to take part in indoor social activities such as sporting events, it is important to recognize that COVID-19 remains transmissible to vulnerable individuals receiving care in healthcare settings. We cannot lose sight of our role in protecting the health and safety of patients and healthcare workers at Joseph Brant Hospital.
 Eric Vandewall: President and CEO Joseph Brant Hospital Individual organizations and municipalities are responding and managing these new measures differently – some may choose to adopt current practices, while others may take a more careful and measured approach depending on local conditions and the populations that they serve. The lifting of public health measures by provincial and local governments is, at the end of the day, a judgement call.
Hospitals have the discretion to establish their own guidelines and review them on an ongoing basis. At this point, JBH will continue to require that all patients, essential care providers, and visitors wear a hospital-issued, medical grade mask while in the hospital. This decision is rooted in data, evolving science and evidence-based best practices – it is what is best for our patients, our staff, physicians, learners and volunteers.
We have not changed our COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Essential Care Providers (ECPs), with very limited exceptions. ECPs are still required to complete a COVID-19 screening before coming to the hospital. It is important for patients and their loved ones to review the visitor guidelines; we will continue to re-evaluate our policies in the weeks and months ahead, with input from our patients, their ECPs and our staff.
We have made changes to the limits on ECPs, recognizing the important role ECPs play in a patient’s care, well-being, and recovery. Patients staying in hospital can have two ECPs at their bedside, and individuals coming for appointments or coming to the Emergency Department can have one person accompany them.
I am pleased to report that our surgical activity has reached 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels, consistent with the changes in provincial direction. Our diagnostics are running at full capacity. We continue to explore additional strategies to address the surgical procedures backlog and are we are working closely with our surgeons to monitor deferred procedures very closely to ensure timely access for patients requiring urgent and time-sensitive procedures.
Throughout the pandemic, we have shared what we are seeing in our community when it comes to care needs – this includes the growing need for mental health and addictions (MHA) services. I invite you to a virtual panel about Burlington’s current and future needs for these services on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. The panel aims to shine a light on this important topic; help people to discover the available services in the community; and to provide a forum for questions and answers at a time when many are looking for more support.
Join our MHA experts, Dr. Steven Selchen and Dr. Monidipa Ravi; our moderator, Jane McKenna, MPP for Burlington and Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues; and Michelle Barr, Director of Services of Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK). Please go to www.keepcareclosetohome.ca for details on how to join the virtual discussion, and please take a moment to fill out a short survey about the mental health and addictions resources in our community.
These last two years have been incredibly difficult for everyone. The road behind us has been a long one, and we are moving in the right direction, with high vaccination rates and a decreasing trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations. As public health measures continue to lift, we encourage you to continue to follow the guidance of medical experts and public health officials.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our teams have continued to care for people in our community. I am so proud of our teams here at JBH and I would like to thank all of our dedicated staff, physicians, learners, and volunteers for their incredible efforts to provide safe and quality care.
Thank you for your continued support.
Please take care, stay safe and be well.
By Staff
March 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Halton Regional Council approved an amendment to Halton Region’s Consolidated Mask By-law 47-20 to rescind the by-law effective 12:01 a.m. on March 21, 2022. The amendment was approved at a Special Meeting of Halton Regional Council in order to update Halton’s by-law in alignment with the removal of the Provincial requirements related to the wearing of a mask or face covering in most settings.
Halton’s mask by-law was originally adopted by Regional Council on July 15, 2020, as an important measure to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep the Halton community safe. While the mask by-law is being rescinded in Halton, some Provincial and Federal masking requirements will remain in place.
 Are these days behind us? As of March 21, masking will continue to be required in select settings such as public transit, long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other health care settings, shelters, jails and congregate care and living settings, including homes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
In addition to the settings above, masks will also be required in the following circumstances:
- Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to wear a mask until day 10 following a positive test result or the onset of symptoms (whichever occurred first).
- Close contacts and household contacts of individuals with COVID-19 are required to wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.
- Individuals who have recently traveled outside of Canada, have to wear a mask for 14 days upon return.
Halton Region Public Health is also reminding residents that wearing a mask continues to be an effective public health measure for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and to be kind to those who choose to continue wearing a mask to protect themselves and others.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “There is still risk of transmission in Halton and we need to be mindful that the risk of infection and severe disease is greater for some individuals than others, including those who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions, and older adults,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health.
“Some individuals may choose to keep wearing masks in places where they are not required, and others, such as those who are close contacts of COVID-19 cases, will be required to wear masks for a period of time. Businesses and organizations may also continue to require or encourage mask use based on the risk in their workplaces and to their patrons. I encourage all Halton residents to continue to be kind and respectful to everyone, regardless of their decision to wear a mask or not.”
By Tamara Boaden
March 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Passion for Parkinson’s Foundation is a non-profit corporation . Our primary objective is to identify and fully fund creative arts and exercise programs targeted specifically to enhance and support the lives of those living with Parkinson’s in Halton/Peel.
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder affecting 25 new people daily in Canada. Next to medication, exercise is the most beneficial therapy for managing this disease.
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 and I have experienced what this debilitating disease does and understand how important these programs are for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
In May 2021, we launched Parkinson’s in the Park ™which offered weekly walking, exercise, and Tai Chi programs in various parks In Mississauga.
In September 2021, we expanded the walking and Tai Chi programs to Burlington.
Based upon our success and seeing the difference it made to our Parkinson Community, beginning April 2022, we are offering and fully funding Arts and Exercise programs in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington. Flyers are attached.
We plan to further expand our programs to Brampton and Milton by 2022/23.
We need your help to increase our community reach to attract new participants, volunteers, and financial supporters. Any assistance you can offer (i.e. share with your social media feeds, post flyers/brochures on community boards.
By Staff
March 18th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Halton Regional Council will meet in a rare Saturday meeting to discuss an amendment to the bylaw relating to the Non-Medical Masks/Face Coverings in Certain Enclosed Public Places.
Notice of Amendment from Mayor Rick Bonnette and Councillor Clark Somerville re: LPS26-22 – Update 5: Mandatory Non-Medical Masks/Face Coverings in Certain Enclosed Public Places in Halton Region
 By Tom Muir
March 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It isn’t popular to talk about masks and social distancing these days.
Everyone wants to see the pandemic declared over and get us to the point where we are dealing with an endemic and those are a piece of cake.
Tom Muir who contributes to the Gazette frequently focuses on just what it is we are dealing with and where the leadership is falling short.
I’m afraid I see too many cooks in the kitchen regarding Covid mandates, and too many splits of who has authority to decide.
Is this the time for the Medical Officer of Health to weight in with some comment? I am particularly concerned about schools and the educational system, and have repeatedly expressed that concern. Now I find out from your message here that the City bylaw does not apply to schools. And also that the Regional Office of Health has authority, and could issue a Section 22 order, which could mandate masking in schools. Then, as well, you tell me the Medical Officers of Health at the Region is recommending lifting the mask bylaw.
So who has the responsibility to protect the children and the school system in this messy division of power? Regional Health has a conflict of interest between following orders that are “legal”, and the fact that something that is “legal” is not necessarily permissible, or morally justified in an ethical society, especially when the possible consequences for the most vulnerable in our society are known and are grave.
This conflict is very concerning as it raises questions of responsibility and accountability for a decision about children and schools – Who will be called to account for the decision and the consequences? Is the Board of Education responsible for this fiduciary duty of trust? If not, then why not?
I say again, it is just too soon to stop masking and other Covid controls in the school system right after all the interactions and mingling, and therefore increased virus transmission opportunities that will occur during school break. Several weeks are needed to see what happens. In addition, the City and Regional masking and other Covid bylaws, as you say, and I repeat –
“requires the wearing of masks or other face coverings within enclosed spaces open to the public, including:
- City Hall and City facilities open to the public;
- Burlington Transit;
- Public areas of offices, retail outlets and malls; and
- Inside common areas of apartment and condominium buildings.”
 Is masking necessary for these children? My point here is that enclosed public spaces are the areas of maximum transmission, and the masking is the first line of defence, then distancing, and this is an historical practice of public health infection protection.
Further, I say we need more time in general to consider lifting the masking bylaw because there is a lag in time to show what the health indicators are doing after the break, and in general.
I read this below in the Washington Post today, and it would do us well to heed the warning about the failure to be cautious in decisions with very serious consequences that we already know about very well. The whole article is worth a read in terms of what is going on with the virus.
“A surge in coronavirus infections in Western Europe has experts and health authorities on alert for another wave of the pandemic in the United States even as most of the country has done away with restrictions after a sharp decline in cases.”
“Infectious-disease experts are closely watching the subvariant of omicron known as BA.2, which appears to be more transmissible than the original strain, BA.1, and is fueling the outbreak overseas.”
My bottom line is that someone has to be called to be responsible to fulfill the Board of Education duty as Trustees – with root of Trust – to protect the children and the schools from the risk of this inherent policy harm, as stated by many independent experts, and by the known ways of how the virus acts. This is not safe policy for children, teachers, schools, or parents. It is not stated by Ford to be a safe policy, but a personal choice about risk tolerance.
The children themselves do not have the wherewithal to make such an independent choice for themselves, and are at the mercy of the politics, and what you decide to do. The rest of us will be collateral damage.
In my view, whoever gets to decide, whether it is the Board or not, will be guilty of negligence of fiduciary duty if they just obey Premier Ford’s orders.
 Tom Muir is a retired federal civil servant who writes frequently on public issues
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