| COVID-19 – Ontario and Simcoe County Healthcare Resources | COVID-19 – Ontario and Simcoe County Healthcare Resources | <p><strong>March 25, 2020</strong></p><h2>Ontario Ministry of Health</h2><p>For information on COVID-19 please visit the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank">Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website</a>. It provides information about the virus, how people can protect themselves and what to do if they have contracted the virus.</p><h2>Self-assessment tool<br></h2><p>Ontario launched an <a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0" target="_blank">enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool.</a> This new tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.</p><p>Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at <a>1-866-797-0000</a> if you are experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.</p><p>Please do not visit an assessment centre unless a health care professional has referred you.</p><h2>Simcoe County COVID-19 Assessment Centres</h2><p>Please visit the Simcoe <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus/Assessment-Centres" target="_blank">Muskoka District Health Unit website</a> to see the locations and hours of operations of the assessment centre in your area.</p><p>There are currently five assessment centres in Simcoe County:</p><ul><li>Alliston </li><li>Barrie </li><li>Collingwood </li><li>Midland</li><li>Orillia <br></li></ul><p><br><br></p> | | |
| COVID-19 - Multilingual Health Resources | COVID-19 - Multilingual Health Resources | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">Information on COVID 19 produced by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that </span><span style="font-size:1em;">provides information about the virus, how people can protect themselves and what to do if they have </span><span style="font-size:1em;">contracted the virus, is available in <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-11" target="_blank">28 languages</a> including English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Somali, and, </span><span style="font-size:1em;">S</span><span style="font-size:1em;">panish.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;">Public Health Ontario has developed the <a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources" target="_blank">resources in multiple languages</a> to support stakeholders with the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).</span></p><div>Information, resources and factsheets produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the public <span style="font-size:1em;">on COVID-19, including information on the symptoms, how to prevent spreading the virus, how to </span><span style="font-size:1em;">protect others and cope with stress during the outbreak, are available in <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public" target="_blank">English</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public" target="_blank">French</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/ar/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public">Arabic</a>, </span><span style="font-size:1em;"><a href="https://www.who.int/zh/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public" target="_blank">Chinese</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/ru/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public" target="_blank">Russian</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public">Spanish</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div>An introductory video produced by the WHO on COVID-19 in English with French, Arabic, Chinese, <span style="font-size:1em;">F</span><span style="font-size:1em;">arsi, R</span><span style="font-size:1em;">ussian and Spanish subtitles is available <a href="https://openwho.org/courses/introduction-to-ncov" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div>A resource where the WHO debunks common myths about COVID-19 is available in <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">English</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">French</a>, <span style="font-size:1em;"><a href="https://www.who.int/ar/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">A</a></span><span style="font-size:1em;"><a href="https://www.who.int/ar/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">rabic</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/zh/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">Chinese</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/ru/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">Russian</a>, and <a href="https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters" target="_blank">Spanish</a>. </span><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;"><br></span></div><div>A resource on how to speak to children about COVID-19 is available in <a href="https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/02292020_NASP_NASN_COVID-19_parent_handout.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> and <a href="https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/02292020_NASP_NASN_COVID-19_parent_handout_Spanish.pdf" target="_blank">Spanish</a>.<br></div><div><br></div><div>UNICEF has tips on how to speak to children about COVID-19 available in <a href="https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank">English</a>, <a href="https://www.unicef.org/fr/coronavirus/comment-parler-a-votre-enfant-de-la-maladie-a-coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank">French</a> and <a href="https://www.unicef.org/es/coronavirus/como-hablarle-a-tu-hijo-sobre-coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank">Spanish</a>.<br></div><div><br></div><div>What is Social Distancing?<br></div><div><img src="/PublishingImages/Pages/News/Covid-19-Multilingual-Resources/Social%20Distancing.JPG" alt="Social Distancing.JPG" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div> | | |
| COVID-19 - Simcoe County Settlement Service updates | COVID-19 - Simcoe County Settlement Service updates | <h2>Bradford Immigrant and Community Services (BICS):<br></h2><p></p><p>BICS is closing its Centre and suspending all programming until further notice. In the interim, they will continue to support clients remotely through online or telephone support.</p><p>Clients requiring any assistance can call the office number (905-775-3343) or send an email to inquiries@bradfordimmigrant.ca.<br></p><p>For more information please visit: <a href="http://bradfordimmigrant.ca/">http://bradfordimmigrant.ca</a><br></p><h2>Job Finding Club for Immigrants:<br></h2><p>In efforts to slow and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Job Finding Club for Immigrants at Georgian Employment Services centres will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. However, they will continue to serve clients remotely. That means this site will not provide face-to-face services at this time. </p><p>You can access all services by connecting to them with: <br>TEXT: (705) 315-0393 or 705-796-2016; <br>EMAIL: <a href="mailto:iwantajob@georgiancollege.ca">iwantajob@georgiancollege.ca</a>; <br>PHONE: (705) 722-1505 ext. 4103 or 4110</p><p>For more information please visit: <a href="https://www.georgiancollege.ca/job-finding-club-immigrants/">https://www.georgiancollege.ca/job-finding-club-immigrants/</a></p><h2>Welcome Centre - Mobile Unit:</h2><p>The Mobile Unit will be serving clients via phone until April 5th. Staff will be maintaining their regular availability of 8am-8pm, Monday – Friday. Clients can reach the Mobile Unit at <a href="mailto:mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca">mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca</a> or call our multilingual communication line at 1-877-761-1155.<br></p><p>English Conversation Circles are on hold until April 5th.</p><p>For more information please visit: <a href="http://www.welcomecentre.ca/">http://www.welcomecentre.ca/</a><br></p><h2>YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka - Immigrant Services:<br></h2><p></p><p>As of Friday March 13th YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Immigrant Services suspended their in person services. They continue to provide settlement support services via phone, text, email and zoom.<br></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">English Language Learning services are using remote and online services and platforms to connect with students.</span><br><span style="font-size:1em;">I</span><span style="font-size:1em;">f</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> yo</span><span style="font-size:1em;">u are having contact with individuals who require support please have them phone or text - 705.241.2501. </span><br></p><p>For more information please visit: <a href="https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/immigrant-services/">https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/immigrant-services/</a><br></p><p><br></p> | | |
| COVID-19 - Employers/Employees, Landlords/Tenants rights Q&A | COVID-19 - Employers/Employees, Landlords/Tenants rights Q&A | <p><strong>March 18, 2020</strong></p><p>The Ontario Human Rights Code has developed a series of questions and answers for understanding your human rights and obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These questions and answers cover the rights and responsibilities of <strong>employers and employees</strong>, <strong>tenants and landlords</strong>, as well as <strong>residential institutions</strong>.<br></p><p>Please click on the following link for more information: <a href="http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/covid-19-and-ontario%E2%80%99s-human-rights-code-%E2%80%93-questions-and-answers-0">http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/covid-19-and-ontario%E2%80%99s-human-rights-code-%E2%80%93-questions-and-answers-0</a><br></p> | | |
| COVID-19 - Immigration and Travels | COVID-19 - Immigration and Travels | <p><strong>March 24, 2020</strong><br></p><p style="text-align:center;">The Government of Canada has implemented new travel restrictions. Below is an overview of some of the travel restrictions, exemptions and immigration impacts. </p><p style="text-align:center;">PLEASE NOTE: New information is being updated daily, so we can only confirm accuracy of this document to the last update. It is important for readers to confirm accuracy of this information. <br><br></p><p><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Leaving Canada<br></strong><span style="font-size:1em;">The Government of Canada has issued an official advisory to </span><span style="font-size:1em;text-decoration-line:underline;">Avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> until further notice. Many countries across the globe are issuing similar advisories and closing their borders to international travelers.</span></p><p>Click here to find out more information about travelling outside of Canada: <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html</a> <br></p><p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Entering Canada<br></strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">NOTE: If you arrive in Canada from international travel you MUST immediately go into social isolation for 14 days!<br></strong><span style="font-size:1em;">A</span><span style="font-size:1em;">ll Canadian borders (including airports) are now closed to all travelers who are not Canadian citizens or not permanent r</span><span style="font-size:1em;">esidents of Canada. However, there are some exemptions to the travel ban, which are listed below.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Travel Ban Exemptions (people who can come into Canada)</span>: </p><ul><li>foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Canadian government for a purpose related to the containment of COVID-19</li><li>close family members of Canadian citizens</li><li>close family members of Canadian permanent residents</li><li>a person who is authorized, in writing, by a consular officer of the Government of Canada to enter Canada for the purpose of reuniting immediate family members</li><li>a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act</li><li>accredited diplomats and family members (including NATO, those under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, other organizations)</li><li>air crews</li><li>any foreign national, or group of foreign nationals, whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Minister of Public Safety</li><li>members of the Canadian military, visiting forces and their family members</li><li>transiting passengers<br></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NEW Travel Ban Exemptions (March 20, 2020)</span></p><ul><li>seasonal agricultural workers, fish/seafood workers, caregivers and all other temporary foreign workers</li><li>international students who held a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020</li><li>permanent resident applicants who had been approved for permanent residence before the travel restrictions were announced on March 16, 2020, but who had not yet travelled to Canada<br></li></ul><p><strong>NOTE: Those affected by these new exemptions should not try to travel to Canada immediately!</strong> The Federal Government will announce when the exemptions are in place the week of March 23. Check of Immigrant, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for updates.<br></p><p><strong>3.</strong> <b>Canadians Currently Outside of Canada<br></b><span style="font-size:1em;">I</span><span style="font-size:1em;">f you are already outside of Canada, think about returning as soon as possible and find out what commercial travel options are still available to you. There are fewer remaining options and you may experience a sudden hike in prices.<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">NOTE: Canadian abroad must register with Global Affairs Canada, online at </span><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration" style="font-size:1em;">https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration</a><br><span style="font-size:1em;text-decoration-line:underline;">Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad:</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> You should attempt to use your own financial means to arrange your return to Canada. For Canadians who have no available source of funds to return home, Canada has announced the creation of the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. These Canadian abroad will be able to apply for an emergency repayable loan up to $5,000 to facilitate their return to Canada and to cover basic essential needs while they work towards their return. Each application will be assessed according to their specific situation and needs.</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:1em;">How to Apply: Contact the nearest Government of Canada office (</span><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates" style="font-size:1em;">https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates</a><span style="font-size:1em;">) or Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or </span><a href="mailto:CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca" style="font-size:1em;">CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca</a><span style="font-size:1em;">.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;"></span>For more information click here: <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help-faqs" style="font-size:1em;">https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help-faqs</a><span style="font-size:1em;"> </span></li></ul><p></p><p><strong style="font-size:1em;">4.</strong><span style="font-size:1em;"> </span><strong style="font-size:1em;">Temporary and Permanent Residency Applications<br></strong><span style="font-size:1em;">The Government of Canada has put in special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by COVID-19. For more information, click here: </span><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html" style="font-size:1em;">https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html</a><br></p><p><strong>5.</strong> <strong>Refugee Claimants<br></strong><span style="font-size:1em;">T</span><span style="font-size:1em;">here are many changes to the procedures for those intending on claiming asylum in Canada and those who have already made claims and are awaiting their hearings: Please check out the UNHRC's website on the most up to date information: </span><a href="https://www.unhcr.ca/newsroom/key-information-asylum-seekers/" style="font-size:1em;">https://www.unhcr.ca/newsroom/key-information-asylum-seekers/</a><br><br></p> | | |
| COVID-19 - Ontario Health Coverage | COVID-19 - Ontario Health Coverage | <p><strong>March 20, 2020</strong><br></p><p>As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve globally and locally, <span style="font-size:1em;">Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP covera</span><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;">ge. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons.</span></p><p>For more information, please visit: <a href="https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html" target="_blank">https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html</a><br></p><p>Community Health Centres are mandated to provide services to <strong>p</strong><strong><strong>eople</strong> residing in Ontario who do not have Ontario Health Insurance</strong> coverage and who are considered a priority population for the purposes of Community Health Centre services.<br></p><p>There are 3 Community Health Centres in Simcoe County:<br></p><p><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Barrie Community Health Centre</strong><br>Address: 490 Huronia Road, Barrie, ON, L4N 6M2<br>Telephone: 705-734-9690<br>Website: <a href="http://www.bchc.ca/" target="_blank">www.bchc.ca</a><br></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Centre de sante communautaire Chigamik Community Health Centre</strong></span><br style="text-decoration:underline;">Address: 845 King Street Unit 10, Midland, ON, L4R 0B7<br>Telephone: 705-527-4154 or 1-855-527-4154<br>Website: <a href="https://www.chigamik.ca/" target="_blank">www.chigamik.ca</a><br></p><p><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">South Georgian Bay Comunity Health Centre</strong><br>Address: 14 Ramblewood Drivem Unit 202, Wasaga Beach, ON, L9Z 0C4<br>Telephone: 705-422-1888<br>Website: <a href="https://www.southgeorgianbaychc.ca/" target="_blank">www.southgeorgianbaychc.ca</a><br></p><p><br></p> | | |
| COVID-19 - Resources for Businesses and Employers | COVID-19 - Resources for Businesses and Employers | <p><span style="font-size:1em;">The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office is working with partners to consistently update COVID-19 business resources. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span>For more information, please visit the website: <a href="https://edo.simcoe.ca/covid-19-business-resources" style="font-size:1em;">https://edo.simcoe.ca/covid-19-business-resources</a><span style="font-size:1em;"></span><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">Do not hesitate to reach out to the team at:</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> edo@simcoe.ca </span></p> | | |
