RELEASE: COVID-19 Roundup: Health Workers/LTC Residents Infected, Government Supports & Relief Measures

Posted: April 2, 2020

(April 2, 2020)

A printable version of the COVID-19 roundup can be found here.

———-

We have gathered the following information (sources are included) for your information. This round up includes:

• List of COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Ontario
• Number of cases/status in Ontario
• List of hospital and long-term care health care workers & long-term care residents infected
• List of federal and provincial Public Health officers’ directives/recommendations
• Ontario health care funding & capacity announcements
• Ontario other supports & relief measures
• Federal government health care funding & capacity measures
• Federal government other supports & relief measures

 

List of COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Ontario:

We updated the list yesterday and will update again tomorrow morning. For the most complete up-to-date list of assessment centres and the criteria for assessment that we have gathered click here.

——

Number of COVID-19 Cases/Status in Ontario:

According to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website, there are currently 2,932 confirmed cases with 3,135 additional cases being investigated. There are 689 resolved cases and 37 people who have died. However, the CBC has reported that as of April 1^st 2020 there were at least 40 deaths in long term care and retirement homes alone.  Therefore, these numbers are not accurate. Our hearts go out to the families and communities who have lost someone to this pandemic. The provincial government is reporting cases in a chart here. It is important to note that the parameters for declaring a case resolved have changed.  Previously cases listed as resolved had been tested negative twice for COVID-19 after being tested positive.  Now it is anyone who has been symptom free for two weeks and is no longer being hospitalized.

——

Hospital and Long-Term Care Health Care Workers & Long-Term Care Residents Infected with COVID-19 – April 2 2020

The following lists the public reports that we have found regarding hospital staff and patient infections and long-term care staff and resident outbreaks. All our best wishes and hopes go to them and their families and to all Ontarians affected. For those who have passed, our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

NOTE: As of today, CBC reports that the Ministry of Health has provided data showing that 229 health care workers have been confirmed as having tested positive for COVID-19. We have found 198 of these as listed below by community. Everything is listed by community with updates by date and sources included.

Province-wide

• March 28 2020- Ontario chief medical officer Dr. David Williams said 91 health-care workers in Ontario had tested positive for COVID-19 since the end of January. He said they were unable to confirm how many of those people were exposed or infected on the job at the health-care facilities.[1] It appears now that some homes are not testing all residents who are sick after the first three (or more) test positive.[2]
• April 2 2020- There are now 229 lab-confirmed cases in health-care workers to date. The Ministry of Health provided the data on Wednesday in response to an inquiry from CBC News. It reveals 9.6 per cent of the province’s 2,392 confirmed COVID-19 cases involve physicians, nurses, paramedics, personal support workers, long-term care home staff and members of other health-care professions. Provincial officials did not provide a breakdown of Ontario’s confirmed cases involving health-care workers by specific roles, transmission source or region.[3]

Almonte

• March 30 2020- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit said it was monitoring a novel coronavirus outbreak at a long-term care home in Almonte, southwest of Ottawa. Three residents and one staff member at Almonte Country Haven have tested positive for COVID-19.[4]
• March 31 2020- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported that a man living at the Almonte Country Haven Home had died from COVID-19 infection.[5]
• April 1 2020- Three residents of Anson Place Care Centre have died of COVID-19. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said that twelve staff members and 11 residents of Anson Place, including the three deceased, tested positive for the disease.[6]

Bobcaygeon

• March 20 2020- Three residents of a long-term care home in the village of Bobcaygeon northeast of Lindsay, two men, ages 89 and 61 and a 94-year-old woman, had tested positive for COVID-19. Late Friday afternoon, Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, said the residents live at Pinecrest Nursing Home.[7]
• March 26 2020- Fourteen employees of Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon had tested positive for COVID-19. Two residents died; one on Tuesday March 24, and one on Wednesday March 25. Sixteen more staff and thirty-five more residents were also showing symptoms. Test results for the sixteen staff were pending. It was not clear how many residents or staff may have had COVID-19 because testing was limited only to residents and staff who showed symptoms.^[8]
• March 29 2020- Seven more Pinecrest residents had died over the weekend as of Sunday evening (March 29), according to Dr. Michelle Snarr, the facility’s medical director, and Dr. Steve Oldridge, a local doctor also treating the residents. All were presumed to have died of COVID-19. A total of 17 staff members had tested positive as of Sunday March 29, with more results pending.[9]
• March 31 2020- Pinecrest Nursing Home confirmed that three more Pinecrest residents had died, as well as a volunteer who visited her husband every day. A total of 24 staff members had tested positive as of March 31, with ten results still pending. [10]
• April 1 2020- Two more residents of Pinecrest Nursing Home died.[11]

Carleton Place

• April 2 2020- The Leeds, Grenvile and Lanark District Health Unit reported an outbreak at Stoneridge Manor, a long-term care facility in Carleton Place (southwest of Ottawa). They the virus was confirmed in one of its staff members, who is at home in isolation.[12]

Chatham-Kent

• March 30 2020- Lori Marshall, president and CEO at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance hospitals, said that 100 staff and 17 physicians were currently on self-isolation at home.[13]

Grey Bruce

• March 31 2020- According to the March 31 Grey Bruce Health Unit’s situation report there was a new case of a female health care worker in her 30s.[14]
• April 1 2020- As per the April 1 Grey Bruce Health Unit’s situation report, a male health care provider in his 60s has also been confirmed to have COVID-19 and is self-isolating at home. They report a total of three cases in health care providers.[15]

Guelph

• March 24 2020- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said two employees at Guelph General Hospital (GGH) contracted COVID-19. Hospital officials said they were both self-isolating at home.[16]
• March 26 2020- Four health care workers at Guelph General Hospital (including the two identified on March 24) and 1 patient were infected and more are expected, said Marianne Walker, CEO of GGH. GGH and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on a medical ward (4E) at the hospital.^[17]
• April 1 2020- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Guelph’s Homewood Health Centre, a mental health and addictions facility. As of Wednesday afternoon, two staff members and one patient tested positive.[18]

Haldimand and Norfolk

• March 29 2020- A resident from Anson Place, retirement and long-term care facility in Hagersville, was the area’s first death due to the novel coronavirus. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said that the person had died after being admitted to West Haldimand Hospital in Hagersville.[19]
• March 31 2020- Two more residents have died and eleven have tested positive for COVID-19 at Anson Place Care Centre, as confirmed by the home.[20]

Hamilton/Burlington

• March 11 2020- A 32-year-old radiation oncologist with the Hamilton Health Sciences’ Juravinski Cancer Centre went into self-isolation in Burlington after testing for COVID-19.[21] She had recently returned from Hawaii. Her husband, a surgeon at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, tested negative.[22]
• March 21 2020- Hamilton Public Health has declared a coronavirus outbreak at Heritage Green Nursing Home in Stoney Creek on Saturday March 21. The nursing home confirmed two cases: an 80-year-old resident reported on Wednesday March 18, and a 55-year-old resident confirmed on Thursday March 19.[23]
• March 24 2020- The 80-year-old Heritage Green Nursing Home resident passed away.[24]
• March 26 2020- A dialysis nurse at St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Hamilton General Hospital tested positive for COVID-19. [25]
• March 28 2020- A case reported March 28 was a nurse who worked at McMaster Children’s Hospital, according to a spokesperson for Hamilton Health Sciences.[26]
• March 31 2020- At Heritage Green Nursing Home, there three confirmed cases among residents so far, including the one who died. Another 17 residents are ill Kelly Anderson, a spokeswoman for the city of Hamilton, said. Ten staff members at the home are also sick, with one confirmed case of COVID-19. All symptomatic residents and employees will be tested, she said.[27]

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington

• March 25 2020- Lakelands Family Health Team, based in Northbrook, Ont., in Addington Highlands, was forced to close its doors after a health care worker at their centre was diagnosed with COVID-19. Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health said that one other health care clinic in their catchment area had a health care professional diagnosed with COVID-19 and had closed, but they would not be identifying it.[28]
• March 30 2020- KFL&A Public Health said at least three cases were found in health-care workers, including one at a family health clinic in Northbrook, Ont., and another at Kingston General Hospital. It is unclear where the third health-care worker is employed.[29]
• March 30 2020- A health care worker at Verona Medical Clinic near Kingston made her diagnosis public. She started noticing symptoms on March 19, and posted her positive diagnosis on Facebook on March 25.[30]
• March 30 2020- Two health care workers at Providence Care Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus, as announced by the hospital in a press release Monday evening (March 30). All staff and patients who have had close-contact with the infected workers, who will now be quarantining for 14 days.[31]

Kitchener-Waterloo

• March 19 2020- Region of Waterloo Public Health has confirmed an employee at St. Mary’s, a female in her 20s, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating at home.[32]
• March 21 2020- More than 50 nurses at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener were exposed to a patient who tested positive on Thursday March 19, and the six staff who demonstrated symptoms were referred to public health for “fast track testing”.[33]
• March 23 2020- Grand River Hospital confirmed that two of its staff members tested positive for COVID-19.[34]
• March 31 2020- A non-resident care staff member at Sunnyside Home long-term care was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, according to Waterloo Region.[35]
• April 1 2020- The chief operating officer with Highview Residences tells 570 NEWS two residents in Blair Creek House in Kitchener have tested positive.[36]
• April 2 2020- Region of Waterloo Public Health confirmed cases in one resident at Forest Heights Revera in Kitchener, and one staff member each at St. Luke’s Place in Cambridge and The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.[37]

London

• March 14 2020- A London woman who works in health care and has no history of travel tested positive for COVID-19. The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) said the London patient is in her 50s and does not work at a hospital. For privacy reasons, officials would not say where she works or what she does.[38]
• March 20 2020- Public health officials in London announced that a primary health care worker at Strathroy Medical Clinic was Middlesex-London’s second case. She went into isolation.[39]
• March 20 2020- London-area public health officials announced a nurse in her 20s at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital tested positive for the virus after returning from a trip to Las Vegas. She was in self-isolation. Several of her colleagues were also sent home for isolation as a precaution.[40]
• March 29 2020- One of six new cases announced Sunday March 29 in the London Region was in a long-term care home, as reported by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.[41]

Markham

• March 21 2020- A resident at Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham tested positive for coronavirus, as confirmed by the City of Markham.[42]
• March 23 2020- A worker at Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham tested positive for coronavirus.[43]
• March 25 2020- Public health officials announced that now there were three staff members at Markhaven who had tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the workers were residents of York Region, while the other lived in Toronto, and all were in self-isolation.^[44]
• March 28 2020- A Markham man, aged 88, a resident at the Markhaven Home for Seniors, passed away Saturday Mar. 28 the region’s medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, said.[45]
• March 30 2020- At Markhaven, 22 residents are ill with five who have tested positive so far, and 43 staff are ill, 12 of whom have tested positive. Yee Hong, another Markham long-term care facility, has 11 ill residents, five of whom were tested and are waiting for test results, and 10 ill staff members. One resident has been hospitalized, as announced by Dr. Kurji in a news conference on March 30.[46]
• March 30 2020- The Rena home for developmentally disabled in Thornhill has one resident who tested positive and is currently hospitalized. Five staff were symptomatic and on self-isolation, and one household contact is also self-isolating. [47]

Mississauga

• March 29 2020- The Region of Peel said that as of Sunday, March 29, there were approximately 20 front-line (e.g. doctors, nurses) health-care workers in Peel Region who had tested positive for COVID-19 in an email Monday March 30 to the Brampton Guardian.[48]
• April 1 2020- An outbreak was declared at Credit Valley Hospital after four patients tested positive for COVID-19. They were in a geriatric rehabilitation unit and have been moved to an area that exclusively treats patients with the new coronavirus, the hospital said.[49]

Napanee

• March 14 2020- A health care professional from Lennox and Addington County General Hospital has tested positive and was sent home for isolation. They had returned from Barbados within the last two weeks, according to Dr. Kieran Moore, medical officer of health for KFL&A Public Health. ^[50]

Niagara

• April 1 2020- Niagara’s public health department has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at four nursing homes. Lundy Manor in Niagara Falls and Seasons, Rapelje Lodge and Royal Rose Place, all in Welland, were under an effective lockdown. The first outbreak was declared at Seasons March 27[51], followed by Rapelje Lodge March 29, Lundy Manor March 30 and Royal Rose March 31. The confirmation of COVID-19 in all four residences came Wednesday April 1. It is unclear how many confirmed and suspected cases there are in each of the facilities.[52]

Orangeville

• March 31 2020- Five staff at the hospital at Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC) tested positive have tested positive for COVID-19. They are at home and are self-isolating for 14 days.[53]

Orillia

• April 1 2020- A staff member at the Spencer House, a long-term care home, has been confirmed as a new case by Charles Gardner, the unit’s medical officer of health.[54]

Oshawa

• March 19 2020- The Region of Durham said two women, who are 80 and 92, and two men, who are 68 and 71, at the Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care Home in Oshawa tested positive for the virus on Wednesday March 18. All of the residents were being treated at the facility and were in isolation.[55]
• March 23 2020- The 92-year-old woman at Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care Home died in hospital, as confirmed by Durham Region Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.^[56]
• March 26 2020- A total of eight residents of the Hillsdale Terraces seniors’ home in Oshawa were now confirmed as having COVID-19, according to the Durham Region Health Department. The home has 28 residents in total and does not intend to test the rest, but were instead isolating everyone.^[57]
• March 30 2020- An additional death was confirmed- a man in his 90s at Hillsdale Terraces Long-term Care Home on Monday. Durham Region Health Department said the man was tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19 after his death.[58] Another 25 residents of the home are showing symptoms of the virus but had not been tested as of Tuesday, given the previous government guidelines, a spokeswoman for the local health unit said Twelve staff members are also off work with respiratory symptoms, including three who have tested positive for COVID-19, Glendene Collins said.[59]

Ottawa

• March 18 2020- A Health Canada employee at Tunney’s Pasture tested positive for COVID-19, the department confirmed Wednesday March 18. The employee went into self-isolation.[60]
• March 22 2020- A health care worker at the Ottawa Hospital tested positive for the virus by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. The man was in his 30s, lived in Prescott-Russell and was in self-isolation.[61]
• March 27 2020- Ottawa Public Health said a resident at the Promenade retirement residence in Orleans tested positive for novel coronavirus. The individual and their spouse, who also lived at the Promenade retirement residence, were being treated in hospital.[62]
• March 29 2020- A health care worker at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement on its website, CHEO said the individual worked in an Ambulatory Care clinic, and that he was in self-isolation and doing well.[63]
• March 29 2020- There was also a confirmed COVID-19 case at a second retirement residence in Ottawa, this time at the Maplewood Retirement Community.[64]
• March 30 2020- The resident at the Promenade Retirement Residence who tested positive died. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches said that there were five confirmed cases at that long-term care home.[65]
• March 31 2020- A second resident at Promenade Retirement Residence in Orleans has died from COVID-19. They were the spouse of the other resident who had died. A worker tested positive for COVID-19 at Maplewood Retirement Community, in addition to the previously reported resident. At Park Place Retirement Residence, one health care worker tested positive for COVID-19. At Garden Terrace in Kanata, one worker has tested positive for COVID-19.[66] All four facilities declared an outbreak.[67]
• April 1 2020- An Ottawa paramedic tested positive for the novel coronavirus.[68]
• April 1 2020- A fifth outbreak in a facility was announced by Dr. Brent Moloughney, associate medical officer of health, at the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. They reported two cases as of April 1.[69]

Perth

• March 31 2020- At the Carolina Retirement Residence, a resident and a staff member at the facility tested positive for COVID-19.[70]

Peterborough

• March 26 2020- A female resident in her 90s at a St. Joseph’s at Fleming, a Peterborough long-term care home, has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Peterborough Public Health also confirmed that a staff member at the long-term care home who had symptoms was referred to community paramedics for in-home testing, and was self-isolating at home. ^[71]
• March 30 2020- Three staff members from St. Joseph’s at Fleming were in isolation.[72]
• March 30 2020 Peterborough Public Health announced that one case was suspected to be an occupational exposure for a health-care worker who worked outside the city.[73]
• April 1 2020- Test results for the staff at St. Joseph’s at Fleming returned with one positive and the rest negative.[74]

Renfrew County

• March 25 2020- A resident at a retirement home has been declared to be the first case in Renfrew County, west of Ottawa. She was in her 90s, and in isolation in Pembroke Regional Hospital.^[75]
• March 29 2020- Renfrew County and District Health Unit confirmed that the resident from the retirement home had passed away.[76]
• March 31 2020- A staff member at the Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is at home in isolation. The County of Renfrew says the employee stayed home after developing symptoms and has not been at work for over a week. Residents and staff that were in contact with the individual have been notified.[77]

Richmond Hill

• March 30 2020- the region’s medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji said in a news conference that at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital on the psychiatric floor, two staff members and one former patient have tested positive.[78]

Sarnia-Lambton

• March 27 2020- A resident at Landmark Village in Sarnia was confirmed as a new case. The patient was admitted to Bluewater Health March 20, said Steeves & Rozema CEO John Scotland. The independent living retirement home has since sent three to five staff members who came in contact with the man home to self-isolate and self-monitor for 14 days.[79]
• March 30 2020- Three of the four Sarnia-area deaths from COVID-19 in recent days were elderly people from the same retirement home. Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton County’s medical officer of health, confirmed Monday March 30 that there were at least six additional cases at a local retirement facility. John Scotland, CEO of Steeves and Rozema, confirmed Monday the retirement home is its facility, Landmark Village.[80]
• March 31 2020- Lambton Public Health confirmed on April 1 that a fourth person connected to the Landmark Village seniors’ home in Sarnia was admitted to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 30, and died on March 31. The test result confirmed that individual was positive for COVID-19.[81]

Shelburne

• March 30 2020- An employee at the Dufferin Oaks long-term care has tested positive for COVID-19. According to Dufferin County officials, the staff member hasn’t been onsite since displaying symptoms and is currently isolating at home. None of the residents presented with symptoms as of March 30.[82]
•   March 31 2020- A second Dufferin Oaks staff member has tested positive for coronavirus.[83]

St. Catharines

• March 25 2020- A man in his 80s who was a resident at Ina Grafton Gage Village, a retirement home in St. Catharines, has passed away. He was being treated at Niagara Health – St. Catharines Site.^[84]

Stratford

• March 28 2020- A woman in her late 40s from St. Marys (southwest of Stratford) who worked in health care was announced as one of three new cases by Huron Perth Public Health.[85]
• March 30 2020- The Chief Medical Officer for Revera confirmed that a resident tested positive at Hillside Manor Long Term Care Home, near Sebringville in the Stratford area. Dr. Rhonda Collins adds one other resident with symptoms tested negative and they were waiting on the test results for a third resident.[86]
• April 2 2020- Two people living at the Greenwood Court long-term care home in Stratford have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Huron Perth Public Health. Both are in isolation.[87]

Toronto

• March 20 2020- A Toronto paramedic tested positive for COVID-19 as reported by Toronto Public Health on Friday March 20. They were at home in isolation.[88]
• March 20 2020- A resident at Seven Oaks long-term care home in Scarborough was among to 60 new cases that were reported on Friday March 20.[89]
• March 22 2020- 13 health care workers in Toronto were confirmed to have had the virus including doctors, nurses, and personal support workers from various health care settings. This number was confirmed by Dr. Michael Finkelstein, Toronto’s acting director of communicable disease control and associate medical officer of health.[90]
• March 25 2020- Three residents of St. Clair-O’Connor Nursing Home in East Toronto had the respiratory illness COVID-19. An outbreak at the home was declared on Saturday March 22.^[91]
• March 25 2020- Two residents of Seven Oaks long-term care home in Scarborough had died, confirmed by Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa. Of the 249 residents at Seven Oaks, nine were confirmed to have had the virus and four others were “presumed” cases. There were also four staff confirmed positive for COVID-19.^[92]
• March 25 2020- An 80-year-old resident at Kensington Gardens, a long-term care home in Toronto, has tested positive for COVID-19. The home confirmed that she was in isolation in her room.[93]
• March 30 2020- Eight employees working at Toronto Public Health headquarters, located downtown, had tested positive for COVID-19. TPH confirmed on Monday March 30 that there has been an outbreak, and said it has asked all staff who worked at the location between March 20 to 29 to work from home and self-isolate.[94]
• March 31 2020- The following are confirmed cases by Toronto Public Health: nine staff and 14 residents at Seven Oaks long-term care home, three staff and three residents at St. Clair O’Connor long-term care, two staff and two residents at Extendicare Bayview, two staff and two residents at West Park Health Care Centre, three residents at Chartwell Gibson, one death and three residents at Rekai Centre (Sherbourne Place),[95] and three residents at Terrace Gardens Retirement Residence.[96]
• April 1 2020- Toronto Public Health reported confirmed COVID-19 cases in 33 residents, including 10 deaths, and 25 staff, with 54 probable cases in the following Toronto nursing homes:

o   Seven Oaks: 23 confirmed cases (14 residents, including 8 deaths, nine staff with no deaths), plus 54 probable cases. Residents who died ranged in age from 60s to 90s; 6 of them were over age 85.

o   St. Clair O’Connor Long-term Care Home: 6 confirmed cases (3 residents; 3 staff).

o   Extendicare Bayview (SouthWest Unit): 4 confirmed cases (2 residents, including 1 COVID-linked death, 2 staff). The resident who died was over 90 years old.

o   West Park Healthcare Centre Long-term Care Home: 4 confirmed cases (2 residents, 2 staff).

o   Chartwell Gibson Long-term Care Home: 3 confirmed cases, all residents.

o   Rekai Centre Long-term Care Home at Sherbourne Place: 4 confirmed cases (4 residents, including 1 death). The resident who died was in their 60s.

o   Elm Grove Living Centre Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   West Side Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Eatonville Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Cedarvale Terrace Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Vermont Square Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Rockcliffe Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a resident.

o   Altamont Community Care Centre: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Kensington Gardens Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a resident.

o   Sunnybrook Veterans Centre: 1 confirmed case, a resident.

o   McCall Centre Long-term Care Home unit: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   Baycrest Apotex Long-term Care Home Centre: 1 confirmed case, a staff member.

o   House of Providence Long-term Care Home: 1 confirmed case, a resident.

o   Terrace Gardens (retirement home): 3 confirmed resident cases, 1 staff case.

o   Village of Humber Heights (retirement home): 1 confirmed case, a resident.[97]

• April 2 2020- A neonatal intensive care nurse at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital confirmed Thursday April 2. They were said to be at self-isolating at home.[98]

Windsor and Essex County

• March 21 2020- The second case involves a man in his 20s who works in a healthcare facility in Michigan and resides in Windsor and Essex County. He developed symptoms on March 15 and was tested on March 17. Officials say he has been self-isolating and is recovering at home with mild symptoms.[99]
• March 30 2020- At least 10 inpatients at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) have COVID-19; eight of those patients are still at the hospital while two have been discharged. There were 50 inpatients between the two campuses that were showing signs of the coronavirus, but health officials were still waiting for test results to confirm their status.[100]
• March 31 2020- The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit announced that to date they had 65 confirmed cases, with approximately one third who were health care workers. All but one work in Michigan across the border. The state of Michigan has close to 5 times the number of cases than Ontario, and the City of Detroit has approximately as many cases as the province of Ontario.[101] Historically, there have been 54 individuals working at Windsor Regional Hospital who work in a Detroit hospital as well, and approximately 13 individuals that live in Michigan and only work at Windsor Regional Hospital.[102]
• April 1 2020- The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) confirmed that there were two confirmed cases among staff at Country Village Homes in Woodslee, Ont., and one confirmed case among the staff at the Amica Riverside seniors’ home in Windsor.[103]
• April 2 2020- A third outbreak in Windsor-Essex was confirmed at Lifetimes on Riverside long-term care home, as a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Chief medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said some residents are being “investigated” for the virus.[104]
• April 2 2020- As per the Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) COVID-19 Daily Update on their website, on April 2 at 8:00 a.m., there were 15 inpatients at WRH with confirmed COVID-19, and 15 inpatients in hospital with suspected/test pending for COVID-19.[105]

Woodstock

• March 18 2020- The test results of an employee at Woodstock General Hospital were confirmed as positive by the Brant County Health Unit on Tuesday March 17. The employee, in her 40s, worked at the hospital from March 9 to March 11, and was said to have had limited patient contact.[106]
• March 30 2020- Two staff members at Caressant Care in Woodstock are self-isolating after one tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesperson for the long-term care home said they were notified on Friday March 27 by a staff member who reported testing positive for COVID-19. That individual did not have any contact with residents while at work, and is self-isolating. A second staff member who was in contact with the infected individual is also at home self-isolating.[107]

 

Analysis of Ford Government Economic Statement

Ontario’s government released its economic statement on March 25 2020. Overall, they are providing $3.3 billion for health care, another $3.7 billion in supports for people and businesses, and $10 billion for other deferrals and tax “relief”.

Health Coalition Key Message The overall funding announcement for health care of $3.3 billion amounts to a funding increase of about 5 percent. This is approximately what is needed to just to meet population growth, aging, inflation and utilization at not much more than current levels.  Please note: that total  includes the $1 billion COVID-19 contingency fund that the government announced today.

Within the particular health subsectors (see below) the numbers need to be put into the context. Ontario is far behind due to years of austerity budgets, downsizing of public hospitals beyond all reason, and rationing of long-term care to levels far less than population need. We have a long way to go just to catch up. It is not unreasonable to demand that we catch up. Ontario funds health care at among the very the lowest rates of any province in Canada and we are at the bottom of the country in hospital funding.

We are hoping that the ramp up of testing and tracking happens quickly, people are waiting for tests and test results. We are supporting the unions’ and health care workers’ advocacy for immediate and urgent ramp up of N95 masks and other personal protective equipment. The hospitals are pushing for more Critical Care beds to take the expected influx of patients, and for ventilators and other equipment. We also know that there is already a staffing crisis in long-term care and the staff are working miracles to care for residents while families cannot go and visit.

We are echoing the important call on everyone to please take this seriously and stay home. I know the numbers of confirmed cases right now do not look large now and people do not see the reality of the threat, but it is real. More than 10,000 people are waiting for test results in our province right now. Only those with serious symptoms are being tested.

We are also calling on all our health care leaders to protect the principles of public medicare and ensure that capacity is built as quickly as possible in the public interest, under public governance and operated as non-profit services. This is not the time to take advantage and privatize.

We have inserted some analysis under each of the key budget items in health care that were announced today.

—-

Economic Statement Details

• $1 billion contingency fund for COVID-19 this is included in the overall 5 percent health funding increase.
• $935 million for the hospital sector, including $594 million for current capacity issues, as well as $341 million for an additional 1,000 acute care and 500 critical care beds and additional assessment centres in response to COVID-19

Health Coalition Analysis:  The total of $935 million is very close to the amount that the Ontario Hospital Association asked for in December to maintain existing service levels prior to COVID-19 and begin to address current capacity issues prior to COVID-19. We called for slightly more, again to address existing needs prior to COVID-19. To ramp up, all the supplies, staff and so on need to be in place. With the contingency funds that have been announced, there could be funding available to expand capacity. It is impossible to assess what will be enough in these changing circumstances.

 

Increasing public health funding by $160 million to support COVID-19 monitoring, surveillance, and laboratory and home testing, while also investing in virtual care and Telehealth Ontario.

Health Coalition analysis: this finally wipes out last year’s public health cuts and increases their budgets.

 

$243 million for surge capacity in the long-term care sector, as well as funding for 24/7 screening, more staffing to support infection control, and supplies and equipment to help tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.

Health Coalition analysis: This will help to broaden capacity but there are 36,000 people on the wait list so it cannot address that. It does not address existing staffing shortages and improving levels of care to 4 hours average per resident per day as all of the family, resident, public interest, union and other advocates have been calling for.

 

$75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to front-line staff to tackle COVID-19.

Health Coalition analysis: We are behind and 55,000 N95 masks in stockpiles expired rather than being rotated through and replaced to keep the supplies up to date. Later, when conditions improve, there needs to be accountability for this. In the meantime, urgently, staff and their unions are reporting that they are being told to work without proper protective equipment. We support their advocacy to address this as a priority. In addition, ventilators and other supplies are needed. This funding is encouraging but the supplies are needed now.

 

Overall: at a 5 percent increase including the COVID-19 contingency of $1 billion, this is not enough to address what is needed and will likely be needed.

——

Directives/Recommendations from Provincial & Federal Public Health Officers

Canada

• March 13, 2020: Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, advised against all international travel. The Government of Canada continues to monitor and add travel advisories for various countries.[108]
• March 13, 2020: Theresa Tam, advises against all international travel. The Government of Canada continues to monitor and add travel advisories for various countries.[109]
• March 9, 2020: Theresa Tam recommended that Canadian avoid all travel on cruise ships due to COVID-19.ⁱⁱⁱ
• March 3, 2020: Theresa Tam recommends for communities to prepare for stronger public health measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, including closures of schools and workplaces and the suspension of large-scale gathering. [110]
• February 27, 2020: Theresa Tam warns that the window to contain COVID-19 is closing and announces that officials are shifting to preparing to manage the spread of the virus. Both Dr. Tam and Federal Health Minister Patty Hadju advised Canadians to prepare by ensuring they have enough food and medical supplies at home, as well as back-up childcare arrangements, in case they fall ill.
• January 30, 2020: Theresa Tam urged a stop to racist acts and stigmatizing comments on social media against people of Chinese and Asian descent in the wake of the COVID-19.

Ontario

• March 23, 2020: Based on advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, the Ontario government has mandated that all non-essential workplaces must close.[111]
• March 16, 2020: Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, advised people to avoid gatherings of over 50 people and requested the closure of libraries, recreation programs, private schools, churches, bars and restaurants.[112]
• March 15, 2020: Ontario has asked all hospitals to, amongst other principles, “develop and preserve” hospital capacity to deal with the pandemic.[113]
• March 14, 2020: Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams urged long-term care residences to bar all but “essential visitors,” such as the relatives of people who are dying or gravely ill.
• March 13, 2020: Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended the immediate suspension of all gatherings over 250 people.[114]
• March 12, 2020: Directive from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, to close public schools for two weeks after March Break, until April 5, 2020.[115]
• March 30, 2020: Suggestion from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, recommending you and other members of your household stay home except for essential reasons, such as to: Access health care services; Shop for groceries; Pick-up medication at the pharmacy; Walk pets when required; and Support vulnerable community members with meeting the above needs.[116]
• March 31, 2020: Ministry of the Solicitors General passes emergency order that state that failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket. In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.[117]

——

Provincial Health Care Funding & Capacity Announcements

• March 30, 2020– Ontario has launched a new dedicated web page reporting COVID-19 cases and data from Public Health Ontario would update every day at 10:30 a.m. The new summary provides more provincial and regional data on confirmed cases, including trends of cases since the outbreak began, geography, exposure and severity. The daily summary is based on data recorded by local public health units in the province’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS), as of 4 p.m. the day before the summary is posted. iPHIS is the Ministry of Health’s disease reporting system, where data is regularly updated.[118]
• March 25, 2020– Ministry of Finance announced economic statement. Analysis above.
• March 23, 2020 – Ontario increased the line capacity of Telehealth Ontario to more than 2000 to deal with the influx of COVID-19 calls, says it has also established 58 assessment centres across the province and is looking to increase that number.[119]
• March 17, 2020— Ontario announced a $300 million investment in health care to combat COVID-19.[120] The $300 million will be used to fund a 1000 increase in backfill nurses and personal support workers, 75 new critical care beds, 500 post-acute care beds and 50 emergency physicians for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.[121]
• March 15, 2020— Ontario requested all hospitals to carefully decrease the number of elective surgeries and other non-emergent activity to preserve capacity for COVID-19 cases.[122]
• March 11, 2020 — Premier Ford announced a $100 million contingency fund to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This money would go towards medical supplies, additional staff, testing kits, protective gear and anything else deemed necessary.[123] It is not clear if this was re-announced the next week.

——

Ontario Government Support and Relief Measures

Funding for Emergency Assistance Programs March 23 2020 – The Provincial government announced $200 million dollars in additional funding for emergency social assistance programs.  $148 million of this funding will go directly to municipal programs such as shelters, food banks, charities and non-profits, and emergency services. [124] They are also changing the requirements for emergency assistance for those who are unable to pay rent or buy food and other essential goods.  This additional funding will be available through any of the previous programs (ODSP or Ontario Works) or can be directly applied for here. They have changed the rules to allow for people to receive the benefits more than once per 6 month time period and to remove the 48 day maximum for coverage without submitting an Ontario Works application.[125] It is unclear at this time how much Emergency funding will go towards emergency supports or how much will be granted per person nor the requirements for qualifying for this emergency fund.

Ontario Freezes Evictions March 18, 2020 – In response to the economic hardships resulting from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the Attorney General has been granted an order suspending the enforcement of residential evictions until ordered otherwise by the court. Tribunals Ontario will not issue any new eviction orders until further notice. Sheriff’s offices have been asked to postpone any scheduled enforcement of eviction orders currently set for this week. [126] For clarification there has been no rent payment support or word on what will happen after the suspension is lifted.

OHIP Waiting Period Waived, Uninsured Covered, Expiring Health Cards to be Honoured -Following Trudeau’s call for all Canadians abroad to return home in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario government announces that OHIP coverage will start immediately when they return. Previously, Canadians who have been out of the province for more than seven months would be required to wait three months before they would be covered by OHIP again.[127] [128] In addition, they expanded OHIP coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment of those who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.[129] They also announced that people with expiring OHIP cards would continue to be covered. These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. The extension will be in place until conditions improve. [130]

Reduced Hydro Rates March 24, 2020 — The Ontario government announced that Hydro rates will be reduced to off peak levels for the next 45 days.[131]

Child Care for Frontline Workers March 22, 2020 – The Ontario government exempted certain child care centres from the mandatory closure orders and announced that child care would be available at these centres for front line medical and emergency staff.[132]

Business Support and Action Plan March 26 2020 – Ford government calls on business proposals to provide COVID-19 Support.  Any businesses that are able to provide assistance providing medical supplies (masks, swabs, sanitizer) or are able to provide financial services to people suffering financial difficulties from this pandemic should make a proposal here.[133] They also implemented a rate restructuring of WSIB and allowing businesses to defer their payments for six months and waiving interest on any outstanding payments. [134]

Additional Support for Households March 25 2020 – Finance Minister releases an economic action plan to support Ontarians during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes $200/250 biweekly for kids with special needs, up to the age of 12 to help cover daycare costs.  They have also expanded the LEAP program to offset hydro bills for low income families and deferred OSAP payments and interest for six months. [135]

Support for Postsecondary Institutions March 31 2020 Ontario finalized an agreement with eCampusOntario to make digital learning supports available to postsecondary institutions. These interim digital learning supports, available in both French and English, will help publicly-assisted colleges and universities conduct year-end assessments. The province is also distributing $25 million in additional funding to publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to help address each institution’s most pressing needs in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak such as deep cleaning, purchasing medical supplies or offering mental health supports.[136]

Additional Funding for Home Delivery for Seniors March 30 2020– Ford announced $10 million of funding to help community organizations with the coordination of subsidized deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to seniors. [137]

——

Federal Government Health Care Funding & Capacity Measures

COVID-19 Response Fund March 11- Canada established a more than $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund^[138] as follows:

• $500 million (as part of the $1 billion) to provinces and territories for critical health care system needs and to support mitigation efforts as needed. They said that this could include help to support with access to testing, acquisition of equipment, and to enhance surveillance and monitoring.^[139]
• For supplies of personal protective equipment like surgical masks, face shields, and isolation gowns by providing $50 million to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support purchases for provinces and territories.
• $50 million to support initial actions, including border and travel measures and sustained activation of the Health Portfolio Operations Centre and the National Microbiology Laboratory.
• $100 million for federal public health measures such as enhanced surveillance, increased testing at the National Microbiology Laboratory, and ongoing support for preparedness in First Nations and Inuit communities.^[140]

COVID-19 Emergency Response Act March 25 2020- Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, was approved. It included:

• One-time funding of $500 million in addition to the $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund through the Canada Health Transfer for their critical health care system needs and to support mitigation efforts as needed.
• Provided the government with the authority to make regulations to address any future shortages of therapeutic products, including drugs and medical devices. This would include allowing for drug patent overrides in health emergencies in the period up to September 30, 2020, and for the importation of drugs and medical devices not authorized for sale in Canada to address certain shortages, such as for personal protective equipment or drugs required to treat COVID-19.[141]

Communication about Coronavirus There is a Canada.ca/coronavirus website, which includes information resources that Canadians can download on the novel coronavirus, how to be prepared and how to limit the spread of the virus.

• The Government of Canada’s coronavirus information line was established (1-833-784-4397), which is available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight (EST) seven days a week.^[142]
• $50 million (part of the $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund) was dedicated to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s dedicated communications capacity and public education efforts.^[143]

Research

• March 6 2020– $26.8 million over 2 years was announced to fund coronavirus research in Canada. This investment will support 47 research teams from across Canada that will focus on accelerating the development, testing and implementation of measures to deal with the outbreak.
• March 11 2020– The Government of Canada will invest $275 million (part of the $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund) in additional funding to enhance research capacity on vaccine and antiviral development and clinical trials, including in Canada.^[144]
• March 19 2020– $25.8 million of the $275 million announced on March 6 will be given to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to add 49 new projects to the 47 projects previously announced on March 6.^[145] Click here for details on each of the funded projects.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety March 25 2020- During the pandemic, CCOHS is making selected courses and publications available for free as well as other credible resources available on their Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreak website www.ccohs.ca/outbreaks, and the Pandemics topic page www.ccohs.ca/topics/hazards/health/pandemics/ on the CCOHS website.[146]

Indigenous Services Canada The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) provides funding and expertise to First Nations communities for developing and maintaining their all hazard or pandemic plans in all provinces except British Columbia. On-reserve communities who require assistance in updating their plans should contact their ISC regional office.

• Some public health-related emergency eligible expenditures can be submitted, such as Medical Transportation under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. To submit a request for funding or reimbursement for costs incurred to update and/or activate your pandemic or all-hazard plan beyond your current funding levels, submit a list of planned expenses or keep a list of incurred expenses that includes information related to:
  • cost (if reimbursement, with receipt or invoice)
  • item required or purchased
  • brief description of item and the essential function it provides your community to be able to operationalize your plan; to support your community in reducing the spread of COVID-19; or to respond to cases in your community[147]

Click here for an example of a template.

Click here to learn more about Indigenous Services Canada’s preparedness and response to COVID-19.

Personal Protective Equipment from Indigenous Services Canada

• March 25 2020- Communities who are not able to have orders for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) filled through regular procurement channels, such as PPE suppliers, or provincial/territorial PPE stockpiles, should contact the regional medical officer in their region at Indigenous Services Canada to let them know (click here).
• Requests from communities who provide essential primary health care services will be assessed. ISC is currently providing PPE to health facilities and health service providers who provide essential primary health care services. Facilities that offer primary care are being prioritized. Facilities and health providers that do not offer primary care services may be approved to receive gloves and masks for routine use. Once PPE arrives in community, please email sac.pperequests-demandesdeepi.isc@canada.ca (cc to regional office) to confirm that the shipment has been received.[148]
• March 25 2020, Indigenous Services Canada has shipped or delivered 170 personal protective equipment requests with 32 in progress.[149]

——

Federal Government Other Supports & Relief Measures

Initial response March 13 2020 $7.1 million was provided to support the repatriation of Canadians and $2 million was contributed to the World Health Organization to support their efforts to contain the outbreak.^[150]

Assisted departures March 8 2020The Government of Canada has supported the repatriation of Canadians from high-risk areas, including Wuhan, China, the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was docked in Yokohoma, Japan^[151], and the Grand Princess cruise ship docked in San Francisco, USA.^[152]

Support to other countries March 13 2020 The Government of Canada provided China with approximately 16 tonnes of personal protective equipment—such as clothing, face shields, masks, goggles and gloves—to support China’s response to the outbreak provide an additional $50 million in international assistance to the World Health Organization and other partners for potential bi-lateral support for developing countries in response to COVID-19.^[153]

Employment Insurance sickness benefits^[154]

• March 18 2020– Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and are available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine.

You need to demonstrate that:

• you’re unable to work for medical reasons
• your regular weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week
• you accumulated 600 insured hours* of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your claim or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter

*As an example, 600 hours are equivalent to 20 weeks of work at 30 hours a week.

While you’re receiving sickness benefits, you must remain available for work if it weren’t for your medical condition. Click here for more information on EI Sickness Benefits.

• March 11 2020- The mandatory one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits has been waived for a minimum of 6 months for workers in imposed quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate. The requirement for a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits has also been waived. People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay.
• If you are directly affected by the COVID-19 because you are sick or quarantined and you have not yet applied for EI benefits, they ask that you please submit your application before contacting them.
• If you have already completed the application for EI sickness benefits whether you are sick or quarantined and would like to have the one-week waiting period waived, call the new toll-free phone number below. It is important to note that no other request will be actioned on this phone line. Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free) or (TTY): 1-800-529-3742.
• March 26 2020- In person Service Canada Centres are closed. The best way to apply for benefits is online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html.[155]

Changes to tax-filing and payment deadlines^[156]

• March 20 2020– For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020. However, the Agency encourages individuals who expect to receive benefits under the GSTC or the Canada Child Benefit not to delay the filing of their return to ensure their entitlements for the 2020-21 benefit year are properly determined. For trusts having a taxation year ending on December 31, 2019, the return filing due date will be deferred until May 1, 2020.
• The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all taxpayers to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
• Effective immediately as of Wednesday March 18, the Canada Revenue Agency will recognize electronic signatures as having met the signature requirements of the Income Tax Act, as a temporary administrative measure. This provision applies to authorization forms T183 or T183CORP.
• March 27 2020– The deadlines for partnership and NR4 information returns were also extended to May 1, 2020.[157]

Click here for more information on changes to tax-filing and payment deadlines.

If you’re planning to go to a free tax clinic, please check the directory before you go. Some clinics may have had to close or change their hours due to concerns regarding COVID-19.

Click here for the directory of free tax clinics.

• March 27 2020– Administrative income tax actions required of taxpayers by the CRA that are due after March 18, 2020 can be deferred to June 1, 2020. These administrative income tax actions include returns, elections, designations and information requests. Payroll deductions payments and all related activities are excluded.
• Taxpayers who are unable to file a return or make a payment by the tax-filing and payment deadlines because of COVID-19 can request the cancellation of penalty and interest charged to their account. Penalties and interest will not be charged if the new deadlines that the government has announced to tax-filing and payments are met. For more information about taxpayer relief and how to make a request to the CRA to have interest and/or penalties cancelled, please go to Canada.ca/taxpayer-relief. [158]

CRA Outreach^[159]  March 19 2020- The Canada Revenue Agency is adapting its Outreach Program which is to help  individuals to better understand their tax obligations, benefits or credits. Traditionally available in-person, this service is now available over the phone, and through webinar, where possible by completing a request online. Click here for more information about CRA Outreach, including how to request a session.

The Liaison Officer service to help small businesses be made aware of any tax changes such as filing and payment deadlines, proactive relief measures, etc., will offered over the phone. No number has been provided as of March 23.^[160]

Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad^[161] March 19 2020- The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad will provide the option of an emergency loan to Canadians in need of immediate financial assistance to return home or to temporarily cover their life-sustaining needs while they work toward their return. Click here for what type of expenses can be covered.

• If you are eligible, you will be able to apply for an emergency repayable loan to the Government of Canada of up to $5,000 to help you return to Canada and to cover your short-term needs while you work toward returning.
• You are eligible if you are a Canadian citizen impacted by COVID-19 who plans to return to Canada and who has no other source of funds. They will consider that you plan to return to Canada if you:

• • Had a return flight booked and your flight was cancelled or delayed
  • Attempted to book a flight, but cannot due to the travel restrictions or exorbitant pricing
  • If you are a Canadian citizen travelling with an immediate family member who is a permanent resident of Canada (PR), you may include eligible expenses for the PR family member in your application. Immediate family is defined as spouse, parents and children
• Eligible Canadians currently outside Canada who need financial assistance can contact the nearest Government of Canada office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or finances.CV19@international.gc.ca.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)^{[162] [163]} March 20 2020- To ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors can remain focused on business-critical functions, FCC has increased credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector. Click here for more information.

• In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program (APP) loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional six months to repay the loan.^[164]

Canada’s Regional Development Agencies^[165] March 14 2020- If you are a tourism operator, a small business or an organization that has received RDA funding and COVID-19 is affecting your operations, you are encouraged to contact your local RDA office. You may be eligible to receive additional funding and/or flexible arrangements. If not, they can also assist you with access to federal funding to help you stay in business, advice, and services to other federal programs and services available.

Canada’s Regional Development Agencies:

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency: 1-800-561-7862
• Western Economic Diversification Canada: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
• FedNor: 1-877-333-6673
• Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency: 1-855-897-2667
• FedDevOntario: 1-866-593-5505
• Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions: 1-866-385-64

Parks Canada Commercial Lease Payments March 27 2020- Parks Canada is now contacting all holders of commercial leases and licences of occupation in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas to provide details on the deferral of regular payments without interest until September 1, 2020. Operators will be contacted directly by Parks Canada staff over the coming days. Information will also be made available soon on the Parks Canada website. Please visit pc.gc.ca regularly for updates.[166]

Emergency Care Benefit

• March 18 2020– The Emergency Care Benefit will provide up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. This flat-payment Benefit would provide income support to:
  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for EI.
  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent, but do not qualify for EI.
  • Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school closures, and are unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not. ^[167]
• March 25 2020– Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, was passed. It replaced this Benefit with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. See more details below.

Emergency Support Benefit

• March 18 2020– This Benefit was proposed for workers who were not eligible for EI and who faced unemployment.
• March 25 2020– Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, was passed. It replaced the proposed Emergency Support Benefit with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. See more in the Canada Emergency Response Benefit section below.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

• March 25 2020- This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the pandemic. The CERB would be a combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit. The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children. The CERB would apply to wage earners, contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI), and workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation. All Canadians who have ceased working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, would be able to receive the CERB.

The portal for accessing the CERB will be available April 6. Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI and other EI benefits. Canadians will begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB will be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.[168]

• March 30 2020– Canadians will be able to apply for the CERB payment starting April 6^th 2020[169]

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

• March 23 2020– As part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government proposed to increase the maximum annual CCB payment amounts, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child as part of their May payment, pending parliamentary approval. If you have previously applied for the CCB, you would not need to re-apply. For more information on the Canada Child Benefit such as how to apply and eligibility requirements call 1-800-387-1193 or click here.[170]
• March 25 2020- The temporary increase to CCB was approved in parliament, and would amount to almost $2 billion.[171]

Free Resource for Homeschooling March 30, 2020- The National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the country’s leader in audiovisual learning resources, is offering FREE online learning resources that will give Canadian families and teachers new tools to keep young minds engaged. Parents can access a special collection of acclaimed NFB films and learning resources at NFB.ca/education. All teachers across Canada, from now until June 30, 2020, have FREE access to CAMPUS, the NFB’s online media portal.[172]

Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC)

• March 23 2020- As part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government proposed a one-time special payment to be provided by early May 2020 through the GSTC. This would double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year, pending parliamentary approval.^[173]
• March 25 2020– The proposed assistance to individuals and families with low and modest incomes with a special top-up payment under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit was approved in parliament, equalling to $5.5 billion in support.[174]

Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs)

• March 23 2020- As part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government proposed targeted help by reducing required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, pending parliamentary approval ^[175]
• March 25 2020- The reduced minimum withdrawal amount for RRIFs, aimed to protect seniors’ retirement savings from the impact of volatile market conditions, was approved in parliament.[176]

Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans

• March 23 2020- The Government of Canada has announced its plan to pause the repayment of Canada Student Loans temporarily. Pending parliamentary approval, starting March 30 2020, all student loan borrowers will automatically have their repayments suspended until September 30, 2020. No payment would be required and interest would not accrue during this time. Students would not need to apply for the repayment pause. This will include pre-authorized debits. Students who are currently studying could continue to apply for Canada Student Loans. There would be no change to the application process. ^[177]
• March 25 2020- A pause on the repayments of Canada Student Loans in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, the Canada Student Loans Act, and the Apprenticeship Loans Act was approved in parliament, in order to introduce a 6-month moratorium on the repayment for all borrowers currently in repayment.[178]

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (formerly the Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers)

• March 19 2020- The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration you pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer. ^[179] Click here to learn more about the Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers.
• March 25 2020- The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers was approved in parliament, and says that eligible employers include small businesses (including co-operative organizations) eligible for the small business deduction, unincorporated employers, certain partnerships, non-profit organizations, and charities.[180]
• March 30 2020- It was announced that the subsidy was changed to up to 75 per cent for qualifying businesses for the first $58,700 of salary, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This would mean a maximum of $847 per employee per week. Applicants must have suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic.[181] More details will be shared before the end of the month.[182]
• April 1 2020- The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program will be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.
  • Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.
  • Eligible employers would include employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.
  • For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The government is also considering additional support for non-profits and charities, particularly those involved in the front-line response to COVID-19. Further details will be announced in the near term.
  • An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers would be expected to at least make best efforts to top up salaries to 100% of the maximum wages covered.[183]

Work-Sharing (WS) March 18 2020- Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers. ^[184] The Government of Canada introduced temporary special measures that extend the maximum duration of Work-Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks across Canada for those businesses affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19 and for the forestry and steel and aluminum sector. Temporary special measures are effective March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021.  Click here for the Work-Sharing temporary special measures page to find out if you are eligible for temporary special measures.

Click here for the Work-Sharing page to learn more about the program and its requirements.

Indigenous Community Support Fund March 18 2020- $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities. ^[185]

March 26 2020- The $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund will be distributed as follows:

• $215 million for First Nations: allocated to each First Nation based on population, remoteness and community well-being;
• $45 million for Inuit, which will flow to each of the four land claims organizations through an allocation determined by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and regional Inuit land claims organizations;
• $30 million for Métis Nation communities, which will flow through each of the Governing Members;
• $15 million for regional and urban Indigenous organizations supporting their members living away from their communities, and to regional organizations such as Friendship Centres and the Métis Settlements General Council of Alberta.[186]

The funds allotted to Ontario is broken down as follows: First Nations will receive $37,580,000, and Métis will receive $3,625,000. Communities identified jointly by Indigenous Services Canada, the National Indigenous Organizations and other Indigenous leaders, based on emergency needs, do not need to apply. Funding will be transferred to these communities and band councils from ISC regional offices through existing agreements.[187]

Click here to for more details on the Indigenous Community Support Fund.

Regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations need to apply through a call for proposals. This call will be opened soon and available on the web page linked above.

Indigenous Services Canada March 26 2020- In addition to public health related emergency supports, First Nation communities on reserve may be able to have expenses covered by the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP). EMAP provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to them.  At this time, Emergency Management Assistance Program assistance is dedicated to ensure the immediate health and safety response of First Nations related to COVID-19. Funding will not be used to support capacity building activities, nor to supplement other programs such as Band Support Funding. Eligible expenses will still be funded in cases of fire, flood or other natural disasters that pose an imminent threat to communities that would typically be supported by the Emergency Management Assistance Program.[188]

Click here to learn more about EMAP.

Reaching Home Initiative^[189] March 18 2020- Providing the Reaching Home initiative with $157.5 million for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. The government says the funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

Women’s Shelters and Sexual Assault Centres ^[190] March 18 2020- Providing up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities. This includes funding for facilities in Indigenous communities.

Mortgage Default Management^[191] March 18 2020- The government is launching a revised Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP), a market liquidity tool that was used in the Global Financial Crisis. Under this program, the federal government will purchase up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).^[192] CMHC will permit lenders to allow payment deferral for homeowners beginning immediately. Details of the terms of the purchase operations will be provided to lenders by CMHC later this week.^[193]

Business Credit Availability Program^[194]  March 13 2020- The government announced the establishment of a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to help Canadian businesses obtain financing during the “current period of significant uncertainty.” Participating private sector lenders have committed to working with BDC/EDC to find solutions for creditworthy business clients who would otherwise have insufficient access to credit, and ensuring that the extension of credit by BDC/EDC is incremental for Canadian businesses and does not displace or substitute for private credit in aggregate.

All credit-worthy businesses with viable business models whose activities fall within the mandate of either BDC and/or EDC are eligible to benefit from BCAP.  Businesses interested in accessing the BCAP should directly contact their financial institution, which will contact BDC and/or EDC where appropriate. BCAP is currently available.

Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation March 25 2020- Bill C-1, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, was approved. This Act supports the protection of Canadians’ savings by providing the Minister of Finance with the flexibility to increase the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation’s deposit insurance limit beyond its current level of $100,000. [195]

Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Remittance Deferral March 27 2020- The Government is deferring Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) remittances and customs duty payments to June 30, 2020. This measure could provide up to $30 billion in cash flow or liquidity assistance for Canadian businesses and self-employed individuals over the next three months.

To support Canadian businesses, the Minister of National Revenue will extend until June 30, 2020 the time that:

• Monthly filers have to remit amounts collected for the February, March and April 2020 reporting periods;
• Quarterly filers have to remit amounts collected for the January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 reporting period; and
• Annual filers, whose GST/HST return or instalment are due in March, April or May 2020, have to remit amounts collected and owing for their previous fiscal year and instalments of GST/HST in respect of the filer’s current fiscal year.

Businesses in need of information about their particular obligations may contact the Canada Revenue Agency or refer to its website.[196]

Deferral of Customs Duty and Sales Tax for Importers March 27 2020- Payment deadlines for statements of accounts owing for customs duties for applicable consumer goods and the GST (5%) on imports for March, April, and May are being deferred to June 30, 2020.

Businesses in need of information about their particular accounting and payment obligations on imported goods may contact the Canada Border Services Agency for more details.[197]

Loan Programs for Businesses March 27 2020- The following new programs were announced:

• Canada Emergency Business Account The new Canada Emergency Business Account was launched, which will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC). This $25 billion program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to apply for these loans.

To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).

• Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises The Government announced that the Export Development Canada (EDC) would guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million. The program cap for this new loan program will $20 billion total for export sector and domestic companies.
• Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium Enterprises To provide additional liquidity support for Canadian businesses, the Co-Lending Program was launched to bring the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) together with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.

Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million; BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan. Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers. The potential for lending for this program will be $20 billion.[198]

Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund March 25 2020- Canadian Heritage is working to establish a simplified process for submitting and processing 2020-21 funding requests for the Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund. The process will significantly reduce the time it takes to process files. Eligible beneficiaries will be able to access financial assistance much more quickly than usual. The beneficiaries of these programs will be contacted in the coming days to better explain the simplified approach for 2020-21.[199]

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission March 30 2020- The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I licence fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year. The government will transfer necessary funds to the CRTC to support its operations. Waiving these regulatory charges for broadcasters provides immediate financial relief for the broadcasting industry, freeing up more than $30 million in cash.[200]

Air Transportation Sector Support March 30 2020- The government is waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. The government will also provide comparable treatment for PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and pays a charge to the federal government. This support will help airports reduce cost pressures and preserve their cash flow as they deal with the effects of COVID-19 on their revenue streams. This will provide relief up to $331.4 million, reflecting payments in the same period of 2018.[201]

——————–

[1] CBC News staff. 151 new COVID-19 cases in Ontario as province cracks down on price gouging, large gatherings. CBC News. March 28 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/151-new-covid-19-cases-in-ontario-as-province-cracks-down-on-price-gouging-large-gatherings-1.5513554

[2] Lindsay Advocate Q & A with health unit: Pinecrest Nursing Home challenged by small size in COVID-19 outbreak, March 26, 2020. https://lindsayadvocate.ca/q-a-with-health-unit-pinecrest-nursing-home-challenged-by-small-size-in-covid-19-outbreak/

[3] Pelley, Lauren. Health-care workers make up 1 in 10 known cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. CBC News. April 2 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/health-care-workers-make-up-1-in-10-known-cases-of-covid-19-in-ontario-1.5518456

[4] Mazur, Alexandra. 3 residents, 1 staff member test positive for COVID-19 in Almonte, Ont., long-term care home. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6749708/almonte-long-term-care-home-covid-19-cases-march-30/

[5] Pringle, Josh. Two deaths in Leeds, Grenville & Lanark linked to COVID-19. Ottawa CTV News. March 31 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/two-deaths-in-leeds-grenville-lanark-linked-to-covid-19-1.4876791

[6] Antonacci, J.P. Three COVID-19 deaths at Hagersville long-term care home. The Hamilton Spectator. April 1 2020. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2020/04/01/three-covid-19-deaths-at-hagersville-long-term-care-home.html?utm_source=facebook&source=the%20hamilton%20spectator&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign_id=&utm_content=

[7] Davis, Greg. 3 new COVID-19 cases confirmed at Bobcaygeon, Ont. long-term care home: health unit. Global News. March 20 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6709951/new-covid-19-cases-confirmed-long-term-care-unit/

^[8] COVID-19 outbreak at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon the largest in Ontario. KawarthaNow. March 27 2020. https://kawarthanow.com/2020/03/27/covid-19-outbreak-at-pinecrest-nursing-home-in-bobcaygeon-the-largest-in-ontario/

[9] Grant, Kelly, and Mahoney, Jill. Nine residents die, 34 staff suffer symptoms as coronavirus devastates Bobcaygeon, Ont. nursing home. The Globe and Mail. March 29 2020. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-covid-19-kills-nine-infects-34-staff-at-bobcaygeon-nursing-home/

[10] Gollum, Mark. 3 more seniors die, leaving Ontario cottage community shocked by COVID-19 outbreak in nursing home. CBC News. March 31 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/coronavirus-outbreak-pinecrest-nursing-home-bobcaygeon-1.5515543

[11] Coronavirus: 2 more residents at Bobcaygeon, Ont., nursing home die, 15 dead in total. Global News. April 1 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6764236/coronavirus-pinecrest-nursing-home-bobcaygeon/

[12] Mazur, Alexandra. Staff member diagnosed with COVID-19 at Carleton Place, Ont., long-term care home. Global News. April 2 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6768280/coronavirus-carleton-place-care-home/

[13] CBC staff. CBC Windsor’s March 30 COVID-19 update: 44 confirmed cases. CBC News. March 30 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/covid19-windsor-essex-march-25-1.5514532

[14] Learment, Frances. Local COVID-19 case reported in health-care worker. Shoreline Beacon Times. April 1 2020. https://www.shorelinebeacon.com/news/local-news/local-covid-19-case-reported-in-health-care-worker-2

[15] Situation Report #15: COVID-19. Grey Bruce Health Unit. April 1 2020. https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/COVID19/Situation_Report.pdf

[16] Carty, Matt. Coronavirus: 2 Guelph General Hospital employees test positive for COVID-19. Global News. March 24 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6725790/coronavirus-guelph-general-hospital-employees/

^[17] GuelphToday staff. Outbreak of COVID-19 declared on Guelph General Hospital ward. GuelphToday. March 26 2020. https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/outbreak-of-covid-19-declared-on-guelph-general-hospital-ward-2203234

[18] Carty, Matt. COVID-19 outbreak declared at Guelph’s Homewood Health Centre. Global News. April 1 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6764345/covid-19-outbreak-guelph-homewood/

[19] Simcoe Reformer staff. UPDATE: 23 positive COVID-19 cases, one death in Haldimand and Norfolk. Simcoe Reformer. March 29 2020. https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/update-23-positive-covid-19-cases-in-haldimand-and-norfolk

[20] Craggs, Samantha. 3 deaths and 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Hagersville long-term care home. CBC News. March 31 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/anson-place-1.5516714

[21] Mitchell, Don. Coronavirus: Physician tested positive for COVID-19 says Hamilton public health. Global News. March 11 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6660378/coronavirus-physician-tests-positive-for-covid-19-says-hamilton-public-health/

[22] Frketich, Joanna.  COVID-19: Two more coronavirus cases found in Hamilton and Halton. The Hamilton Spectator. March 13 2020. https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9904639-covid-19-two-more-coronavirus-cases-found-in-hamilton-and-halton/

[23] Zamperin, Rick. Coronavirus outbreak declared at Hamilton nursing home Global News. March 21 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6713474/hamilton-heritage-green-nursing-home-coronavirus/

[24] Mitchell, Don. Coronavirus: 80-year-old from nursing home Hamilton’s first COVID-19 fatality, says city.  Global News. March 24 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6726417/hamilton-coronavirus-death/

[25] Frketich, Joanna. Dialysis nurse at St. Joseph’s and Hamilton General has COVID-19.  The Hamilton Spectator. March 27 2020. https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9917165-dialysis-nurse-at-st-joseph-s-and-hamilton-general-has-covid-19/?utm_source=twitter&source=thespec&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign_id=&utm_content=

[26] Buist, Steve. Hamilton sees biggest one-day increase in cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Hamilton Spectator. March 29 2020. https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9918691-hamilton-sees-biggest-one-day-increase-in-cases-since-the-start-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/

[27] COVID-19: Ontario reports 260 more COVID-19 cases.  The North Bay Nugget. March 31 2020. https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/ontario-reports-260-more-covid-19-cases

[28] Mazur, Alexandra, and Krause, Kraig. Health care professionals at 2 clinics test positive for COVID-19 in KFL&A region. Global News. March 25 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6730168/ontario-health-workers-test-positive-covid-19/

[29] Mazur, Alexandra. Kingston COVID-19 numbers more than double over the weekend, rising from 17 to 35. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6749839/kingston-covid-19-numbers-march-30/

[30] Shaw, Megan. Eastern Ontario health care worker opens up about COVID-19 diagnosis. Ottawa CTV News. March 30 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/eastern-ontario-health-care-worker-opens-up-about-covid-19-diagnosis-1.4874735

[31] Mazur, Alexandra. 2 health-care workers at Providence Care Hospital test positive for COVID-19.  Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6753880/health-care-providence-care-covid-19/

[32] Banger, Chase. New COVID-19 case worked at St. Mary’s General Hospital: Public Health. Kitchener CTV News. March 19 2020. https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/new-covid-19-case-worked-at-st-mary-s-general-hospital-public-health-1.4859616

[33] Thomson, Chris. Dozens of nurses exposed to COVID-19 at St. Mary’s Hospital: ONA CTV News Kitchener. March 21 2020. https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/dozens-of-nurses-exposed-to-covid-19-at-st-mary-s-hospital-ona-1.4862996

[34] Banger, Chase. Grand River Hospital staff members test positive for COVID-19. Kitchener CTV News. March 23 2020. https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/grand-river-hospital-staff-members-test-positive-for-covid-19-1.4864432

[35] Nielsen, Kevin. Staff member at Kitchener long-term care home tests positive for COVID-19. Global News. March 31 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6757589/staff-member-at-kitchener-long-term-care-home-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

[36] Adams, Blair. 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region. KitchenerToday. April 1 2020. https://www.kitchenertoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/14-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-waterloo-region-2217199

[37] Bueckert, Kate. Emergency child care centres open in Waterloo region, confirmed cases rise to 129.  CBC News. April 2 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/what-we-need-to-know-covid-19-waterloo-region-april-2-1.5517986

[38] London health care worker tests positive for COVID-19. CBC News. March 14 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-health-care-worker-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.5498071

[39] Sims, Jane. Strathroy healthcare worker first case since virus crackdown The London Free Press. March 20 2020. https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/london-woman-tests-positive-for-covid-19

[40] Bieman, Jennifer. COVID-19: Several LHSC staffers self-isolating after symptomatic nurse worked for days before positive test The London Free Press. March 20 2020. https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/covid-19-several-lhsc-staffers-self-isolating-after-symptomatic-nurse-worked-for-days-before-positive-test

[41] London region adds six more COVID-19 cases, as Ontario limits gatherings.  The London Free Press. March 30 2020. https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/london-region-adds-6-more-covid-19-cases-as-ontario-limits-gatherings

[42] Patton, Jessica. Resident of Markham long-term care home tests positive for coronavirus Global News. March 21 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6712589/markham-long-term-care-home-senior-coronavirus/

[43] Rocca, Ryan. Coronavirus: Health-care worker at Markham, Ont. long-term care home tests positive Global News. March 23 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6720123/coronavirus-markham-long-term-care-home-worker/

^[44] Davidson, Sean. Three staff members at Markham long-term care home test positive for COVID-19. CTV News Toronto. March 25 2020. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/three-staff-members-at-markham-long-term-care-home-test-positive-for-covid-19-1.4868005

[45] Zarzour, Kim. Coronavirus hits Vaughan gyms, Richmond Hill hospital and Markham care homes. YorkRegion.com. March 30 2020. https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9920197-coronavirus-hits-vaughan-gyms-richmond-hill-hospital-and-markham-care-homes/

[46] Zarzour, Kim. Coronavirus hits Vaughan gyms, Richmond Hill hospital and Markham care homes. YorkRegion.com. March 30 2020. https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9920197-coronavirus-hits-vaughan-gyms-richmond-hill-hospital-and-markham-care-homes/

[47] Zarzour, Kim. Coronavirus hits Vaughan gyms, Richmond Hill hospital and Markham care homes. YorkRegion.com. March 30 2020. https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9920197-coronavirus-hits-vaughan-gyms-richmond-hill-hospital-and-markham-care-homes/

[48] Frisque, Graeme. 20 health-care workers test positive for COVID-19 in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Brampton Guardian. April 1 2020. https://www.bramptonguardian.com/news-story/9921565-20-health-care-workers-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-brampton-mississauga-and-caledon/

[49] Ferguson, Rob. Outbreak in Mississauga hospital as Ontario’s COVID-19 cases near 3,000. Toronto Star. April 1 2020. https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/04/01/ontarios-covid-19-cases-jump-by-426-to-2392.html

^[50] Mazur, Alexandra. Coronavirus: 3 cases of COVID-19 announced in Kingston. Global News. March 17 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6689565/kfla-public-health-coronavirus-announcement/

[51] Health Care Facility Outbreaks. Niagara Region. March 27 2020. https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/inspect/outbreaks.aspx

[52] LaFleche, Grant. COVID-19 outbreaks hit four Niagara long-term care homes.  Welland Tribune. April 1 2020. https://www.wellandtribune.ca/news-story/9922229-covid-19-outbreaks-hit-four-niagara-long-term-care-homes/

[53] Orangeville hospital patient, five staff test positive for COVID-19. Guelph Today. March 31 2020. https://www.guelphtoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/orangeville-hospital-patient-five-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-2216259

[54] Goldfinger, Diana. Coronavirus: Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports total of 62 COVID-19 cases, 1 in nursing home staffer.  Global News. April 1 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6762505/coronavirus-covid-19-simcoe-muskoka-april-1/

[55] Westoll, Nick. Coronavirus: 4 residents at Oshawa long-term care home test positive for COVID-19.  Global News. March 19 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6704587/coronavirus-hillsdale-terraces-oshawa/

^[56] Mitchell, Jeff. UPDATE: Female resident of Hillsdale Terraces seniors’ home province’s latest COVID-19 fatality. Durham Region. March 23 2020. https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9914723-update-female-resident-of-hillsdale-terraces-seniors-home-province-s-latest-covid-19-fatality/

^[57] Mitchell, Jeff. Eight residents at Oshawa nursing home diagnosed with coronavirus. toronto.com. March 23 2020. https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9916609-eight-residents-at-oshawa-nursing-home-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/

[58] Patton, Jessica. Coronavirus: Outbreak at Oshawa long-term care home worsens as another resident dies. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6752759/coronavirus-hillsdale-terraces-long-term-care-outbreak/

[59] COVID-19: Ontario reports 260 more COVID-19 cases.  The North Bay Nugget. March 31 2020. https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/ontario-reports-260-more-covid-19-cases

[60] Blewett, Taylor. COVID-19: One new Ottawa case identified, while Health Canada employee tests positive.  Ottawa Citizen. March 19 2020. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/covid-19-ottawa-mayor-proposes-tax-deferral-program-canada-u-s-border-closing-to-non-essential-traffic/

[61] Pringle, Josh. Ottawa Hospital health care worker tests positive for COVID-19 CTV News Ottawa. March 22 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-hospital-health-care-worker-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.4863355

[62] Deeth, Sarah. Resident at Peterborough long-term care home diagnosed with COVID-19: health unit. Global News. March 26 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/confirmed-covid-19-case-at-orleans-retirement-residence-1.4871529

[63] Pringle, Josh. CHEO employee tests positive for COVID-19. Ottawa CTV News. March 29 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/cheo-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.4873144

[64] Pringle, Josh. Ottawa Public Health confirms 16 new cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa. Ottawa CTV News. March 29 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-public-health-confirms-16-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-ottawa-1.4873360

[65] Pringle, Josh. Second COVID-19 death reported in Ottawa. Ottawa CTV News. March 30 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/second-covid-19-death-reported-in-ottawa-1.4874488

[66] Pringle, Josh. Second resident of Orleans Retirement Residence dies from COVID-19. Ottawa CTV News. March 31 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/second-resident-of-orleans-retirement-residence-dies-from-covid-19-1.4876221

[67] Blewett, Taylor. COVID-19: Third death reported in Ottawa; Schools to close until at least May. Ottawa Citizen. March 31 2020. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/covid-19-first-case-at-carleton-university-ontario-nears-2000-case-mark/

[68] What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 1. CBC News. April1 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid19-coronavirus-ottawa-symptoms-information-april-1-1.5516943

[69] Pringle, Josh. Largest one day jump in COVID-19 cases with 50 new cases in Ottawa. Ottawa CTV News. April 1 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/largest-one-day-jump-in-covid-19-cases-with-50-new-cases-in-ottawa-1.4877771

[70] COVID-19: Ontario reports 260 more COVID-19 cases.  The North Bay Nugget. March 31 2020. https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/ontario-reports-260-more-covid-19-cases

^[71] Pringle, Josh. Second COVID-19 death reported in Ottawa. Ottawa CTV News. March 2 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6734757/coronavirus-peterborough-long-term-care-home-covid-19/

[72] Davis, Greg. Coronavirus: Peterborough’s COVID-19 cases more than double over weekend to 28. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6750657/coronavirus-peterborough-covid-19-cases-double/

[73] Davis, Greg. Coronavirus: Peterborough’s COVID-19 cases more than double over weekend to 28. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6750657/coronavirus-peterborough-covid-19-cases-double/

[74] Davis, Greg. Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Peterborough remain at 28 for second consecutive day. Global News. April 1 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6761207/peterborough-confirmed-covid-19-cases-remains-at-28/

^[75] Britneff, Beatrice. Renfrew County reports first confirmed case of coronavirus. Global News. March 26 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6735002/renfrew-county-first-case-coronavirus-march-26/

[76] Helmer, Aedan. Two more COVID-19 deaths in Ontario, 211 more confirmed cases; new cases in Ottawa, Almonte. Ottawa Citizen. March 30 2020. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/two-more-covid-19-deaths-in-ontario-208-more-confirmed-cases/

[77] Pringle, Josh. Employee at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke tests positive for COVID-19. Ottawa CTV News. March 31 2020. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/features/covid-19-in-ottawa

[78] Zarzour, Kim. Coronavirus hits Vaughan gyms, Richmond Hill hospital and Markham care homes. YorkRegion.com. March 30 2020. https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9920197-coronavirus-hits-vaughan-gyms-richmond-hill-hospital-and-markham-care-homes/

[79] Kula, Tyler. COVID-19 patient identified as Landmark Village resident. The Sarnia Observer. March 27 2020. https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/covid-19-patient-identified-as-landmark-village-resident

[80] Morden, Paul. Four COVID-19 deaths, including three from same retirement home, stun Sarnia, Lambton County. The Sarnia Observer. March 30 2020. https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/covid-19-deaths-in-sarnia-lambton-grows-to-three

[81] COVID-19 Pandemic – Two Additional Deaths Confirmed in Lambton. Lambton Public Health. April 1 2020. https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/covid-19-pandemic-two-additional-deaths-confirmed-in-lambton/

[82] Goldfinger, Diana. Coronavirus: Employee at long-term care home in Shelburne, Ont. tests positive for COVID-19. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6753772/covid-19-coronavirus-dufferin-oaks-long-term-care-home/

[83] Halliday, Chris. Coronavirus: Second Dufferin Oaks staff member tests positive for coronavirus in as many days. Orangeville Banner. March 31 2020. https://www.orangeville.com/news-story/9921155-second-dufferin-oaks-staff-member-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-in-as-many-days/

^[84] Mitchell, Don. Coronavirus: St. Catharines man is Niagara’s first COVID-19-connected death. Global News. March 25 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6731126/coronavirus-st-catharines-death/

[85] Simmons, Galen. First COVID-19 fatality in Huron Perth. The Stratford Beacon Herald. March 28 2020. https://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/news/local-news/huron-perth-public-health-confirms-three-new-cases-of-covid-19

[86] Montgomery, Bob. Stratford area long-term care home confirms COVID-19 case. Blackburn News. March 30 2020. https://blackburnnews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/30/stratofrd-long-term-care-home-confirms-covid-19-case/

[87] 2 long-term care residents in Stratford test positive for COVID-19. CBC News. April 2 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/2-long-term-care-residents-in-stratford-test-positive-for-covid-19-1.5518050

[88] Artuso, Antonella. Toronto paramedic among spike of 60 new COVID-19 cases in Ontario. Toronto Sun. March 20 2020. https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/number-of-covid-19-cases-in-ontario-jumps-by-50

[89] Artuso, Antonella. Toronto paramedic among spike of 60 new COVID-19 cases in Ontario. Toronto Sun. March 20 2020. https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/number-of-covid-19-cases-in-ontario-jumps-by-50

[90] Donovan, Kevin. At least 13 Toronto doctors, nurses, long-term care workers infected with COVID-19 The Star. March 22 2020. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/03/22/at-least-thirteen-toronto-doctors-nurses-longterm-care-workers-infected-with-covid-19.html

^[91] Lavoie, Joanna. Coronavirus outbreak declared at east Toronto long-term care facility. Guelph Mercury Tribune. March 25 2020. https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9916209-coronavirus-outbreak-declared-at-east-toronto-long-term-care-facility/

^[92] Pagliaro, Jennifer. Two dead at Scarborough long-term care home during COVID-19 outbreak. Toronto Star. March 25 2020. https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/03/25/two-dead-at-scarborough-long-term-care-home-during-covid-19-outbreak.html

[93] Rocca, Ryan. Coronavirus: Resident at Toronto long-term care home tests positive for COVID-19. Global News. March 25 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6734365/toronto-long-term-care-home-coronavirus/

[94] Patton, Jessica. Coronavirus: 8 employees at Toronto Public Health headquarters test positive for COVID-19. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6750709/coronavirus-toronto-public-health-employees-covid-19/

[95] Six Toronto long-term-care homes report COVID-19 outbreaks. Toronto Star. March 31 2020. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/03/31/latest-coronavirus-news-canada-post-union-asks-canadians-to-disinfect-their-mail-boxes-federal-wage-subsidy-details-to-come-today-india-works-to-fight-spread.html

[96] Draasima, Muriel. City monitors COVID-19 outbreaks at 6 long-term care homes, 1 retirement home. CBC News. March 31 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-public-health-covid-19-outbreaks-long-term-care-homes-1.5515794

[97] Rider, David and Rubin, Josh. COVID-19 death toll rises to eight at Scarborough nursing home Seven Oaks. Toronto Star. April 1 2020. https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/04/01/covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-eight-at-scarborough-nursing-home.html

[98] Herhalt, Chris. Nurse at Sunnybrook’s neonatal ICU tests positive for COVID-19. Toronto CTV News. April 2 2020. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/nurse-at-sunnybrook-s-neonatal-icu-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.4879146

[99] Worker at healthcare facility tests positive for COVID-19. Windsor CTV News. March 21 2020. https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/worker-at-healthcare-facility-tests-positive-for-covid-19-1.4862834

[100] Medeiros, Teresina. AT LEAST 10 INPATIENTS AT WRH ARE COVID-19 POSITIVE. AM800 News. March 30 2020. https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/at-least-10-inpatients-at-wrh-are-covid-19-positive-1.11336789

[101] News Release: March 31 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. March 31 2020. https://www.wechu.org/newsroom/news-release-march-31-public-health-updates-related-coronavirus-covid-19

[102] Fraser, Katie. Ontario-Michigan border dividing line for pandemic that health-care workers cross daily. CBC News. March 31 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/michigan-ontario-border-health-care-workers-1.5516165

[103] News Release: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases Confirmed in Two Long-Term Care Facilities. Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. April 1 2020. https://www.wechu.org/newsroom/news-release-coronavirus-covid-19-cases-confirmed-two-long-term-care-facilities

[104] CBC Windsor’s COVID-19 April 2 update: 128 cases in Windsor-Essex. CBC News. April 2 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/covid19-windsor-essex-april-2-1.5518679

[105] COVID-19 INFORMATION: Windsor Regional Hospital COVID-19 Daily Update. Windsor Regional Hospital. April 2 2020. https://www.wrh.on.ca/coronavirus

[106] Ball, Vincent. Woodstock Hospital employee tests positive for COVID-19 The London Free Press. March 18 2020. https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/breaking-news-public-health-confirms-first-local-case-of-covid-19/wcm/becef431-1683-4fd4-bb16-01b8fc2efcc0

[107] Saylors, Kathleen. Staff member at Caressant Care tests positive for COVID-19. Woodstock Sentinel Review. March 30 2020. https://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/news/local-news/staff-member-at-caressant-care-tests-positive-for-covid-19

 

[108] Harris, Kathleen. Government warns against all international travel, limits inbound flights to stop spread of COVID-19, CBC News, March 13, 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-covid-19-1.5496367

[109] Harris, Kathleen. Government warns against all international travel, limits inbound flights to stop spread of COVID-19, CBC News, March 13, 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-covid-19-1.5496367

[110] Eggerston, Laura. COVID-19: Recent updates on the coronavirus pandemic, CMAJ News, March 24, 2020, https://cmajnews.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-1095847/

[111] Office of the premier. Ontario orders the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces to fight spread of COVID-19, Ontario Newsroom, March 23, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-orders-the-mandatory-closure-of-all-non-essential-workplaces-to-fight-spread-of-covid-19.html

[112] Ministry of Health. Enhanced measures to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, Ontario Newsroom, March 16, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/enhanced-measures-to-protect-ontarians-from-covid-19.html

[113] Ministry of Health. Ontario hospitals asked to take a planned approach to ramping down elective surgeries, Ontario Newsroom, March 15, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-hospitals-asked-to-take-a-planned-approach-to-ramping-down-elective-surgeries.html

[114] Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. Statement from Minister Elliott and Minister MacLeod on the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ontario Newsroom, March 13, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mtc/en/2020/03/statement-from-minister-elliott-and-minister-macleod-on-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-1.html

[115] Office of the premier. Statement from Premier Ford, Minister Elliott, and Minister Lecce on the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ontario Newsroom, March 12, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/title.html

[116] Ministry of Health. Statement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario Newsroom, March 30, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/statement-from-the-chief-medical-officer-of-health.html

[117] Ministry of the Solicitor General. Public Required to Identify Themselves if Charged with Breaching an Emergency Order During the COVID-19 Outbreak, Ontario Newsroom, March 31, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2020/03/public-required-to-identify-themselves-if-charged-with-breaching-an-emergency-order-during-the-covid.html

[118] Ontario Enhancing Public Reporting about COVID-19. Ontario Newsroom. March 30, 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-enhancing-public-reporting-about-covid-19.html

[119] Ministry of Health. Ontario Significantly Enhancing COVID-19 Screening Measures and Supports, Ontario Newsroom, March 23, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-significantly-enhancing-covid-19-screening-measures-and-supports.html

[120] Office of the premier. Ontario enacts declaration of emergency to protect the public, Ontario Newsroom, March 17, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-enacts-declaration-of-emergency-to-protect-the-public.html

[121] Paling, Emma. Doug Ford delivers coronavirus speech to near-empty legislature, Huffington Post, March 19, 2020, https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/doug-ford-coronavirus-empty-legislature_ca_5e73d9cac5b63c3b648d2f75

[122] Ministry of Health. Ontario hospitals asked to take a planned approach to ramping down elective surgeries, Ontario Newsroom, March 15, 2020, https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-hospitals-asked-to-take-a-planned-approach-to-ramping-down-elective-surgeries.html

[123] Ferguson, Rob. We have ‘a plan for every scenario’ Ford says, as Ontario sets aside $100 million to fight COVID-19, Toronto Star, March 11 2020, https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/03/11/we-have-a-plan-for-every-scenario-ford-says-as-ontario-sets-aside-100-million-to-fight-covid-19.html

[124] CBC News. Health officials give update, as Ontario closes all non-essential businesses amid COVID-19 outbreak. CBC News. March 23, 2020. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-monday1.5506445?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar&fbclid=IwAR3pI1ZU9DkBqZUJiIW4kJsC92ir63ifHM5XRR3x5bk_ZQT-06aFkGMqm00

[125] Office of the Premier. Changes to Ontario’s Emergency Assistance Program in Response to COVID-19.  Ontario News Room. March 23 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/changes-to-ontarios-emergency-assistance-program-in-response-to-covid-19.html

[126] Ministry of the Ontario General. Ontario Protecting Critical Front-Line Justice Services in Response to COVID-19. Ontario News Room. March 23 2020.https://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2020/03/ontario-taking-action-to-protect-critical-front-line-justice-services-in-response-to-covid-19.html

[127] D’Melo, Colin. Ontario to waive three-month OHIP waiting period for returning Canadians. CTV News. March 19 2020. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-to-waive-three-month-ohip-waiting-period-for-returning-canadians-1.4858781

[128] Ministry of Health. Ontario Expands Coverage for Care. Ontario News Room. March 20, 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html

[129] Ontario Expands OHIP Coverage. Settlement.org. March 23, 2020. https://settlement.org/news/ontario/ontario-expands-ohip-coverage/

[130] Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Ontario Extending Validation Periods for Driver, Vehicle and Carrier Products, Services and Health Cards. Ontario News Room. March 19, 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/03/ontario-extending-validation-periods-for-driver-vehicle-and-carrier-products-services-and-health-car.html

[131] Office of the Premier. Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19. News Room. March 24, 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-providing-electricity-relief-to-families-small-businesses-and-farms-during-covid-19.html

[132] Ministry of Education. Province Takes Steps to Ensure Frontline Workers Can Continue to Work. News Room. March 22, 2020.

[133] Office of the Premier. Ontario Urges Business to Join the Fight Against COVID-19. Ontario Newsroom. March 21 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-urges-business-to-join-the-fight-against-covid-19.html

[134] Ministry of Labour, Training and Development. UPDATED: Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses. Ontario Newsroom. March 26 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2020/03/ontario-enabling-financial-relief-for-businesses-1.html

[135] Ministry of Finance. Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. Ontario Newsroom. March 25 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html

[136] Province Supports Postsecondary Students During COVID-19. Ontario Newsroom. March 31 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/maesd/en/2020/03/province-supports-postsecondary-students-during-covid-19.html

[137] Office of the Premier. Province Investing $10 Million to Mobilize Businesses and Volunteers to Support the Most Vulnerable. Ontario Newsroom. March 30 2020. https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-protecting-seniors-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html

^[138] Prime Minister outlines Canada’s COVID-19 response. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA. March 11 2020. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response

^[139] Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 13 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html

^[140] Prime Minister outlines Canada’s COVID-19 response. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA. March 11 2020. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response

[141] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

^[142] Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 13 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html

^[143] Prime Minister outlines Canada’s COVID-19 response. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA. March 11 2020. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response

^[144] Prime Minister outlines Canada’s COVID-19 response. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA. March 11 2020. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response

^[145] Government of Canada funds 49 additional COVID-19 research projects. Government of Canada. March 19 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-funds-49-additional-covid-19-research-projects.html

[146] CCOHS Makes Courses and Publications Available to Help Workplaces During COVID-19 Pandemic. Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/centre-occupational-health-safety/news/2020/03/ccohs-makes-courses-and-publications-available-to-help-workplaces-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

[147] COVID-19: First Nations Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584819394157/1584819418553#g

[148] COVID-19: First Nations Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584819394157/1584819418553#g

[149] Indigenous Community Support Fund. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198

^[150] Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19.  Government of Canada. March 13 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html

^[151] Government of Canada evacuating Canadians on board Diamond Princess cruise ship Government of Canada. February 15 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/02/government-of-canada-evacuating-canadians-on-board-diamond-princess-cruise-ship.html

^[152] Government of Canada evacuating Canadians on board Grand Princess cruise ship. Government of Canada. March 8 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-evacuating-canadians-on-board-grand-princess-cruise-ship.html

^[153] Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 13 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html

^[154]Income Support for Individuals Who Need It Most. Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Income_Support_for

[155] COVID-19: In person Service Canada Centres to be closed. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/03/covid-19-in-person-service-canada-centres-to-be-closed.html

^[156] Important changes to tax-filing and payment deadlines Government of Canada. March 20 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html#individuals

[157] Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from the Economic Impact of COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html

[158] Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from the Economic Impact of COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html

^[159] Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outreach and Liaison Officer services Government of Canada. March 19 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-outreach-liaison-officer-services.html

^[160] Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outreach and Liaison Officer services Government of Canada. March 19 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-outreach-liaison-officer-services.html

^[161] Frequently asked questions – COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad Government of Canada. March 19 2020. https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help-faqs#3

^[162] Resources for Canadian Businesses. Government of Canada. March 20 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/resources-for-canadian-businesses.html

^[163] Our response to COVID-19. Canada Farm Credit. March 20 2020. https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html

^[164] Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19. JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA. March 23 2020. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/23/prime-minister-announces-support-farmers-and-agri-food-businesses

^[165] Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Government of Canada. March 14 2020. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/07677.html

[166] Parks Canada helps tourism businesses in national parks and historic sites deal with the impacts of COVID-19 by deferring commercial lease payments without interest until September 2020. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2020/03/parks-canada-helps-tourism-businesses-in-national-parks-and-historic-sites-deal-with-the-impacts-of-covid-19-by-deferring-commercial-lease-payments.html

^[167] Canada Revenue Agency: Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html#individuals

[168] Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses. Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html

[169] Canada Emergency Response Benefit to Launch on April 6. Government of Canada. April 1 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/04/canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-launch-on-april-6.html

[170] ESDC Corporate information: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Notices- Benefits and services. Government of Canada. March 23 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html#h2.5

[171] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

[172] With kids home from school. National Film Board of Canada offers free online learning resources for parents and teachers. Government of Canada. March 30 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/national-film-board/news/2020/03/with-kids-home-from-school-national-film-board-of-canada-offers-free-online-learning-resources-for-parents-and-teachers.html

^[173] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses. Government of Canada. March 23 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Income_Support_for

[174] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

^[175] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses Government of Canada. March 23 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Income_Support_for

[176] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

^[177] ESDC Corporate information: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Notices- Benefits and services Government of Canada. March 23 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html#h2.5

[178] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

^[179] Frequently Asked Questions – Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers. Government of Canada. March 20 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html

[180] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

[181] Connolly, Amanda. Here’s who’s eligible and how to apply for Canada’s coronavirus wage subsidy. Global News. March 30 2020. https://globalnews.ca/news/6750050/justin-trudeau-coronavirus-wage-subsidy/

[182] Support to Businesses.  Government of Canada. March 30 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html

[183] Government Announces Details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to Help Businesses Keep Canadians in their jobs.  Government of Canada. April 1 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/04/government-announces-details-of-the-canada-emergency-wage-subsidy-to-help-businesses-keep-canadians-in-their-jobs.html

^[184]Work-Sharing Program – Temporary special measures for the downturn in business due to COVID-19 and for the forestry and steel and aluminum sector. Government of Canada. March 19 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/temporary-measures-forestry-sector.html

^[185] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

[186]  Addressing urgent needs in Indigenous communities related to COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2020/03/addressing-urgent-needs-in-indigenous-communities-related-to-covid-19.html

[187] Indigenous Community Support Fund. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198

[188] COVID-19: First Nations Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports. Government of Canada. March 26 2020. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584819394157/1584819418553#g

^[189] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses.  Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

^[190] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses. Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

^[191] Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses. Government of Canada. March 18 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Mortgage_Default_Management

^[192] A Message from our President to our Clients (COVID-19). Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. March 17 2020. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/notices/2020/message-from-president-to-clients-covid-19

^[193] Government of Canada Announces Further Measures to Support Continued Lending to Canadian Consumers and Businesses Canada Mortgage and Housing Company. March 16 2020. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/news-releases/2020/measures-support-continued-lending-canadian-consumers-businesses

^[194] Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP). Government of Canada. March 20 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html

[195] The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act Receives Royal Assent.  Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/the-covid-19-emergency-response-act-receives-royal-assent0.html

[196] Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from the Economic Impact of COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html

[197] Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from the Economic Impact of COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html

[198] Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from the Economic Impact of COVID-19. Government of Canada. March 27 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html

[199] COVID-19: The Government of Canada is taking action to support the publishing and news sectors. Government of Canada. March 25 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2020/03/covid-19-the-government-of-canada-is-taking-action-to-support-the-publishing-and-news-sectors.html

[200] COVID-19: the Government of Canada Provides Relief to the Broadcasting Sector. Government of Canada. March 30 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2020/03/covid-19-the-government-of-canada-provides-relief-to-the-broadcasting-sector.html

[201] Government announces support for air transportation sector during COVID-19 pandemic. Government of Canada. March 30 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/government-announces-support-for-air-transportation-sector-during-covid-19-pandemic.html