 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 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 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
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.
By Staff
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Provincial public parks will be open but not to large groups of people – large is defined as 250 people.
Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks issued the following statement related to Ontario Parks operations in response to COVID-19:
 One of he province’s provincial parks. “Public safety and the well-being of our visitors and staff in Ontario’s provincial parks is our top priority. In response to Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation to immediately suspend large events and public gatherings of over 250 people, Ontario Parks has cancelled all planned events until further notice. All public Ontario Parks buildings, such as visitor centres, will be closed as well.
“Outdoor recreational opportunities including camping and day use will still be available at operating parks.
“Appropriate cleaning measures continue to be undertaken to reduce risk to staff and visitors within buildings. Ontario Parks will also enhance cleaning of public areas that remain open, including washrooms.
“Individuals or groups wishing to cancel their current reservations for arrivals up to April 30, 2020 will be provided a full refund or the opportunity to change their reservation depending on availability, with no penalty.”
Ontario Parks will monitor developments and reassess on April 1, 2020 and April 15, 2020.”
By Pepper Parr
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We had asked the Halton Regional Health office for some detail on just what happens when a person thinks they may have contracted the CORVID19 virus.
They were unable to get back to us before the close of business on Friday but someone over here is working on the weekend.
Our questions and the answers they provided are set out below:
Who decides if a resident should be tested for COVID-19?
• Coronavirus infections are diagnosed by a health care provider based on symptoms, clinical history and laboratory tests. Travel history is also important. There is a specific test for COVID-19 to confirm the infection if it is suspected.
• Testing is arranged by health care professionals, in collaboration with local public health.
2. What does testing involve?
• Testing involves a swab of the nose or throat (sometimes both) and is sent by health care professionals to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Toronto.
3. Where does the testing take place?
• Testing is being conducted at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Toronto, which is working collaboratively with the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.
Additional laboratory testing sites are also being set up across the province. For more information, please see this Province of Ontario news release.
We have since leaned through other sources that the COVID19 test is no small matter.
The people doing the testing are said to be at great personal risk. They have to wear protective suits that includes a mask and a plastic head piece. The room the testing is done in has to be scrubbed down. The testing takes time and eats into the hospital resources.
There is not enough in the way of capacity to do all the testing – and the data we have available suggests that the full measure of the wave of people infected has yet to reach us.
An interesting link to the rate at which the virus is spreading is HERE
The link to live data tells us that the number of people being infected is still climbing.
We are in a very necessary phase of the COVID19 battle. It will pass – when – that is what we don’t know. What we do know is that there are ways to slow down the spread of the virus. Wash out hands frequently and limit the people you meet with and keep some distance between people you do meet with.
I had dinner with a friend in the middle of the week and followed up that event with a note saying with should do this more often – he responded – “see you on the other side of COVID 19”.
Be sensible – be careful and remember we are all in this together.
By Staff
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Aldershot resident Tom Muir found a web site that is a “goldmine” for the information junkies.
Click here for a link. Use the search box in the upper right hand corner to find Canadian data instantly.
Betting dollars to donuts that Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns, a policy wonk of some renown will be mining this data collection.
 The information junkies will spend hours on this stuff
By Brian Dean
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
During this time of uncertainty, most agree that the local economy will be weighed down by the impact of COVID-19. The impacts on small businesses and independents can be particularly heavy as we practice social distancing.
 Dozens of little gems – worth popping into. Small businesses are by nature risk takers. They choose to invest in our community and our neighbourhoods with the hope that the community will give back to them with the same vigor. These are the entrepreneurs that hire our children, sponsor our sports teams and community groups – they are your neighbours.
Our local businesses in Burlington enrich our community daily and are the lifeblood of our sustainable local economy. In the case of our Downtown independent businesses, they are often the people you know by name. We celebrate when these local names succeed and regret when they are forced to close their doors.
 The Downtown needs feet on the streets – being outdoors is not a COVID19 issue. Shopping locally during this challenging time for Burlington business is more than a “good idea” it is a necessity to help keep these small businesses flourishing.
The largest collection of independent businesses in our City is Downtown; a dynamic collection of over 400 unique entrepreneurs. For many of these businesses their success relies on the personalized connections they have made with their patrons.
As our community makes a conscious effort to reduce close contact with others during this challenging time there is an instinct to find a “one-stop shopping” solution for our everyday needs. This tactic tends to overlook the incredible value that comes from patronizing your favourite, neighbourhood independent business.
 Overlooking the lake is one of the safest places you can be. Our small business community has proven to be a resilient and adaptable group that champions innovation. Now it is the Burlington public’s turn to create innovative ways to support them with many products & essentials available at our local merchants.
Here are ways to support small businesses:
Buy meals from local restaurants for delivery or takeout
Shop small businesses online
Use shipping, door-to-door and delivery services available
Purchase coffee grounds from your local coffee shop
Pick up bread or baked goods from your local bakery
Consider purchasing gift cards for future use – they’ll receive the revenue now while foot traffic is down and you’ll have something to look forward to!
Share, tweet, post about your favourite small business – let’s spread some positivity!
Purchase your personal items, shampoo, soaps, face wash, creams etc. from local businesses instead of busy box stores
Don’t cancel appointments, reschedule if possible
By Staff
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
City Hall announced Friday afternoon that all public indoor facilities were being closed.
The purpose of this closure is to slow the spread of the virus by reducing the amount of personal contact.
Burlington activated its Crisis Management Team (CMT) to coordinate City efforts to protect public and staff from the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining essential City services to the community.
To aid efforts in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the community, the City of Burlington has made the decision to close all City recreation facilities for a minimum of three weeks, as of this evening (Friday).
With the recreation facility closures, the following services will be suspended: March Break programming, arenas, pools and community centres, including the Seniors Centre.
All City organized large public meetings and gatherings are also cancelled, with the exception of Committee and Council meetings at City Hall.
The CMT will be reviewing internal City meeting guidelines and issuing an update on Monday, March 16. City Hall will remain open for business with enhanced health and safety protocols for staff.
Some members of Council had difficulty with the way city handled the release of the decision on Friday afternoon.
Some residents expressed concerns at the way the city handled the COVID19 problem.
One resident felt that
“essential services should be clearly identified in the disaster management plan which should be reviewed and updated annually.
“A chief spokesperson on these issues should be clearly identified. An upper echelon planning team comprising key municipal employees should be identified.
“A protocol should be in place to deal with the redeployment of human resources to critical and essential functions. Most importantly, there should be regular ongoing tests and exercises to practice and evaluate emergency responsiveness and to refine protocols where necessary.
“We’ve been through SARS. We’ve been through 9-11. We’ve been through the 2013 ice storm, and the 2014 flood. Protocols and measures on how to deal with emergencies and contingencies should have been in place long before now. The City shouldn’t be cobbling this together in the midst of a pandemic at the 11th hour.”
There does not appear to be a single spokesperson. News comes out of city hall with a comment from both the Mayor and the City Manager.
There is not yet a single place one call send an email to or call for information in Burlington. The Regional 311 service is limited in what it can provide.
The Regional Police are screening all telephone calls.
The Regional Medical Officer of Health has chosen to use “privacy” as a reason for not providing information or saying a matter is “under investigation.”
 What the public does have going for it is common sense and listening to what the science has to tell us.
By Staff
March 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A female resident from Burlington in her 50s returned from Los Angeles on March 8.
She became symptomatic on March 9 and presented to Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington for testing on March 12. 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. On March 13, she was notified of her positive test result and is now self-isolating at home.
Halton Region Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management. The individual was not symptomatic on the flight.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health. “While the risk is low, we can expect to see more cases in our community and we are prepared for that,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health. “We are closely monitoring the situation and continue to take thoughtful action where
appropriate.”
“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.”
 By Staff
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects responsible for an assault that took place in the area of Headon Road and Headon Forest Drive in the City of Burlington.
 On March 11, 2020, at approximately 2:00pm, a 27 year old male victim was walking westbound on Headon Forest Drive and observed an older model Green Honda CRV drive by him.
The driver of this vehicle directed homophobic comments towards the victim. The suspect vehicle then proceeded to turn around and stopped at a townhouse complex at Headon Road and Headon Forest Drive. The driver and his passenger then exited the vehicle and approached the victim, continuing to engage in homophobic slurs directed at the victim. The driver and passenger then became physically violent by pushing and punching the victim. Both suspects then fled the scene in the same vehicle.
The victim managed to walk home and eventually attended the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital where he was diagnosed with a minor concussion and injuries to his face and torso. The victim was treated and released from hospital.
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for this hate crime incident.
Suspect #1 (passenger) – Male, white, 16-20 years of age, average build, 5’8″, approximately 180lbs with light black facial hair wearing a brown beanie cap.
Suspect #2 (driver) – Male, olive complexion, 16-20 years of age, thin build, 5’10” with short black curly hair.
Suspect vehicle is described as a forest green older model Honda CRV with a faded older paint job. (1997-2001 year model).
The Halton Regional Police Service condemns any/all such incidents that impact or erode the community’s sense of safety and well-being.
The HRPS are investigating this offence as a crime that willfully promotes hatred. We are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that would assist us in determining the person(s) responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod at 905-825-4777 ext. 2385 or Detective Constable Blair Bolton at 905-825-4777 ext. 2323 from the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
 By Staff
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to recent developments regarding COVID-19, it has been decided that the Museums of Burlington will be closed for three weeks, from March 14 – April 5.
 Ireland House – closed along with Brant Museum closed for three weeks. All museum events and programs, including March Break Camps are cancelled or postponed. Full refunds will be processed as soon as possible.
The Museum had earlier said it would remain open.
By Staff
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Earlier today, the City of Burlington activated its Crisis Management Team (CMT) to coordinate City efforts to protect public and staff from the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining essential City services to the community.
To aid efforts in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the community, the City of Burlington has made the decision to close all City recreation facilities for a minimum of three weeks, as of this evening.
With the recreation facility closures, the following services will be suspended: March Break programming, arenas, pools and community centres, including the Seniors Centre.
All City organized large public meetings and gatherings are also cancelled, with the exception of Committee and Council meetings at City Hall.
The CMT will be reviewing internal City meeting guidelines and issuing an update on Monday, March 16. City Hall will remain open for business with enhanced health and safety protocols for staff.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “In light of the current situation with COVID-19 and the rapidly changing updates from healthcare professionals and our partners across all levels of government, I certainly understand and share the concerns of residents related to attending programs and events at City facilities.
“We are evaluating things daily — and sometimes multiple times during the day — and will always put residents’ health and safety first. The decision to close City recreation facilities for next three weeks and cancel programs including March Break, does not come lightly, but in meeting with our Crisis Management Team, we feel it is a necessary one. Please continue to look after your health, follow the advice of healthcare professionals and support one another. Let’s always be our best through these trying times.”
 Tim Commisso, City Manager Tim Commisso, City Manager added: “At the City of Burlington, we understand the decision to close recreational facilities will have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities.
“We are also very aware that this needs to be done as a precaution to help keep people in Burlington stay safe and aid in containing the spread of COVID-19. We continue to work closely with Halton Region Public Health and make our decisions based on the latest scientific evidence on COVID-19. We thank our residents for their understanding as we continue to address this challenge together. We will continue to share City updates daily with the public.”
By Pepper Parr
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
BREAKING NEWS: At noon: 20 more cases confirmed in Ontario, taking the provincial total to 79.
The Pandemic, something we have not seen in more than 100 years, is upon us.
The biggest tool we have going for us is our own individual behavior.
 Individual protective measures are the strongest tool we have at this point. Take care of yourself. Our different levels of government have the job of keeping us informed.
This is a manageable situation. Letting any sense of panic prevail is the worst thing we can do. There is plenty of toilet paper inventory.
Watch for and pay attention to the latest health, safety, and cleanliness protocols to protect yourself.
The evidence seems to suggest that the more vulnerable are at the highest risk. Older people with existing health problems are going to need extra help. Determine who those people are in your life and make time for them.
At this point our biggest problem for many households is what they are going to do with the kids with schools closed for the next three weeks.
And at the same time – taking care of yourselves.
Limit the time you spend with large groups. Ontario’s chief medical officer Dr. David Williams says to “avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada” and the “immediate suspension” of all gatherings over 250 people because of the risks of coronavirus.
Wash your hands – often!
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. …
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. …
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
By Staff
March 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) a pandemic there were different reactions from different sectors of society.
The city of Burlington said their Emergency Management Team was meeting to outline plans and that there was a Rapid Response Team in place.
Gowlings WLD, a national law firm with an office in Hamilton put out a message for their clients. It is a model of what can and should be done. It is clear that Gowlings has been preparing for a situation like this.
Peter Lukasiewicz, Chief Executive Officer at Gowlings explains the approach the law firm has taken.
 From numerous public health measures to ongoing market turmoil, it’s no secret that the virus continues to take a major toll on populations and businesses around the world — and our clients in Canada and around the world.
Given these circumstances, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that Gowling WLG has been preparing for this unfolding situation since it first began to develop and we are positioned to assist you with the many unforeseen challenges you may face as a result of it.
How we have been preparing our firm
Gowling WLG has a robust continuity strategy in place designed to mitigate potential interruptions to our business — even during the most challenging of times. As circumstances change, we continue to adapt our plans and protocols to address the safety of our people, our clients, and others with whom we work.
All of our offices across Canada and around the world are open. We will apprise you of any changes to the delivery of our services — at the moment, there are none.
How we are helping clients
 In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, our firm has assembled a global taskforce to help clients navigate the many legal and business obstacles that have occurred as a result of the virus. With a view to further assisting our clients, we have also launched an online COVID-19 resource centre comprising timely thought leadership relevant to a range of sectors, as well as a list of key contacts ready to assist you. We will continue to update this page on a regular basis.
As we all continue to monitor the impact and progress of the pandemic, know that our thoughts are with everyone whose lives and businesses have been affected to date.
 By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They were minutes away from breaking for lunch when City Manager Tim Commisso asked if he could say a few words on the COVID19 situation.
Rory Nisan, who was chairing the Standing Committee on Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability was about to ask if that could be covered after lunch when Commisso began to explain that the city was going to be communicating daily on what the issues were and what the city was doing about COVID 19 – a second case had been announced earlier.
 City manager Tim Commisso He pointed out that the Region was the health authority but that the city had to think about such things as operations, keeping places clean and policy issues.
Treasurer Joan Ford explained that she was creating cost centres to keep track of spending while Commisso talked about business continuity and the level of services the city was going to be able to deliver.
There was a concern over what could happen on the revenue side if Parks and Recreation had to refund fees that have been paid. Commisso wanted to ensure that no one got hit with any out of pocket expense.
Commisso also wanted to know what the public felt they needed to know.
His office is thinking through the delineation of essential services and determining what events the city departments have planned and if they should take place.
The province may well decide, he said, to limit how and where people meet and the municipal sector would have to enforce the provincial decisions.
The city has yet to create a point that people can email or call to voice their concerns.
Commisso will be working full out to cobble together the teams of people he is going to need to see us through this situation.
There are two committees in place. The Emergency Management Committee and a Rapid Response committee that has been meeting.
City manager suddenly has a major public concern issue on his hands – seeing the city through the COVID9 situation. There are a lot of decisions that are going to have to be made on the spot and Commisso wanted the public to know that his office is gong to be open, transparent and communicating every day with the public.
Councillor Nisan noted that they will be meeting at the Region on the 25th and as a Council.
Councillor Kearns jumped in and said waiting that long was not good enough: “We need to be on top of this daily and ensuring that the city manager has the support he needs.
The risk for Halton at this point is low – but there is a risk and failing to identify that risk and deal with it before it gets out of hand is not an option.
By Pepper Parr
March 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The oncologist, who works at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton and lives in Burlington, was tested as having COVID19 virus symptoms and is at home self-isolating for a period of 14 days.
Her spouse, who is a surgeon at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, also treated an unknown number of patients at the Charlton Avenue hospital before he too went into self-isolation at their Burlington home Tuesday night.
The Gazette has a question: Do the parents have children and have those children been sent to school?
Dr Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Heath. Burlington finally got to hear from Dr. Hamidah Meghani, the Halton Medical Officer of Health (MoH) who said “Our case was not symptomatic on her flight, on her journey home, so we should not be worried about that situation,” said Meghani. “At this time the risk is associated with symptoms.”
 Dr. Barry Lumb at a media event. Hamilton Health Sciences physician-in-chief Dr. Barry Lumb said the oncologist “did not have respiratory symptoms” such as coughing, sneezing or fever.”
Dr. Meghani said she had “some mild respiratory symptoms.”
Which was it?
The news conference was cut off after less than 30 minutes and it wasn’t until the city held a second media availability in Hamilton at 3 p.m. that reporters were able to have all of their questions heard.
This is not the time to fumble the flow of information to the public.
Related news stories:
MoH was MIA
First COVID19 case in Halton
By Pepper Parr
March 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We knew it was going to happen – the when was the question.
When was today when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Halton region
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region Dr. David Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Halton region. This is the 37th case confirmed in Ontario.
This virus is manageable providing you pay attention and monitor your health. When in doubt – don’t delay – get to the medical authorities.
The virus can be held at bay and not spread – if those who even think they might be infected turn to the professionals who can do what has to be done.
A 32 year old female returned from Hawaii on Saturday, became symptomatic on Monday and was tested at Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) Juravinski Hospital on Monday, March 9. She is a frontline healthcare worker at HHS and resides in Burlington.
The hospital took all necessary precautions and followed standard operating procedures, including testing and assessment. The patient is currently at home where she remains in self-isolation. Halton Region Public Health, Hamilton Public Health and Hamilton Health Sciences are working closely and actively engaged in contact tracing and case management.
“Halton Region Public Health is continuing to work with provincial and local health counterparts and with the resident to identify all known contacts who may have been potentially exposed to the virus to assess if there is a potential health risk,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health. “The risk to Halton residents remains low.”
What the dood Dr. doesn’t add is that it is real.
“This incidence was detected very quickly and all proper processes were followed,” says Dr. Wes Stephen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Hamilton Health Sciences. “When she began to show symptoms, infection control protocol was swiftly initiated and she was tested in a safe environment.
Out of an abundance of caution, last week, Hamilton Health Sciences expanded its criteria for testing beyond the standard case definition to include any travel outside Canada. As a result, this case was identified as quickly as possible. She is now in self-isolation protocol.”
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:
• travelled outside of Canada in the 14 days before onset of illness; or
• close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; or
• close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who travelled to affected areas within 14 days prior to their illness onset.
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.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit halton.ca/coronavirus.
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