I hope this update finds you well. 

A few new announcements this week:

At the Federal Level: 
Starting today, Canadians can start applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The benefit provides about $2,000/month to Canadians who have lost work or wages during the pandemic. Amid criticism that this benefit doesn't cover enough workers - the program is expected to be adjusted in the coming days. More here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/federal-government-covid-19-emergency-benefits-1.5522534

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, says Canadians can consider wearing non-medical, or homemade masks if they are in situations where they cannot avoid close contact with people, such as on public transit or out buying groceries.The main thrust of the new advice — which Dr. Tam has said is not a recommendation — is that it could help prevent an infected individual who shows no symptoms from spreading it to others, not that it will prevent a mask-wearer from getting sick. This shouldn't replace social distancing and frequent hand-washing, and Canadians should continue staying home unless absolutely necessary. More here: https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/04/06/non-medical-face-masks-can-help-prevent-spread-of-covid-19-canadas-top-doctor-says.html

At the Provincial level: 
Ontario's chief medical officer of health stressed that anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, is suspected of having it, and/or lives with someone who has COVID-19 or may have it, must stay home and self-isolate for 14 days.

As your MPP myself and my colleagues in the Official Opposition urged Ontario to release COVID-19 modelling data. This happened late last week. The province released projections that show COVID-19 could cause between 3,000 and 15,000 deaths in Ontario overall -- to ensure we avoid reaching the higher end of that range, Ontarians are urged to maintain vigilant social distancing and hand-washing practices, and stay home as often as possible. Moving forward we have asked the government to update and publicly release projections every 48 hours. 

Sharing the concerns of many of you who contacted my office regarding the original essential service list. Early last week I joined Official Opposition MPPs in calling for a review of the list. I'm pleased to share with you that late last week Ontario announced it is shrinking the list of essential businesses allowed to stay open.

Here are some concerns myself and my colleagues in the Official Opposition are working are working on, and solutions we’re pushing for:

• The Official Opposition is calling on the government to cancel and cover the prescription drug co-payments required of seniors during the COVID-19 crisis. No senior in Ontario should have to skip their pills or skimp on food as a result of the pandemic. But if seniors have to pay for each prescription each month, some of them will be forced to make difficult choices.
• Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath launched the Save Main Street proposal Sunday, a plan to keep small and medium-sized businesses afloat, with greater supports for companies, charities and community-based nonprofits. This plan includes: 
  • A 75 per cent commercial rent subsidy up to $10,000 a month for three months
  • A utility payment freeze
  • A remote-work set up fund, which could help them with things like setting up an online retail operation, or buying laptops and software for staff
  • An auto insurance grace period for taxis and car-sharing drivers, established in partnership with the insurance industry and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority
  • A designated emergency fund for small businesses and entrepreneurs who have faced historic barriers to accessing traditional capital, as proposed by the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.
• We are urging the Ontario government to step up support for health care workers, who desperately need better protection and more resources including calls to: 
  • Issue an emergency order to ensure health care workers can have personal protective equipment, and legally protect the right for workers to determine whether they require equipment like masks in any given scenario.
  • Issue an emergency order to require all organizations to donate ppes not being used
  • Hike Personal Support Worker (PSW) pay to $22, and aggressively ramp up efforts to get staff into home care or long-term care homes, as well as a retention fund for PSWs. (Many have left the field due to chronic underpaying and understaffing).
  • Invest $5 million to provide health care workers with round-the-clock emergency mental health supports
  • Scale up child care centres for health care workers and locate them near hospitals, assessment centres and other health care facilities
  • Cancel all parking fees at hospitals and other health care facilities

• If you have a concern about a local business or public gatherings of 5+ people, without physical distancing: 905-546-2489 (546-CITY)
• Business not following proper hygiene: 905-974-9848
• Inquiring if a business is essential: 1-888-444-3659
• Price-gouging reporting: 1-800-889-9768

As we continue to take action at a government level  it is vitally important that all of us listen to public health officials and practice physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. During times like these it is more important than ever to exercise our compassion and empathy. Please take time to check in on your family, friends, and neighbours. 

You deserve the best up-to-date public health information about COVID-19.

Updates are available daily on the following websites:

Hamilton.ca/coronavirus

Information from Hamilton Public Health on local cases, how to protect yourself and where to seek further medical support.

Ontario.ca/coronavirus

Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.

Canada.ca/coronavirus

Information from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada

Updates on the national response, travel advice and preparedness.

Travel.gc.ca

Important travel advisories and restrictions related to COVID-19, from the Government of Canada.

Telehealth Ontario

For medical advice, you may contact Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential service. 

Telephone: 1-866-797-0000

Hamilton Public Health Hotline

Contact Hamilton Public Health Services for information related to COVID-19:

Phone:
COVID-19 hotline at 905-546-2424 ext. 7970

Email:
Send questions to phscovid19@hamilton.ca

To help prevent further spread of COVID-19, our constituency office will be closed to walk-in visits until April 6th. Our office will be fully operational and our staff available, however our services will only be offered over the phone at 905-628-2755 and online via email: sshaw-co@ndp.on.ca.

As always my office is here to help.