Official statements and advice about the COVID-19 pandemic as received from public health as well as all levels of government: municipal, provincial and federal.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday October 3, 2020, the Ontario government is tightening public health guidelines and introducing amended testing measures. Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator of the Provincial Outbreak Response, …
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province. Earlier this week, the government imposed these restrictions in Toronto, Peel Region …
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is extending orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA). The extensions provide the government with the necessary flexibility to address the ongoing risks and effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure …
Today, July 30, the Ontario government unveiled its plan for safely reopening schools for in-class instruction beginning this September. Announced jointly by Premier Doug Ford; Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education; and Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, the plan …
Earlier today, July 29, Premier Doug Ford and Dr. Merilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, announced the launch of an independent commission into COVID-19 and long-term care in Ontario. Among the three commissioners who will conduct the investigation is Barry’s Bay native, Dr. Jack Kitts. Dr. Kitts retired last month …
In a media release dated July 9, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) issued its local directive for mandatory masks or face coverings in enclosed public spaces throughout the region, effective Tuesday July 14, 2020. The statement goes on to say the purpose of the directive is a gradual …
Earlier today, July 2, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) confirmed one more positive laboratory-confirmed case of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Renfrew County and District associated with community spread. A media release received this evening from RCDHU issues an advisory after confirmation that a person who tested positive …
A news release from the Province dated June 15 states that in response to requests by community leaders and public health experts, the Ontario government is proposing a regulatory change to mandate the reporting of data on race, income, language and household size for individuals who have tested positive for …
Step forward if you’ve been waiting for your region to enter Phase 2 of Ontario’s “reopening” plan … but not if you live in Peel, Toronto, Windsor-Essex. These three regions have not had the go-ahead from Public Health yet. In a media release received June 15, the Province says that …
Many Ontarians were relieved to learn that the Province is gradually easing the COVID-19 restrictions. But a lot of people are confused by the new rules. Here’s a simple graphic explanation published by the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH). Social Circles Social circles are different from social gatherings …
Today’s healthcare news from our regional hospitals and the province will be welcomed by many Valley residents. Regional hospitals begin to increase scheduled services A news release from the chiefs of staff of the Champlain Region Hospitals states that the hospitals are taking a safe, coordinated and gradual approach to …
A new release issued by the province today advises that Renfrew County and District is one of twenty-four public health units in Ontario to be allowed to move to Stage 2 of COVID-19 restrictions as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday June 12. In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health …
In a news release received this morning, the Ontario government announced that it has enacted a new regulatory amendment that will put non-unionized employees on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced by their employer due to COVID-19. This will ensure businesses …
For Ontarians who want to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and practicing physical distancing, Ontario announced on Saturday that as of June 1, backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails. Ontario Parks will also be expanding day-use activities …
The Current reproduces the following Ontario news release received May 27 containing links to all emergency orders, as extended today to June 9: The Ontario government continues to protect the health and safety of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak by extending all emergency orders in force under s.7.0.2 (4) …
