By Pepper Parr
March 21, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In Burlington we are served by four levels of government.
The Federal government – they have decided that access to the United States – to the US and from the US – is now very limited. Trucks with supplies only – no recreational travel.
That level of government also chartered an aircraft to pick up Canadians who were stranded overseas – they were unable to get home using commercial airlines. The charter wasn’t free – the cost was a reported $1200.
The Provincial government closed schools for two weeks, they declared a state of emergency which orders us all to do things differently.
Restaurants have been told not to serve people inside the premises. Whatever the provinces tells us to do – we have to do it.
We have a Regional government – they take care of waste management and the water system – the pipes that bring us drinking water and water to flush toilets. They also set out a lot of the rules that apply to the four municipalities that make up the Region of Halton.
Late yesterday, the Regional Municipality of Halton set out what they are doing and advising on what the public has access to during the COVID-19 crisis.
To support the containment of COVID-19, many Halton Region buildings will be closed to the public as of Monday, March 23 until further notice. While buildings are closed, the Region will continue to provide critical services, such as waste collection, Halton Waste Management Site drop-off services, water and wastewater services, road operations, housing and paramedic services to residents and businesses.
The development,, known as The Gallery, opposite city hall has construction crews on site during the shutdown of almost every thing else – Region says it is a “critical construction project vital to our local economy”.
Many services will be available online, by phone or by appointment. Critical construction projects that are vital to our local economy will also continue until further notice.
“The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, and we are taking all necessary measures to protect the health of our community,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “While our buildings are closed, Regional Council and staff are continuing to ensure that critical services are delivered to residents and businesses to maintain a high quality of life. I want to thank them for their commitment to serving the public during this unprecedented time.”
Halton Region Public Health is continuing to focus fully on the response to COVID-19 and protecting the health of our community.
The two big messages are: Stay at home as much as you can and wash your hands often.
Dr Meghani at news conference in Hamilton earlier this week.
Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health, Halton Region has decided that front line health workers are where she wants to focus the COVID-19 testing resources. She is the professional – it is her job to make those calls and she has.
However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms you call 911 and they will handle the problem. The people you talk to at 911 are brisk and direct.
It is a little confusing – and for people who are actually very ill it can be frightening.
The MoH people are being run ragged. Their ability to meet the public need will get better day by day.
Dr. Meghani is in a situation she has never been in before – she is well supported by Dr. Neil Rau, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Halton Healthcare. Give them a bit of room and they will get the job done.
Meanwhile, stay home as much as you can, talk to your neighbours and support each other – and wash your hands.
The Region and the municipalities are relying heavily on social media to get their message out. The limitation with social media is that it is a one way conversation.
The Region’s website, halton.ca, will continue to be updated and service information will continue to be available via phone (311, 905-825-6000, TTY 906-825-9833) and email accesshalton@halton.ca.
Doors are locked – but there is a Drop Box that you can use to leave documents.
A drop-box is available at the Halton Regional Centre (1151 Bronte Road, Oakville) for residents and businesses to drop-off any necessary documents. Signage will be posted at Regional buildings with service access instructions. However, residents are encouraged to delay all non-essential business and consider accessing Halton Region through the website, phone or email wherever possible.
As the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves, please visit halton.ca regularly for any updates on building closures and impacts to programs and services. For regular updates on the COVID-19 situation, including when to contact public health, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.
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Irresponsible, these times as I understand is more directed to seniors. Just what they need
Too many mixed messages out there. I have a friend who arrived back in Canada from Florida. Was told at the airport it was OK for her to go grocery shopping as long as she wore a mask. Was also told by her pharmacist that it was OK to go as long as she went between 7 and 8 am and wore a mask. This certainly begs the question, why…….