Toronto: Ontario yesterday moved to limit large public gatherings in an effort to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To help contain the spread of Covid-19, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, has recommended the immediate suspension of all gatherings over 250 people because of this pandemic.
“The Government of Ontario’s top priority will always be the health and well-being of Ontarians,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, in an issued the following statement.
“Ontario’s attraction agencies and convention centres will be responding to this recommendation and will be taking appropriate measures for their unique properties,” they said.
These include:
• Ontario Science Centre
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Ottawa Convention Centre (Shaw Centre)
• Metro Toronto Convention Centre
• Science North
• Niagara Parks Commission
• St. Lawrence Parks Commission
• McMichael Canadian Art Gallery
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Ontario Place Corporation
• Ontario Heritage Trust
They said each agency will provide updates on how they plan to respond to this new development.
“Our priority is the health and safety of all residents, visitors and staff across the province. We want to thank all of the employers, community partners and frontline workers who are actively working to address this challenge and keep everyone safe and healthy,” the statement added.
Colleges and universities
Christine Elliott joined Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, in a statement in response to the impact of Covid-19 on students and faculty at Ontario’s colleges and universities.
“In light of recent developments and based on strong guidance from Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts at the Covid-19 Command Table, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities will work with Ontario’s postsecondary institutions to ensure each campus has a Covid-19 response plan for academic continuity for students and faculty that does not put their health or personal well-being at risk, while ensuring students can continue to receive the world-class education our institutions provide,” they said.
This action follows similar guidance by the Command Table earlier yesterday requesting the province temporarily close all elementary schools and secondary schools in the 14-day period following March Break, effective March 23.
$1 billion Response Fund
The federal government’s $1 billion Covid-19 Response Fund, includes $500 million in support for the provinces and territories, according to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
“This funding will assist the provinces and territories with staying ahead of the situation in the short term,” he said.
Avoid non-essential travel abroad
Ottawa: Canada has issued an official global travel advisory to avoid non-essential travel abroad.
In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), many governments have implemented special entry and exit and movement restrictions for their territories. New restrictions could be imposed, and could severely disrupt Canadians’ travel plans.
As a result, the Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, said a ministry statement.
Canadians currently outside the country should find out what commercial options are still available and consider returning to Canada earlier than planned if these options are becoming more limited.
We encourage Canadians abroad to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
Canadians abroad in need of emergency consular assistance can call Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available) or email sos@international.gc.ca.
“We are monitoring the situation abroad to provide credible and timely information to Canadians to help them make well-informed decisions regarding their travel. We also continue to work around the clock to provide assistance and consular services to Canadians abroad affected by Covid-19,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs.