Coronavirus Updates

We want to keep residents up to speed on the rapidly changing situation at hand. We will be updating this page as soon as any new information is released.

June 2nd, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau says the federal government has begun procuring syringes
CRA opens snitch line to information about federal Covid-19 aid program fraud
Government announces interest relief for First Nations through the First Nations Finance Authority

Provincial:

Premier Ford extends emergency orders until June 30^th, 2020

Province announces $9 Million to support people struggling to pay their energy bills
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 747,964
- Currently under investigation: 10,622
- Confirmed positive: 28,709
- Resolved: 22,484
- Deceased: 2,293

Local:

Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 480
- Resolved: 397
- Currently in Hospital: 8
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 6,474,075 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 381,718 confirmed deaths
- 3,006,831 recovered

June 1st, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Cities to be sent $2.2 Billion in infrastructure funds early to help Covid-19 recovery
Federal government pledging millions to promote holiday travel to Canada during pandemic
Prime Minister Trudeau promises another $650 Million in Covid-19 aid to Indigenous communities

Provincial:

Premier Ford plans to extend emergency orders until June 30^th, 2020

Province expands testing for public, frontline workers, first responders and workplaces
Province is establishing a new Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 732,720
- Currently under investigation: 6,427
- Confirmed positive: 28,263
- Resolved: 22,153
- Deceased: 2,276

Local:

Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 476
- Resolved: 389
- Currently in Hospital: 7
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 6,365,473 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 377,404 confirmed deaths
- 2,903,418 recovered

May 28th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Feds nearing one-year bilateral deal with provinces on childcare support
Dr. Tam says health officials reviewing sports leagues looking to resume play
- 14-day quarantine for people entering Canada remains in place
Canadian intelligence services warn that Canadian health organizations are ripe for cyber attacks

Provincial:

Premier Ford rejects regional approach to reopening Ontario’s economy
Premier Ford says he’s done ‘taking bullets’ for union members who refused to inspect care homes
Ontario government extends mandate of the Incident Management System Long-Term Care Table
- This table is composed of health care professionals who make immediate decisions to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak

Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 662,162
- Currently under investigation: 11,868
- Confirmed positive: 26,886
- Resolved: 20,673
- Deceased: 2,189

Local:

RVH president asks for patience as hospital prepares for next stage
Postal workers walk off the job at Barrie facility over Covid-19 worries
Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 458
- Resolved: 356
- Currently in Hospital: 7
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,904,673 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 362,010 confirmed deaths
- 2,579,629 recovered
US:
- Democrat governor of New Mexico violated Coronavirus order, kept business open so she could buy jewelry
- White House says Trump will sign an executive order on social media after Twitter labeled one of his tweets as misinformation
UK:
- Lockdown easing to allow groups of six to meet
- Dental practices to reopen on June 8^th, 2020
- Scottish lockdown easing to begin on Friday May 29^th, 2020
Europe:
- France to reopen cafes, bars and restaurants
Russia:
- Moscow more than doubles Covid-19 death toll, now saying 1,561 people died in April
Africa:
- Madagascar denies plan for COvid-19 injection

May 27th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau says ‘nothing off the table’ in solving long-term care crisis
Prime Minster Trudeau will likely attend G-7 meeting in person this June
Prime Minister Trudeau implores businesses to re-hire their employees, citing mounting financial pressure
Prime Minister Trudeau downplays chance of snap election amidst pandemic
Canadian Institute for Health Information to release an interim race data standard, after calls for better demographic data to understand health inequalities

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces Ontario will take over five private long-term care homes worst hit by Covid-19
Premier Ford extends emergency closures to June 9^th, 2020

Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 644,547
- Currently under investigation: 11,817
- Confirmed positive: 26,483
- Resolved: 20,372
- Deceased: 2,155

Local:

‘Thunderhoops’ basketball camp cancelled for first time in 27 years
Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 458
- Resolved: 356
- Currently in Hospital: 7
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,781,606 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 356,825 confirmed deaths
- 2,492,499 recovered
US:
- Coronavirus deaths reach 100,000 in US
UK:
- Test and trace system will start Thursday May 28^th, 2020
- No decision on resumption of primary schools reopening
- Scotland sees fourth weekly fall in Coronavirus deaths
Australia:
- China begins boycott campaign of Australian goods after Australian government calls for an international investigation into Coronavirus origins
Europe:
- EU proposed 750 Billion Euro recovery fund

May 26th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

New Democrats have joined forces with the Liberals to waive normal House of Commons proceedings for another four months
- Special Coronavirus meeting will now meet four times each week for the next month, and four times over the summer
Minister of Digital Government, Joyce Murray, promoted fundraiser to sue journalist who published information critical of Chinese government’s handling of Coronavirus
Federal deficit likely at $260 Billion due to Covid-19 programs
Thousands still flying into Canadian airports despite Covid-19 restrictions
Prime Minister Trudeau vows more PPE coming

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces launch of investigation into five long-term care homes that could lead to criminal charges
Ontario government released full report on state of long-term care homes detailed by the Canadian Armed Forces

Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 629,414
- Currently under investigation: 6,961
- Confirmed positive: 26,191
- Resolved: 19,958
- Deceased: 2,123

Local:

Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 457
- Resolved: 350
- Currently in Hospital: 7
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,681,649 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 352,155 confirmed deaths
- 2,430,510 recovered
US:
- Trump administration considering ‘back-to-work’ bonuses as part of next stimulus
- New York state health officials cover up Gov. Cuomo’s March 25^th order requiring nursing homes to take in Covid-19 patients by deleting it from state health department website
UK:
- Coronavirus deaths fall to six-week low
- Research into anti-viral drug ‘Remdesivir’ shortens recovery time by about four days
- Shops in England will start to reopen next week
Australia:
- PM Scott Morrison outlines plans to revive Australia’s economy and reignite local businesses
New Zealand:
- No new cases confirmed for five days in a row
- Deputy Prime Minister says country has been in lockdown for too long focus needs to shift towards health and economic impacts caused by continuing restrictions
Europe:
- Denmark reopens borders to couples in Germany and the Nordic countries
- Germany eyes lifting travel restrictions to 31 countries

Africa:
- Kenya looks for 400 vaccine volunteers as part of a trail
- Zimbabwe arrests 40,000 for ‘violating lockdown’

Asia:
- The WHO continues to lavish China with praise for handling of Coronavirus crisis, citing their openness

May 25th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Minister of Health, stops Dr. Tam from answering questions about the Federal stockpile of personal protective equipment
Prime Minister Trudeau taps bank CEOs to help chart course for economic recovery plan
Feds pledge to push provinces for paid sick leave following NDP prompt
Applications now open for property owners in the Commercial Rent Assistance program

Provincial:

Premier Ford warns landlords of ‘consequences’ as small businesses fret evictions
Premier Ford to delay easing Covid-19 rules after people in Toronto flock to parks over the weekend
Ontario auto-sector returns to work
More than 6,500 Ontarians have offered to deliver food, run errands for seniors and people with disabilities
Ministry of Long-Term Care has issued mandatory management orders appointing local hospitals to temporarily manage two long-term care homes

The Ontario government is quickly moving forward with innovative research to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19. Part of $20 Million investment
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 619,539
- Currently under investigation: 3,883
- Confirmed positive: 25,904
- Resolved: 19,698
- Deceased: 2,102

Local:

City of Barrie considering report which would ban cars on Dunlop Street between Mulcaster and Clapperton streets in hopes that it will help downtown businesses
Closures remain in effect
- Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
- City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
- Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
- Parks and fields will remain open for public use
Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
Local Cases:
- Confirmed positive: 454
- Resolved: 340
- Currently in Hospital: 8
- Deceased: 36

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,587,526 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 347,872 confirmed deaths
- 2,365,663 recovered
US:
- New York’s daily Coronavirus death rate falls below 100 for the first time since March
- Governor Cuomo attempts to deflect blame of deadly nursing home situation on to Trump
- Small business owners petition NYC to let them reopen: ‘Walmart is open, why not us?’
- White House bars entry of non-US citizens traveling from Brazil, citing Coronavirus conerns
UK:
- Non-essential shops to reopen on June 15^th
Europe:
- Czechs reopen bars and restaurants
  - Schools, swimming pools, zoos and castles reopened
- Spain to stop quarantining arrivals on July 1^st

Africa:
- Nigeria has no money to import food
  - President urges farmers to get back to work
- South African leader warns outbreak will get worse

Asia:
- Flights resume in India

May 22nd, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau says that Federal government will strongly suggest citizens use their contact tracing app
Prime Minister Trudeau says feds will fund testing and tracing
Official Opposition Conservatives want Parliament declared ‘essential service’ and a return to regular sittings
Feds expand eligibility to CEBA loans to farmers and food producers
Government of Canada announces online tool to assist Canadians in accessing financial support
Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Green party apply for wage subsidy as donations drop due to Coronavirus

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces that Ontario to start expanded testing this weekend
- Starting with front-line health-care workers
Ontario government announces funding grants for the purchase of tools, protective equipment and clothing necessary for workers in the trades and hospitality sector

$ 1,000 for those destined for trades in the motive power sector
$ 600 for trades in the construction and industrial sectors
$ 400 for trades in the service sector

To be eligible for the new grant, apprentices must have:
- completed level 1 training on or after April 1, 2020;
- an active registered training agreement; and
- been registered as an apprentice for at least 12 months.
Ontario government is permitting Ontario corporations to conduct virtual meetings and defer certain annual meetings in specific circumstances
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 588,958
- Currently under investigation: 5,516
- Confirmed positive: 24,628
- Resolved: 18,767
- Deceased: 2,021

Local:

MISC:
- Decision to close Lake Simcoe Airport reversed after local MPs advocated against such action

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,301,800 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 339,922 confirmed deaths
- 2,158,477 recovered
US:
- President Trump announces that houses of worship are essential and calls on governors to open them up
- Basketball legend Patrick Ewing tests positive for Coronavirus
UK:
- Quarantine plans unveiled for UK arrivals
Europe:
- Theatres, cinemas, and museums reopen in Denmark

Africa:
- Tanzanian official says that Coronavirus has ended
- Africa reaches 100,000 Coronavirus cases

Asia:
- Yemen’s health care system ‘collapsed’ amid virus warns UN agency

May 21st, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau announces additional $75 Million in funding for ‘off-reserve’ Indigenous Canadians
Finance Minister Morneau, says fiscal update not coming until situation is more stable

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces that daycare staff, teachers to be tested for Covid-19 when they return to work
Ontario Government announces first phase of research projects to fight Covid-19
- 22 clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines and treatments
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 577,682
- Currently under investigation: 5,051
- Confirmed positive: 24,187
- Resolved: 18,509
- Deceased: 1,993

Local:

MISC:
- Hardwood Hills set to reopen Saturday May 23^rd, 2020
- City of Barrie reopens Tiffin boat launch, and Bayview Drive dog park

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,189,177 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 334,072 confirmed deaths
- 2,078,536 recovered
US:
- Republican senators press for more stimulus payments during Coronavirus crisis
- President Trump orders flags on federal buildings lowered for three days in memory of those killed by Coronavirus
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson orders civil servants to draft plans to end UK’s reliance on China for vital medical supplies
- New ‘on-the-spot’ Coronavirus test being trialled
- Ten million antibody tests will also start being rolled out next week – Health Secretary
- NHS fees to be scrapped for overseas health staff
- Scottish lockdown easing to begin next week
Europe:
- Sicily’s Coronavirus chief arrested in bribery probe
- French healthcare workers fined at Paris hospital protest

Russia:
- Chechen leader treated for Coronavirus in Moscow hospital
Latin America:
- Mexico reports record one-day Coronavirus death toll
- Strict Coronavirus lockdowns in Guatemala and El Salvador have destroyed the food supply to the point that people are waving/hanging white flags seeking food and assistance
Africa:
- Two-day-old baby dies with Coronavirus in South Africa
- Uganda cuts official Coronavirus tally in half

Asia:
- China implements new security law in Hong Kong amidst Coronavirus pandemic

May 20th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Federal Government rolls out loans for big firms
- Large companies can now apply to access multi-million-dollar loans
Landlords will soon be able to apply for commercial rent relief program
- Feds promise quick turnaround on funding
CSIS flags possible security breaches at Canadian pandemic research facilities
Public Health Agency of Canada now recommends wearing non-medical face masks

Provincial:

Premier Ford vows that testing numbers will increase
Premier Ford issues warning to landlords not participating in the commercial rent subsidy program
Government of Ontario now recommends face coverings when physical distancing is no possible
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 567,176
- Currently under investigation: 4,444
- Confirmed positive: 23,774
- Resolved: 18,190
- Deceased: 1,962

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 5,085,504 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 329,731 confirmed deaths
- 2,021,666 recovered
US:
- More than 600 doctors signed a letter to President Trump pushing him to end the ‘national shutdown’
- All 50 US states now on a path to reopening
UK:
- Track and trace system in place for June – Prime Minister Johnson
- Coronavirus benefit claims fraud could be 1.5 Billion Pounds
- Public cautioned against buying antibody tests
Europe:
- Greece to start tourist season in mid-June
- Spain tightens mask rules for all older than five

Africa:
- Experts warn that virus could kill over 40,000 in South Africa

Asia:
- Controversial diary written by Wuhan author has been translated into English
- India extends Coronavirus lockdown by two weeks

May 19th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau promises to continue support for the WHO
US/Canada border to remain closed to non-essential travel until June 21^st, 2020
Finance Minister announces Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended until August
Minister of Small Businesses announces expanded loan eligibility
- Sole owner-operators
- Businesses that rely on contractors
- Family-owned business
- Pay employees through dividends
- Businesses without a minimum of $20,000 in payroll if they have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return
  - “…we know that there are still some business owners who operate out of their personal bank account, as opposed to a business account, or they are new, or they have yet to file a tax return. We're working hard to develop solutions to help these businesses through this challenging time.” – Minister Ng

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces Ontario schools will be closed until September
Premier Ford extends emergency orders until May 29^th, 2020 forcing bars and restaurants to remain closed
- Drive-in religious gatherings are now allowed
- Only gatherings of 5 people are allowed
Stage one of Provincial reopening comes into effect today
Ontario government is working with Medical Innovation Xchange, Canadas first industry-led hub for med-tech start-ups, to provide non-medical manufacturing companies free support as they retool to provide essential supplies
Ontario announces independent commission into long-term care
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 559,794
- Currently under investigation: 2,294
- Confirmed positive: 23,384
- Resolved: 17,898
- Deceased: 1,919

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,986,332 confirmed cases of Covid-19
- 324,910 confirmed deaths
- 1,958,496 recovered
US:
- New Jersey Senate plans hearings on Covid-19 disaster inside nursing homes
UK:
- No guarantee of quick economic bounce back – Chancellor Sunak
Asia:
- More than 100 million people in China’s Jilin province are being forced back on lockdown

May 15th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau says wage subsidy being extended to end of August
Deputy Prime Minister Freeland won’t say if US wants to delay reopening Canada/US border
Chinese ambassador complains that China is a victim of Coronavirus disinformation
1 dead, 34 Maple Leaf Foods employees infected with Covid-19 at Montreal plant
5 Canadian Forces members working in long-term care homes diagnosed with Covid-19

Provincial:

Premier Doug Ford hints at lifting restrictions on gatherings as Ontario economy begins its reopening
Ontario stage one reopening includes stores, surgeries, tennis and dog grooming
- Golf clubs, marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches can open Saturday May 16^th, 2020
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 475,058
- Currently under investigation: 14,373
- Confirmed positive: 21,922
- Resolved: 16,641
- Deceased: 1,825

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,624,031 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 308450 confirmed deaths
- 1,757,127 recovered
US:
- President Trump announces public-private partnership to develop Coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year if we can
- California biopharmaceutical company claims Coronavirus antibody breakthrough
- North Carolina sees highest number of Covid-19 cases amid Phase 1 of reopening plan
- Fox news obtains draft letter which would partially restore US funding of the WHO
- Arlington National Cemetery will be closed to the public this Memorial Day due to Coronavirus restrictions
UK:
- Covid-19 tests for all in English care homes by early June
- Too soon to reopen schools says doctors’ union
- Public urged to avoid England’s beauty spots
Australia:
- Restaurants, cafes and some pubs re-open in New South Wales
Europe:
- Switzerland, Germany and Austria begin relaxing border restrictions ahead of full reopening
- Italy to allow travel to and from abroad from June 3^rd, 2020
Latin America:
- Second Brazilian health minister quits in a month
Asia:
- Vietnam has reported zero Coronavirus deaths

May 14th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau shrugs off CERB fraudsters saying Ottawa did not want to paralyze CERB payments with checks
New Memo tells staff to make CERB payment even if claimant quit job voluntarily or was fired for cause
Canadian Intelligence Agencies warn that Canada’s Covid-19 research is a target for foreign spies
National parks, and historic sites partly reopening June 1^st, 2020
- Will not be open to camping

Provincial:

Ontario stage one reopening includes stores, surgeries, tennis and dog grooming
- Golf clubs, marinas, boat clubs and pubic boat launches can open Saturday May 16^th, 2020
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 475,058
- Currently under investigation: 17,578
- Confirmed positive: 21,494
- Resolved: 16,204
- Deceased: 1,798

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,521,174 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 303,070 confirmed deaths
- 1,702,113 recovered
US:
- President Trump says he will veto house Democrats $3 Trillion Coronavirus relief legislation
UK:
- One in 400 people in England has Coronavirus
- Government agrees to 1.6-Billion-pound bailout for London transport
- First moves to ease North Ireland lockdown to begin next week
Australia:
- Cafes and bars reopen in parts of Australia
- 600,000 jobs lost in Australia due to virus
Europe:
- Slovenia calls an end to its Coronavirus epidemic, relaxes border controls
- Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia create Europe’s first pandemic travel bubble
- Amsterdam trials ‘Covid-safe’ restaurant
Russia:
- President Putin has declared Russia’s six-week lockdown over
Africa:
- Burundi expels the WHO staff
Asia:
- Coronavirus infections fall in much of Japan expect Tokyo and Osaka
- Covid-19 detected in world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh
- Yemen sees surge in Coronavirus deaths

May 13th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Canada/US likely to extend ban on non-essential travel until June 21^st, 2020
Prime Minister Trudeau announces that portal for student benefit will be open on Friday, May 15^th, 2020
Prime Minister Trudeau says no timeline for federal budget as things are changing extremely quickly
Government announces $962 million for the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, to be administers through the regional development agencies
Ipsos poll says more Canadians are ditching physical-distancing protocols

Provincial:

Ontario to ease Covid-19 restrictions on retail construction
Premier Ford to announce plans for Ontario to enter ‘Stage 1’ of reopening this Thursday May 14^th, 2020
Province making prescription drugs more affordable
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 475,058
- Currently under investigation: 13,395
- Confirmed positive: 21,236
- Resolved: 15,845
- Deceased: 1,765

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,337,104 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 292,403 confirmed deaths
- 1,596,882 recovered
US:
- Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down state’s stay at home order
- Illinois county defies governor, vows its back open for business during coronavirus outbreak
- FBI accuses China of hacking attempts against US Coronavirus data
UK:
- Allowing family gathers ‘complicated’ England’s deputy chief medical officer says
Europe:
- EU promises to have summer tourist season
South America:
- Brazil records highest daily rise in virus deaths
Africa:
- Tanzania hospitals overwhelmed by Coronavirus
- Cameroonians arrested for distributing face masks
Asia:
- India targets small businesses in economy bailout

May 12th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Federal Government sending seniors one-time payment of up to $500 as part of Covid-19 aid.
- $300 for any senior who is eligible for the OAS
- $200 for any senior who is eligible for GIS
National Research Council strikes a deal with Chinese military and business to develop Covid-19 vaccine in Canada
- Human testing will be conducted in Canada
Canada gives $790 million to help vaccinate in more vulnerable countries
Feds unveil new Covid-19 stream for provincial infrastructure program
Federal workers order to ignore cheating in CERB and EI claims
- It is suspected that over 200,000 false claims have been filed
Parliamentary Budget Officer says ‘not unthinkable’ that federal debt could hit $1 Trillion this fiscal year

Provincial:

Premier Ford to announce plans for Ontario to enter ‘Stage 1’ of reopening this Thursday May 14^th, 2020
Declaration of Emergency extended until June 2^nd, 2020
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 459,921
- Currently under investigation: 10,811
- Confirmed positive: 20,907
- Resolved: 15,391
- Deceased: 1,725

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,337,104 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 292,403 confirmed deaths
- 1,596,882 recovered
US:
- Dr. Fauci appeared before Senate committee for questioning
- House Democrats unveil Coronavirus bill estimated to cost $3 Trillion
  - Would include illegal immigrants getting stimulus checks
UK:
- UK wage subsidy scheme gets extended by four months
Australia:
- Students go back to school as states open up
Europe:
- Oldest woman in Spain beats Coronavirus at 113
- EU pushes to unlock borders as Coronavirus ravages travel and tourism
Russia:
- Russia now has second number of virus cases
  - China’s official numbers are widely questioned
Asia:
- India PM outlines economy rescue package

May 11th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Increased border traffic likely as Canada – US reopen economies – Deputy Prime Minister Freeland
Federal Government announces new loans to large corporations to help pay employees
Parliamentary Budget Officer says Federal Government should release fiscal update, and recovery plan soon
Federal government considering training program for unemployed Canadians to help in long-term care homes – Minister of Employment
Federal Government says food inspectors who refuse to be reassigned to work at Covid-19 infected meat plants could face sanctions
Legal group suing Federal Government to roll back Covid-19 restrictions

Provincial:

Ontario retail stores open for curbside pickup and delivery
Ontario opening Provincial Parks and conservation reserves
- Social distancing must be maintained
Provincial government has approved an emergency order that would enable school board employees to be voluntarily deployed to congregate care settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and women’s shelters
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 447,964
- Currently under investigation: 9,018
- Confirmed positive: 20,546
- Resolved: 15,131
- Deceased: 1,669

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores, hardware, safety supply stores, nurseries and garden centres with a street entrance can reopen for curbside and delivery

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,253,631 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 287,245 confirmed deaths
- 1,527,002 recovered
US:
- Elon Musk of Tesla has reopened factory against orders of local county
- New York state sees decline in hospitalizations
- White House staff ordered to wear masks
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson says people should only return to the workplace if it is secure against Coronavirus
- Plan to ease the North Ireland lockdown to be introduced Tuesday May 12^th, 2020
Australia:
- Students go back to school as states open up
Europe:
- French shops reopen, but masks widely required
Russia:
- Putin eases Russian lockdown
Africa:
- Two hotels demolished in Nigeria, over ‘breach of lockdown rules’
- South Africans start to doubt tough lockdown
- Tunisia records zero new Coronavirus cases

May 8th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Statistics Canada says that Canada lost 2 Million jobs since lockdown measures took effect
Prime Minister Trudeau announces that wage subsidy program will be extended beyond June
Federal government rejects another 8 Million surgical masks from China
Minister of Finance says Canada is in ‘recessionary time’

Provincial:

Province eases restrictions on professional sports training facilities
Province and Federal government is investing additional $2.25 Million in provincially licensed meat procession plants to better protect employees
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 397,149
- Currently under investigation: 14,641
- Confirmed positive: 19,598
- Resolved: 13,990
- Deceased: 1,540

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores with a street entrance can reopen Monday May 11^th, 2020
- Hardware and safety supply stores will be allowed to fully reopen on Saturday May 9^th, 2020
- Nurseries and garden centres will be open on Friday May 8^th, 2020

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 4,010,571 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 275,959 confirmed deaths
- 1,382,333 recovered
US:
- Mike Pence’s aide test positive for Coronavirus
- Unrest growing in few remaining states that won’t give firm reopening dates
- California county threatens Gov. Newsom with lawsuit over lockdown measures
UK:
- Great Britain facing no ‘dramatic overnight change’ in lockdown rues
Europe:
- Italy death toll tops 30,000 highest in EU
Latin America:
- Three nurses murdered in Mexico as country reaches peak transmission
- Tijuana Coronavirus death rate soars after hospital outbreaks
Africa:
- Coronavirus could kill 190,000 in Africa in one year, warns the WHO

May 7th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister Trudeau says deal has been reached to top up wages for essential Covid-19 workers
82% of Canada’s Covid-19 deaths have been in long term care homes
Greyhound Canada to shut down temporarily all bus routes as ridership plunges
Prime Minister rules out federal intervention at Cargill meat plant in Alberta, after Union boss complains about health conditions
Minister of Foreign Affairs refused to thank Taiwan when asked to thank Taiwan for mask donation

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces the resumption of surgeries and medical proceedings
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 380,854
- Currently under investigation: 13,012
- Confirmed positive: 19,121
- Resolved: 13,569
- Deceased: 1,477

Local:

MISC:
- All retail stores with a street entrance can reopen Monday May 11^th, 2020
- Hardware and safety supply stores will be allowed to fully reopen on Saturday May 9^th, 2020
- Nurseries and garden centres will be open on Friday May 8^th, 2020
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,915,836 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 270,684 confirmed deaths
- 1,341,106 recovered
US:
- President Trump’s personal valet tests positive for Coronavirus
UK:
- Government urges caution on lockdown easing
Europe:
- Paris restrictions to stay as France reopens
- German soccer league will resume on May 16^th, 2020

May 6th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

President of the Treasury board, Minister Yves Duclos, says the government ‘will continue to be there for Canadians’ as the end date for Canada’s four-month CERB program draws closer to end date
- Wont rule out an extension
Canada to have completed its 1 millionth Covid-19 test soon
Government provides tariff relief to importers of certain medical goods

Provincial:

Province extends electricity rate relief during Covid-19
Government announces that all retail businesses with a street entrance can reopen Monday May 11^th, 2020
Hardware and safety supply stores will be allowed to fully reopen on Saturday May 9^th, 2020
Nurseries and garden centres will be open on Friday May 8^th, 2020
Province has further liberalized liquor laws allowing for lower prices and more options
Ontario government funds Virox Technologies Inc. with $850,000 to help double the production of disinfectants and create jobs
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 342,060
- Currently under investigation: 6,265
- Confirmed positive: 17,923
- Resolved: 12,505
- Deceased: 1,300

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,818,779 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 264,810 confirmed deaths
- 1,292,786 recovered
US:
- President Trump says virus is a worse attack than Pearl Harbour
- White House says relationship with China is disappointing, frustrating
- Texas Republicans get illegal haircuts in protest of Coronavirus lockdown
- California’s LA County reopens trails, some businesses as Orange County reopens beaches
UK:
- UK first European country to pass 30,000 deaths
- Government launches hardship fund for fairy farmers
- Heathrow airport trialling passenger temperature checks
Australia:
- With numbers of infections slowing Australia is forging ahead with plans to restart its economy
New Zealand:
- Prime Minister “no open borders for a long time”
Europe:
- Germany says football can resume and shops reopen
- Poland’s presidential election halted, new date will be set for the postal-only election
Latin America:
- Mexico receives ventilator shipment from US
- Columbian President declares new state of emergency
Africa:
- Kenya to shut off two areas identified as virus hot-spots
- Most Africans will run out of food in lockdown
Asia:
- India to start Covid-19 evacuation operation to repatriate thousands of Indian nationals
- Covid-19 cost India 120 million jobs
- Iranian airline spread Coronavirus

May 4th, 2020

New Developments:

Federal:

Prime Minister considering not introducing a Federal budget for 2020
Government pledges $850 Million for global fight against Coronavirus
Quebec begins easing lockdown
Union representing workers at Alberta food processing plant wants government intervention to shut down plant

Provincial:

Ontario significantly increases daily lab testing
- Now exceeding 16,000 tests a day
Government announces $12 Million in emergency funding to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports
Premier Ford says there’s only so long he can ‘hold back taxpayers from cottages’
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 342,060
- Currently under investigation: 6,265
- Confirmed positive: 17,923
- Resolved: 12,505
- Deceased: 1,300

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,645,352 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 252,393 confirmed deaths
- 1,194,969 recovered
US:
- US to borrow record $3 Trillion in pandemic spending
- Trump administration pushing to rip global supply chains from China
UK:
- Trial app being tested on the Isle of Wight
Australia:
- Australia lifts some of the worst restrictions
- New Zealand joins Australia’s Coronavirus cabinet meeting to discuss travel hub
Europe:
- New lows for deaths in France, Spain and Italy
- Germany to reopen all shops, allow soccer matches
Africa:
- Nigeria begins to ease lockdown
Asia:
- Liquor stores reopen in India
- Indonesia reports 395 new Coronavirus infections

May 1st, 2020

New Developments:

Provincial:

Ontario providing support for industrial and commercial electricity consumers during Covid-19
Ontario allowing some businesses to reopen on May 4^th, 2020
- Recently release list of new safety regulations businesses must adopt to reopen
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 294,054
- Currently under investigation: 11,975
- Confirmed positive: 16,608
- Resolved: 10,825
- Deceased: 1,121

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,400,278 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 239,570 confirmed deaths
- 1,081,156 recovered
US:
- President Trump stands by China lab origin theory
UK:
- UK has hit its target of carrying our 100,000 Covid-19 tests a day
Australia:
- Prime Minister says Australians ‘deserve an early mark’ as new infections dwindle
Europe:
- France warns that ending the national lockdown on May 11^th will only be a first step to pull out of the pandemic
- Ireland announced plan for gradual re-opening of the economy on May 18^th, 2020
Latin America:
- Brazil registers record number of new Coronavirus cases
Asia:
- Kim Jong Un makes first appearance in 20 days after storm of health rumours
- India virus lockdown extended by two weeks

April 30th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PBO says Federal deficit could top $252 Billion
House of Commons Health Committee voted unanimously to issue a formal summons to Bruce Aylward, senior advisor to the WHO
Liberals forced to amend student support legislation

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces more than 60 labour guidelines that businesses will need to follow to reopen
- “Get ready”, provinces is getting close to reopening
Government launches new app to support trucking industry
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 277,522
- Currently under investigation: 11,859
- Confirmed positive: 16,187
- Resolved: 10,205
- Deceased: 1082

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,304,140 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 233,829 confirmed deaths
- 1,039,055 recovered
US:
- President Trump says he’s seen evidence virus emerged from Wuhan lab
UK:
- UK past the peak of Coronavirus, says PM
- UK ethnic minorities suffer extra Covid deaths
Australia:
- Australis plots return of sport as spread of Coronavirus slows
Europe:
- Germany warns against worldwide travel before mid-June
Russia:
- Russian PM, Mikhail Mishustin, tests positive for Coronavirus
Latin America:
- Columbia foils jail break attempt amid virus fears
- Nine killed in Peru jail riot after Covid deaths
- Chile opens national park for citizens
Asia:
- Japan to extend Coronavirus emergency as early as Monday
- Yemen reports first Coronavirus deaths

April 29th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

House of Commons passes $9 Billion aid package
- Emergency student benefit boosted
- Senate expected to pass the bill on Friday May 1^st, 2020
Prime Minister Trudeau open to voluntary Coronavirus tracking app for mobile phones

Provincial:

‘Stay at home’ Premier Ford warns people from outside Ontario
Premier Ford announces more frontline workers eligible for Emergency Child Care
Province launches new website to accept proposals from businesses to temporarily change rules and regulations
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 264,594
- Currently under investigation: 9,530
- Confirmed positive: 15,728
- Resolved: 9,612
- Deceased: 996

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,219,424 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 228,197 confirmed deaths
- 1,000,293 recovered
US:
- “Clear-cut” evidence that Coronavirus drug ‘remdesivir’ works, Dr. Fauci
- Florida Governor announces state will start opening businesses Monday May 4^th, 2020 with restrictions
- New Jersey to reopen state and county parks after protests over restrictions
UK:
- UK government is facing the deadline for its daily Coronavirus testing target of 100,000 per day
  - Reached 52,000 on Tuesday, March 28^th, 2020
- Australia:
  - Australians urged to sign up to tracking app
    - PM said wide usage would be the ‘ticket’ to normal life resuming as soon as possible
  - Europe:
    - Germany warns against worldwide travel before mid-June
  - Latin America:
    - El Salvador gangs taking advantage of pandemic
      - Military and police have been authorized to use lethal force against gangs
    - Amazon city resorts to mass graves as Brazil Covid-19 deaths soar
  - Asia:
    - South Korea reports no new domestic Coronavirus cases
    - Japan PM says he will consult with experts on whether to extend state of emergency
    - China opposes international Covid-19 probe

April 28th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Parliament holds first ever digital session
New Covid-19 modelling shows that curve is flattening
Federal and Provincial governments agree on a common set of principals for the reopening of the economy
Premier Legault of Quebec says the Covid-19 situation is under control
- Quebec to reopen manufacturing, construction and some retail businesses on May 4^th
Health Minister says Canada is open to reviewing the WHO’s Covid-19 actions

Provincial:

Ontario will release clear guidelines on reopening businesses
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 253,040
- Currently under investigation: 6,282
- Confirmed positive: 15,381
- Resolved: 8,964
- Deceased: 951

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,136,174 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 217,793 confirmed deaths
- 953,034 recovered
US:
- Trump promises to send ventilators to Nigeria
UK:
- Millions more to become eligible for Coronavirus tests
- Testing in North Ireland is being significantly ramped up
Europe:
- Aggressive testing to underpin France’s Coronavirus lockdown exit
- France mandates masks for schools and transport
- Spain to phase out Coronavirus lockdown, eyes normality by end-June
- Greece plans gradual relaxation of lockdown measures
Russia:
- Putin extends Russia’s lockdown for two weeks
Latin America:
- Argentine halts all flights until September 1^st
- Chile to introduce ‘virus free’ ID
- Cuban doctors go to South Africa to fight Covid-19
Africa:
- Nigeria to begin ‘phased and gradual’ easing of lockdowns in Lagos and Abuja
- Court in Malawi says no to lockdown, only country in Africa where no lockdown in place
Asia:
- Coronavirus probably circulating in Yemen
- Cases in India close to 30,000
- India cancels order for test kits from China
- China bans civilians from buying/playing a Coronavirus themed video game

April 27th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Prime Minister Trudeau says ‘normal’ is still along way off
CERB benefit expanded for self employed
- Owners who pay themselves through dividends will have access
- Those with business expenses will be able to earn more money
US Canadian border will be closed until virus under better control
Coronavirus forces feds to hit pause on climate legislation
Nearly 10,000 businesses apply for wage subsidy in first hours of program being open

Provincial:

Premier Ford unveils plan for reopening the economy in phases
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 242,188
- Currently under investigation: 5,001
- Confirmed positive: 14,856
- Resolved: 8,525
- Deceased: 892

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 3,060,696 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 211,253 confirmed deaths
- 921,094 recovered
US:
- More US states begin lifting virus lockdown order
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson returns to No 10.
- UK not ready to start easing off lockdowns
New Zealand
- Prime Minister declares victory over Coronavirus, economy will begin to reopen
Australia
- Beginning lifting restrictions, beaches reopening
Europe:
- Spain considering looser lockdown after kids return to the streets
- Ireland not yet ready to ease Coronavirus restrictions
Latin America:
- Argentine imposes toughest travel ban in western hemisphere
Africa:
- Nigeria to begin ‘phased and gradual’ easing of lockdowns in Lagos and Abuja
Asia:
- Turkey says it will send medical gear to the United States
- Jordan eases Coronavirus curfew and reopens more businesses

April 24th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Federal government announces guidelines for reopening the economy
- Some provinces will have to be patient
Deal reached with all provinces to subsidize small business commercial rent by 75%
China will be replacing faulty medical equipment it recently sent to Canada

Provincial:

Premier Ford’s mother-in-law tests positive for Covid-19
Ontario government will announce its plan to reopen Ontario’s economy next week
Military is now assisting at long-term care and retirement homes across the province
Ontario strikes deal with Ottawa over small business commercial rent subsidy
- Ontario will contribute $241 million
- Ottawa will contribute $900 million
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 207,040
- Currently under investigation: 5,414
- Confirmed positive: 13,519
- Resolved: 7,087
- Deceased: 763

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,825,914 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 196,931 confirmed deaths
- 779,774 recovered
US:
- US approves first at-home test for Covid-19
- US repatriates stranded citizens from Cuba
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson is facing pressure to make a speedy return to work
Europe:
- Belgium unveils plans to lift lockdown
Latin America:
- Argentine inmate set fire to prison in Coronavirus protest
- Uruguay reopens some rural schools
Africa:
- South Africa relaxes lockdown
Asia:
- China rejects calls for inquiry into virus origins

April 23rd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

A prominent physician and key member of Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force says the World Health Organization placed too much confidence in Chinese data on the outbreak and set back the world’s response by as much as three weeks.
Prime Minister Trudeau says that Provinces will decide when to reopen their economies

Provincial:

Ontario government providing $1.5 Million in funding to Children’s Aid Foundation to support young people
Ontario government unveiled a new Action Plan for Vulnerable People
- Enhanced Screening and Reduced Exposure to Prevent Spread
- Enhancing screening of visitors, staff, and residents on sites, as well as restricting non-essential visitors.
- Providing masks to staff working in congregate care settings and providing training on the use of personal protective equipment in the event of an outbreak.
- Infection Control: Managing Outbreaks and Limiting Spread
- Enhancing testing of symptomatic staff and clients to identify the need for isolation and additional infection control measures on-site.
- Planning to limit staff from working at more than one congregate care setting during an outbreak, specifically in developmental services, intervenor services, violence against women and anti-human trafficking settings.
- Providing additional training and support for high-risk settings dealing with an outbreak, including guidance on how to isolate clients.
- Sustaining Staffing and Managing Staff Shortages
- Working with organizations to promote workforce stability and capacity in high-risk settings.
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 194,745
- Currently under investigation: 6,757
- Confirmed positive: 12,879
- Resolved: 6,680
- Deceased: 713

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,718,155 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 190,636 confirmed deaths
- 745,620 recovered
US:
- Secretary of State say U.S. may never restore WHO funds after cut-off over pandemic
- Congress passes $484 Billion Coronavirus relief bill
UK:
- Essential workers in England to get virus tests
- First patients injected in UK Covid-19 vaccine trial
Australia:
- Australia calls on G20 nations to end wet markets in China over Coronavirus concerns
Europe:
- Huge economic rescue plan agreed to by European leaders
Latin America:
- Uruguay reopens some rural schools
Asia:
- President Duterte extends Coronavirus lockdown in Philippine capital of Manila

April 22nd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Prime Minister Trudeau announces financial support for students and recent graduates
- $1,250 a month, or $1,750 a month if you are caring for someone
Quebec request 1,000 soldiers to help long term care homes in the province
Ontario request soldiers to help with logistics in long term care homes

Provincial:

Premier Ford requests federal soldiers to help province with logistics in long term care homes
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 184,531
- Currently under investigation: 6,845
- Confirmed positive: 12,245
- Resolved: 6,221
- Deceased: 659

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,637,673 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 184,217 confirmed deaths
- 717,625 recovered
US:
- President Trump signs executive order halting immigration for 60 days
- US says review of WHO to asses if the group is run ‘the way it should be’
UK:
- UK Government plans to test a sample of 20,000 British households for Covid-19 in the coming weeks to try to establish how far the disease has spread
- UK Zoom parliament makes an almost glitch-free debut
Australia:
- Australia calls on G20 nations to end wet markets in China over Coronavirus concerns
Europe:
- Spain approves lockdown extension but will let children take walks as Coronavirus spread slows
- Albanian seasonal workers could go to Greece in May
- Face masks to be compulsory across Germany
Russia:
- Russian communists defy lockdown with Red Square parade for Lenin’s 150^th anniversary since his birth
Latin America:
- Mexican coronavirus cases surpass 10,000
- Brazil’s Sao Paulo state to gradually reopen economy on May 11^th
Africa:
- Egypt amends emergency laws amid coronavirus outbreak
- Tanzania’s president calls for debt forgiveness to help battle virus
Asia:
- Abu Dhabi will re-open bus services on Saturday after sterilization
- Bahrain extends closure measures for two weeks starting April 23^rd

April 21st, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Government launches Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator for employers
Two planes scheduled to pickup supplies from China return empty
Air Canada suspending flights to US for four weeks after April 26^th, 2020

Provincial:

Province investing $11 Million to help deliver meals, medicines, and other essentials to provinces most vulnerable
- Also doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System
- Ontario begins working on plan to reopen as modelling data suggests cases have peaked
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 174,170
- Currently under investigation: 5,546
- Confirmed positive: 11,735
- Resolved: 5,806
- Deceased: 622

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,556,559 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 177,613 confirmed deaths
- 690,302 recovered
US:
- President Trump signs executive order halting immigration for 60 days
UK:
- Peak may now be over, experts
Australia:
- New South Wales will start reopening schools next month as Coronavirus infections slow
Europe:
- Spain to let children take walks as Coronavirus spread slows
Latin America:
- Venezuela communist regime and opposition leaders begin secret talks amid Coronavirus pandemic
- Mexican coronavirus cases surpass 9,000
Africa:
- South Africa pledges Covid-19 rescue package worth 10% of GDP

April 20th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Air travel passengers are now be required to wear non-medical face
Parliament votes on how it will proceed during the Covid-19
- 1 in person sitting per week, 2 virtual sittings

Provincial:

Health experts say the Covid-19 outbreak has likely peaked
- Ontario begins working on plan to reopen as modelling data suggests cases have peaked
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 164,840
- Currently under investigation: 3,799
- Confirmed positive: 11,184
- Resolved: 5,515
- Deceased: 584

Local:

Misc:
- Modelling shows we could have social distancing in place for up to 2 years. – Dr. Gardiner, SMDHU
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,481,026 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 170,423 confirmed deaths
- 646,675 recovered
US:
- Texas and Georgia announce plans to restart economies, end stay-at-home orders
UK:
- More than 140,000 companies claim wage subsidy assistance
- UK Parliament to begin mixture of in person sitting and session through video conferencing
- No public celebrations planned for Queen Elizabeth’s 94 birthday Tuesday April 21^st
Australia:
- New South Wales will start reopening schools next month as Coronavirus infections slow
Europe:
- Active Coronavirus cases drop in Italy
- Germany relaxes Coronavirus shop closures
Latin America:
- President Bolsonaro hope Coronavirus quarantine measures end this week

April 18th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Air travel passengers will now be required to wear non-medical face coverings starting Monday April 20^th
Prime Minister Trudeau tells Canadians ineligible for CERB to keep waiting
Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledges that some parts of the country could reopen sooner than others

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces updated Ontario projections to be revealed on Monday
Ontario investing $20 Million to advance medical research to combat Covid-19
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 146,454
- Currently under investigation: 6,833
- Confirmed positive: 10,010
- Resolved: 4,875
- Deceased: 514

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,330,781 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 160,747 confirmed deaths
- 596,482 recovered
US:
- President Trump warns China could face consequences for virus outbreak
UK:
- Parks and cemeteries must stay open says UK Minister
- Public health England is investigating why ethnic minorities seem to be disproportionately affected
Europe:
- Spain’s PM to seek longer but more flexible lockdown
- Albania re-opens some businesses as it seeks to limit Coronavirus hit to economy
- French Coronavirus deaths top 19,000, increase is slowing
Latin America:
- President Bolsonaro wants borders reopened, says its worth the risk
Asia:
- Israel to ease some Coronavirus restrictions
- Iran partially reopens capital as Coronavirus deaths hit one-month low
Africa:
- Morocco’s government extends Coronavirus lockdown to May 20th

April 17th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Prime Minister Trudeau announces billions in aid for energy sector
- Including $1.7 Billion to clean up orphan wells
Canada-U.S. agree to extend border restrictions by 30 days
Government of Canada funding Covid-19 research project with Wuhan virus lab
Senate extends adjournment until June 2^nd
Government of Canada commits $500 million to arts, culture and sports sectors affected by Covid-19

Provincial:

Premier Ford says he wants 14,000 tests done a day by the end of April
Ontario establishes key partnerships with Apple and Rogers to make home learning more accessible
- This week Ontario school boards began distributing iPads to students who don’t have either the technology or the internet they need to access the Learn at Home program
- iPads come equipped with free Rogers wireless data
Ontario government supporting Agri-food sector with $1 Million in new funding to match employers with job-seekers
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 136,992
- Currently under investigation: 5,993
- Confirmed positive: 9,525
- Resolved: 4,556
- Deceased: 478

Local:

Misc
- City of Barrie lays off 55 more people, moves to four-day work week in most areas
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,231,990 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 153,252 confirmed deaths
- 568,218 recovered
US:
- California study find infections may be 85 times higher than reported
UK:
- British veteran raises $25 Million by walking for the NHS
Europe:
- Czech lawmakers call on government to look beyond China for Coronavirus supplies
- Bulgaria’s Roma population fear Coronavirus lockdowns leave them with no means to live
- Frances death toll nears 19,000 but spread continues to slow
Latin America:
- President Bolsonaro wants borders reopened, says its worth the risk
Asia:
- China says nearly 1,300 virus deaths not counted in Wuhan, city where the outbreak started
Africa:
- Tunisian president extends Coronavirus lockdown

April 16th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Government of Canada not in a rush to open Canada/US border, despite calls from US Government
Elections Canada looking at how it could run an election during the pandemic
Number of Canadians dead now over 1,200
Prime Minister Trudeau announces new business rent assistance, and loosed loan qualifications for small businesses
Canadians receiving the CERB benefit must re-apply every month to continue receiving benefits

Provincial:

Ontario adds more than 2,000 acute care and critical care beds
- Also enacts pandemic staffing plans
Premier Ford’s campaign against price gouging triggers over 15,000 complaints
Ontario Government auto insurance companies to provide driver rebates during Covid-19
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 128,093
- Currently under investigation: 4,333
- Confirmed positive: 8,961
- Resolved: 4,194
- Deceased: 423

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,180,003 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 145,417 confirmed deaths
- 546,743 recovered
US:
- President Trump unveils guidelines for easing restrictions
  - Plan calls for three phases to reopening the country, based on the severity of the outbreak in each individual state or region
- S. givers $5 Million to Palestinians amid pandemic
UK:
- Government extends lockdown measures for at least three more weeks
Europe:
- Bulgarian capital Sofia sealed off to contain spread of Coronavirus
- Slovenia to east Coronavirus lockdown next Monday
- Albania to impost 2-8 year jail terms on Coronavirus quarantine rule-breaker
Latin America:
- President Bolsonaro fires health minister, calls to reopen economy
- El Chapo’s daughter, Mexican cartels hand out Coronavirus aid
Asia:
- All major Indian cities named as Coronavirus hotspots

April 15th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Statistic Canada released figures saying Canada’s economy shrank by nine percent in March, 2020
Federal government considering new law to limit free speech to fight Coronavirus ‘mis-information’
Prime Minister Trudeau has announced the expansion of the CERB benefit to include workers making $1,000 or less, as well as topping up essential workers salaries
Minister of Infrastructure seeking shovel ready projects for post Covid-19 stimulus plan
- Especially small, easy to approve projects, like community facilities renovations
Federal Government approves portable Covid-19 test ‘Spartan-cube’
Report out that Government of Canada destroyed millions of N95 masks and surgical gloves in 2019, then shut down the warehouse
- Masks had expired past manufacturers usage date

Provincial:

Ontario government launches Covid-19 action plan for long term care homes
- Hospital, health unit workers will be re-deployed to long term care homes to help manage outbreaks
- Bans people from working at two or more locations
Ontario government is providing $2.7 million to support services for victims of domestic violence
- Recent increase in domestic violence has been reported to front-line victims service organizations
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 119,092
- Currently under investigation: 4,429
- Confirmed positive: 8,447
- Resolved: 3,902
- Deceased: 385

Local:

Misc:
- Springwater man, long-term resident among region’s latest Covid-19 deaths
- There have been 10 deaths attributed to Covid-19 in Simcoe County and one in Muskoka
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 2,077,839 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 134,375 confirmed deaths
- 509,853 recovered
US:
- President Trump halts US funding of WHO
  - Money slated for WHO will go instead to various other aid groups
- US sources believe Coronavirus originated in Wuhan biological lab
- California announces huge fund to give cheques to illegal immigrants during Coronavirus
UK:
- Close family will be allowed to say goodbye to dying family members
Europe:
- Spain’s daily Coronavirus deaths decline as testing increases
Latin America:
- Health care workers attacked on public transit across Latin America, people fear they have the virus
- Bolsonaro expected to fire his health minister
Asia:
- India to allow farmers back to work amidst lockdown

April 14th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Ottawa and provinces in talks to reopen economy in stages
Federal government imposing tougher quarantine rules on returning travellers
- Returning travellers must have plan for self isolation, or they will be forced to spend 14 days in isolation in a hotel
Government of Canada provides $20 Million to safeguard Canada’s food supply by supporting critical food inspection services

Provincial:

Provincial state of emergency extended another 28 day, until May 12^th, 2020
Schools will not resume on May 4^th
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 113,082
- Currently under investigation: 2,107
- Confirmed positive: 7,953
- Resolved: 3,568
- Deceased: 334

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,997,618 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 126,596 confirmed deaths
- 478,425 recovered
US:
- President Trump will halt US funding of WHO
- President Trump will authorize governors to reopen states as needed
UK:
- UK promises to test all care home residents and staff with Coronavirus symptoms
Europe:
- Spain, Austria ease Coronavirus shutdown
- Frances rate of Coronavirus infections, deaths accelerating again
Latin America:
- Brazilian WWII veteran aged 99 survives Coronavirus
- Two Brazilian governors tested positive for Coronavirus
- Panama registers 102 new cases of Coronavirus
Asia:
- India announces lockdown will continue for another three more weeks

April 13th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Nearly 5.4 Million Canadians receiving federal aid
Canadian Farmers and food processors to get federal funds to help foreign workers isolate

Provincial:

Premier Ford announces Queens Park will sit tomorrow Tuesday April 14^th to extend state of emergency another 28 days
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 108,230
- Currently under investigation: 1,534
- Confirmed positive: 7,470
- Resolved: 3,357
- Deceased: 291

Local:

Municipalities
- Health Unit confirms 10 new Covid-19 cases in Simcoe-Muskoka region
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,917,239 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 119,090 confirmed deaths
- 441,232 recovered
US:
- Trump not considering firing Dr. Fauci
- President Trump says decision coming shortly on reopening of economy
- 1 in 100 New Yorkers have tested positive for Coronavirus
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson leaves hospital
- UK government does not expect to ease lockdown in the upcoming week
Europe:
- Spain partially loosens lockdown as Coronavirus death rate slows
- France extends lockdown

April 11th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

House of Commons sat today to pass massive wage subsidy bill
Changes coming to CERB for seasonal workers
Ontario received 100,000 contaminated, unusable swabs for Covid-19 testing
Alberta to send supplies to other provinces in need

Provincial:

Ontario Government significantly expanding Covid-19 testing
- Hospital inpatients;
- Residents of long-term care and retirement homes;
- Health care workers, caregivers, care providers, paramedics, and first responders, including police and firefighters;
- Remote, isolated, rural and Indigenous communities;
- Other congregate living centres, including homeless shelters, prisons and group homes;
- Specific vulnerable populations, including patients undergoing chemotherapy or hemodialysis and requiring transplants, as well as pregnant persons, newborns and cross-border workers; and
- Other essential workers, as defined by provincial orders.
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 96,321
- Currently under investigation: 1,517
- Confirmed positive: 6,648
- Resolved: 2,858
- Deceased: 253

Local:

Municipalities
- Health Unit confirms 8 new Covid-19 in Barrie and 3 deaths in region
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,775,597 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 108,560 confirmed deaths
- 401,517 recovered
US:
- Trump has declared major disaster in all 50 states
- US now has more than 20,000 deaths, and more than 500,000 cases
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson up and walking
Europe:
- Ireland extends lockdown another three weeks
Latin America:
- Brazil reports 1,000 Coronavirus deaths
Asia:
- Singapore put on lockdown
- India to extend nationwide lockdown
Africa
- South Africa’s lockdown extended

April 10th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

RCMP to begin verifying Canadians complying with quarantine order
- Failing to comply could result in $1 Million dollar fine
All CERB applicants will receive payments, whether they qualify or not
Canadian Intelligence warned about out Wuhan outbreak back in January
Emergency Act talks rejected by Premiers
Quebec Premier doesn’t rule out schools, daycares reopening ahead of May deadline

Provincial:

Child-care centres temporarily prevented from charging parents fees
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 92,673
- Currently under investigation: 1,508
- Confirmed positive: 6,237
- Resolved: 2,574
- Deceased: 222

Local:

Municipalities
- Barrie is cancelling all spring registered recreation programming
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,696,244 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 102,594 confirmed deaths
- 375,958 recovered
US:
- Trump announces second task force to reopen economy
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson up and walking

April 9th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

House of Commons to meet Saturday April 9^th, 2020 to pass wage subsidy
Ottawa laying the groundwork for using Emergencies Act
Lockdown in place at medium security Mission Institution after some inmates tested positive for Covid-19
Government of Canada released national-level Coronavirus modelling
- 22,580 – 31,850 cases by April 16^th
- 500-700 deaths by April 16^th
- Under the current public health measures up to 44,000 Canadians could die
- Modelling shows that number could skyrocket if efforts stopped
- Under all scenarios the peak appears to be coming sometime between late spring and early fall

Provincial:

Ontario’s public health chief temporarily steps as aside
- Premier Ford called the provinces low rate of testing unacceptable
Province issues new testing guidelines
- All health-care workers, caregivers, care providers and first responders should be tested as soon as is feasible if they develop any symptoms
Province creates partnership with volunteer hub to help seniors during Covid-19
- Deliver food, medicine and run errands
Essential stores will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to give workers a break
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 88,698
- Currently under investigation: 1,208
- Confirmed positive: 5,759
- Resolved: 2,305
- Deceased: 200

Local:

Misc
- Parking fees being waved at RVH
  - Gate arms will be lifted until May 31^st
- Municipalities
  - Barrie is cancelling all spring registered recreation programming
  - Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
- Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
  - 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
  - Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
  - Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
- RVH
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
  - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
  - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
  - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- SMDHU
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
  - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
- Simcoe County Linx Transit
  - Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
    - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
    - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
    - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
    - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
    - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
  - Local Closures
    - Closures remain in effect
      - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
      - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
      - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
      - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
      - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,598,177 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 95,403 confirmed deaths
- 355,401 recovered
US:
- 450,000 confirmed cases in US
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson out of intensive care, but remains in hospital
  - Said to be in good spirits
- Europe:
  - EU ministers seal deal on half trillion Coronavirus rescue plan
  - Spanish lockdown likely into May
  - Number of French people in ICU for Coronavirus falls for the first time
- Latin America:
  - Lockdowns in Brazil’s largest cities are starting to be ignored
- Africa:
  - Botswana puts all MPs and ministers under quarantine
- Asia:
  - Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps over Coronavirus

April 8th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Government announced enhancements to the Canada Summer Jobs program
- Increase to the wage subsidy, so that employees can receive up to 100 percent of the provincial minimum wage for each employee
- An extension to the end date for employment to February 28^th, 2021
- Allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- Allowing employers to hire staff on a part time basis
Prime Minister Trudeau announced the qualifications for the Wage Subsidy are being relaxed
- Companies can now compare their list revenue to what they made in January and February of 2020, as opposed to March 2019
- Charities are also being granted the ability to choose whether or not to include government revenues in their calculations of lost revenues when applying
Prime Minister Trudeau also announced that the government is working to get more support to groups that have been left out so far
- “If you’re working less than 10 hours a week, we will be telling you how you can apply for CERB. If you’re a student… we will bring forward more measures”. – Prime Minister Trudeau
Report says that there are no public health officials screening for Covid-19 at Canada’s land borders

Provincial:

Ontario Government announces online portal for changing wills
Ontario has announced the closure of stores this Friday and Sunday to give essential workers a break
- This includes grocery stores and pharmacies
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 84,601
- Currently under investigation: 1,102
- Confirmed positive: 5,276
- Resolved: 2,074
- Deceased: 174

Local:

MISC
- Local campaign started to feed front-line workers at RVH
  - Started by Marshall Green, vice-chair of the Barrie Community Foundation, and Jennifer Long-Allen, co-owner of Cravings Fine Good
  - Money can be e-Transferred to [email protected]
  - $15 donation will buy one meal
- Simcoe County staff have been redeployed, working from home or taking unpaid leave
  - 25 staff have volunteers to be redeployed to long-term care
  - 350-400 have transitioned to working from home
- Municipalities
  - Barrie is cancelling all spring registered recreation programming
  - Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
- Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
  - 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
  - Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
  - Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
- RVH
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
  - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
  - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
  - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- SMDHU
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
  - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
- Simcoe County Linx Transit
  - Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
    - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
    - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
    - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
    - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
    - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
  - Local Closures
    - Closures remain in effect
      - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
      - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
      - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
      - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
      - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,497,999 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 87,731 confirmed deaths
- 319,192 recovered
US:
- President Trump tweets about cutting off funding for WHO
- US death toll tops 13,000
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson’s conditions improving in intensive care
- British government complains about the quality of Coronavirus test kits from China
- UK death toll tops 7,000
Europe:
- Talks over EU Covid-19 rescue package have stalled
- No sign that Europe’s COvid-19 epidemic is at peak
- Spain’s death toll passes 14,500
- Italy’s daily death toll falls, but new cases accelerate
- France to extend lockdown, death toll tops 10,000
- Malta records its first Coronavirus death
- Head of EU’s top science body resigns over Coronavirus controversy
  - Sites institutional resistance and bureaucratic infighting
- Latin America:
  - El Salvador, Honduras, Peru introduce stricter measures prior to Easter
- Africa:
  - South Africa minister suspended for breaking lockdown rules
  - Somalia’s King of Oud dies from Covid-19
- Asia:
  - China lifts lockdown of Wuhan province
  - Iran appeals for loan as Covid-19 death toll passes 4,000

April 7th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Canadian officials successful in convincing US administration to lift ban on exports of medical equipment to Canada, and South America
Theresa Tam says she would wear a face mask when physical distancing isn’t possible
Draft wage-subsidy bill leaked to Globe and Mail
- Still no timeframe for when Parliament will be recalled to pass legislation
Nearly $1 Million Canadians applied for CERB benefit on day 1
Food banks across the country will receive $100 Million from the federal government

Provincial:

Premier Ford tours auto parts manufacturer in Vaughan
- Assembly line has been transformed to make much needed medical equipment
Ontario moves to bolster health-care workforce
- Asking retired health-care workers, medical students and foreign-trained doctors to augment the front lines
Ontario Government investing $37 Million to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 81,364
- Currently under investigation: 691
- Confirmed positive: 4,726
- Resolved: 1,802
- Deceased: 153

Local:

MISC
- Simcoe County Linx transit will be adjusted (see below)
- Local health unit reports 17 new Covid-19 cases since Sunday April 5^th, 2020
Municipalities
- Barrie is cancelling all spring registered recreation programming
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Starting Monday, April 13, LINX Transit is making the following adjustments:
  - Route 1 – Penetanguishene/Midland to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced from hourly to every 90 minutes
  - Route 2 – Wasaga Beach to Barrie – this service will remain unchanged
  - Route 3 – Orillia to Barrie – frequency of service will be reduced to every 100 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; service will remain every 50 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  - Route 4 – Wasaga Beach to Collingwood – this service will remain unchanged
  - LINX+ (accessible transit) is not affected by these schedule changes
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
    - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
    - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
    - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,424,341 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 81,896 confirmed deaths
- 301,770 recovered
US:
- US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, urged all countries to be transparent and honest as they grapple with the pandemic
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson has stabilized buy remains in intensive care
Europe:
- Many Italian companies and academics are pressing the government to reopen factories to prevent an economic catastrophe
- France is fourth country to pass 10,000 Coronavirus deaths
- Spain’s death rate increases again
- Slovenian parliament enables the chamber to meet online
Africa
- Eastern Libya confirms first Coronavirus case
- Egypt to ban Ramadan gatherings to counter Coronavirus
Asia
- Japan to declare Coronavirus emergency, launch stimulus of almost $1 Trillion
- Mainland China sees rise in asymptomatic Coronavirus cases
  - Government vows tighter controls at land borders

April 6th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Prime Minister Trudeau announces that CERB will be expanded to include people who have reduced hours, but not laid-off, students and gig-workers
- Finance Minister will have more details soon
Prime Minister says they are working with major banks and credit unions to reduce credit card interest rates for people in bad shape
Prime Minister Trudeau floats the idea of a virtual parliament
No date for parliament to resume to pass Wage Subsidy legislation
Non-medical mask can keep people with Covid-19 from spreading it – Dr. Theresa Tam
Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application process opens today Monday March 6^th, 2020
- 240,000 CERB applications have been submitted

Provincial:

Premier Ford tells media that Ontario could run out of personal protective equipment by next week
Ontario cities ban health-care workers from crossing borders to work in United States
Provincial government made an emergency order that will allow police, firefighters and paramedics to obtain Covid-19 positive status information
Province is deferring $15 Million in property taxes for people and businesses in parts of Northern Ontario
First day of online learning for Ontario students.
- Schools remain closed
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 75,046
- Currently under investigation: 329
- Confirmed positive: 4,347
- Resolved: 1,624
- Deceased: 132

Local:

MISC
- Increased traffic of military personnel in the area
  - Government is concentrating military at Base Borden to be able to respond to requests for help
- City of Barrie temporarily laying off approximately 470 part-time recreation and theatre staff
Municipalities
- Barrie is cancelling all spring registered recreation programming
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,342,775 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 74,564 confirmed deaths
- 278,191 recovered
US:
- Authorities warn this week will be ‘peak death week’ for Coronavirus
- Tiger in Bronx Zoon tested positive for Coronavirus
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson moved to intensive care after his Coronavirus symptoms worsened
Europe:
- Authorities in northern Italy have begun testing health workers for antibodies that may help identify individuals with immunity
  - Looking for ways to ease the lockdown imposed a month ago
- Spanish Coronavirus death pace slows
- Frances Coronavirus death rate accelerates
- Denmark to ease lockdown restrictions next week
South America
- Member of Brazilian Presidents inner circle accuses Chinese medical equipment makers of profiteering
Africa
- Kenya bans travel in and out of Capital, Nairobi, the port of Mombasa and two counties
- 43 of 54 countries in Africa have closed their borders
- Morocco made wearing face masks mandatory for anyone allowed outside
Asia
- Japan to declare Coronavirus emergency, launch stimulus of almost $1 Trillion
- Mainland China sees rise in asymptomatic Coronavirus cases
  - Government vows tighter controls at land borders

April 5th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Queen Elizabeth addresses Commonwealth amid Coronavirus pandemic
Prime Minister Trudeau has put a call out for volunteers, and offers full time employment to Army Reserves
New measures for ferries and commercial passenger vessels capable of carrying more than 12 people
The Government of Canada announced that $159.5 Million in funding to support global efforts to fight Coronavirus
Canadian Border Services Agency office in Thunder Bay has been closed until further notice
Canada looking to disinfect used masks, Dr. Tam asks they not be thrown away
Emergency Response Benefit application process opens tomorrow Monday April 6th

Provincial:

Updated list of essential businesses now in effect
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 75,046
- Currently under investigation: 981
- Confirmed positive: 4,038
- Resolved: 1,449
- Deceased: 119

Local:

Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,268,855 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 69,330 confirmed deaths
- 261,200 recovered
US:
- New York new virus cases ‘dropping for first time’
UK:
- Prime Minister Johnson hospitalized for testing, after continuing to have symptoms after ten days
- Hospital built in 9 days set to open in London
  - Largest health facility in UK
  - Four thousand intensive care beds
- Europe:
  - Second Greek migrant camp quarantined over Coronavirus
  - Dutch implementing policy of ‘intelligent lockdown’
    - Embracing social distancing, but not self isolation
    - Many parts of the economy are not shut down
  - Italy starts to look ahead to ‘phase two’ as Covid-19 death toll slows
  - France’s death toll slows
- Africa
  - Malawi President takes 10% pay cut
  - South Sudan records first Coronavirus case
  - Nigeria opens newly refurbished stadium as a facility to help Coronavirus victims

April 4th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Canada not looking to retaliate after US restricts export of face masks – PM Trudeau
Canada to receive millions of masks from China – PM Trudeau
Canada announces support to those experiencing homelessness and women fleeing domestic abuse
- $157.5 Million to address the needs of homeless Canadians
- $40 Million to support women fleeing domestic abuse

Provincial:

Province is investing $40 Million to support organizations that provide residential services for
- Children and youth
- People with developmental disabilities
- Emergency shelters for women and families fleeing domestic violence
Province launces new portal so patients can access their Covid-19 test results faster online
- ca/coronavirus
Province launches new online portal connecting workers with employers looking to fill positions in the agri-food sector
- ca/AgFoodJobs
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 71,338
- Currently under investigation: 1,336
- Confirmed positive: 3,630
- Resolved: 1,219
- Deceased: 94

Local:

- “We anticipate local deaths between 185-2,000 (over a two-year period). Had we not put in place these controls, it could be as much as 20 times as great as that,” – Dr. Charles Gardner, SMRHD
- Barrie Cannabis store closing, after province updated essential businesses list
Municipalities
- Mayor Lehman signed the Barrie Covid-19 Emergency Measures by-law
  - New bylaw prohibits certain activities and regulates physical distancing
  - Individuals not adhering to physical distancing regulation can be fined a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $100,000 for each offence
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,196,944 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 64,577 confirmed deaths
- 246,110 recovered
US:
- President Trump predicts this coming week will probably be the toughest in the fight against Coronavirus
- President Trump deploys military medical staff to New York
- President Trump signs executive order calling on retired troops to help with fight against Coronavirus
- New York virus deaths surge past 3,500
UK:
- Five-year-old among latest UK Coronavirus victims
Europe:
- Spain ‘closer to passing peak’ as deaths fall again

April 3rd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau announces $100 Million fund going to food banks, and similar community services
Government released Covid-19 app
- Over 100,000 people have downloaded it since release
- Includes useful information, and the option for automatic updates
Status of cases in Canada:
- Canada cases: 12,389
  Canada deaths: 178
  Canada recovered: 2,190
  Canada tested: 290,570
  Canada negative tests: 276,598

Provincial:

Premier Ford released projections about the potential death toll in Ontario
- 3,000 to 15,000 potential Covid-19 deaths
- Projections showed that up to 100,000 could have died without the widespread closures of schools and businesses
- “The numbers clearly show that we collectively have saved thousands of lives” – Premier Ford
Premier Ford announces new list of essential services, more businesses will be shut down
- Includes all industrial construction sites, except essentials such as hospitals
Province announces “Supervised Short Duration Certificate” allowing some foreign trained physicians and domestic medical school graduates to practice under supervision
Province announces $4 Million to support victims and protect front-line justice staff
Ontario initiates restricted fire zone protocol
- Restrictions will remain in place until Ontario’s ability to respond to emergencies is no longer impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 66,753
- Currently under investigation: 1,245
- Confirmed positive: 3,225
- Resolved: 1,023
- Deceased: 67

Local:

Municipalities
- Springwater township not affected by provincial fire-ban
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,087,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 58,392 confirmed deaths
- 228,001 recovered
US:
- President Trump signs order authorizing Pentagon to call up former troops to help with Coronavirus fight
- US Army deploys to New York to help with Coronavirus fight
- President Trump wants to stop 3M from exporting masks to rest of the world
UK:
- First Coronavirus field hospital opens in London
- PM Johnson remains in isolation
- Staying at home is an instruction “not a request” – UK Health Secretary
Europe:
- More than 10,000 lives lost to Coronavirus in Spain
Russia:
- President Putin prolonged non-working period until April 30^th, 2020
South America:
- Peru limits movement by gender to stem Coronavirus
  - Men and women are allowed out of home on different days
  - On Sunday everyone must stay home
- Asia:
  - Ultra-Orthodox Israeli town put under lockdown
  - China using surveillance on citizens to fight Coronavirus

April 2nd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau and Ministers refuses to release data models that project how the virus might play out
PM Trudeau sidesteps question
Canada’s Covid-19 cases surpass 10,000
- 4,611 Quebec
- 2,793 Ontario
- 1,066 British Columbia

Provincial:

Premier Ford says he will release data models projecting how the virus might play out next Friday April 3^rd, 2020. “You deserve to know” – Premier Ford
Province investing $2,440,500 in community service providers in Simcoe County
- This money is part of Ontario’s $200 million services relief funding to help protect the province's most vulnerable people.
Provincial Government announce measures to support truck drivers
- All 23 ONroute travel plazas will remain open for take-out and drive through
- Also providing portable washrooms at truck inspection stations
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 62,733
- Currently under investigation: 2,052
- Confirmed positive: 2,793
- Resolved: 831
- Deceased: 53

Local:

- No evidence of more Covid-19 cases at Orillia long-term care home
- Georgian College loaning dozens of beds to RVH
- Barrie man becomes first hospitalized Covid-19 patient to recover
- City of Orillia temporarily laying off some staff
- City of Barrie has not announced layoffs to date
- “We need to really be respecting the restrictions that the provincial government has put in place about no more than five people gathering and it’s much more preferable that only household members get together.” – Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU, on the topic of Easter celebrations
Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 1,013,022 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 52,975 confirmed deaths
- 212,015 recovered
US:
- President Trump suspends additional seasonal worker visas due to economic downturn
- President Trump doubts China’s reported Coronavirus numbers are fake
  - US intelligence says China concealed extent of virus outbreak
- New House coronavirus oversight committee created to oversee stimulus spending
- More than 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment last week
UK:
- UK Government promises 100,000 tests a day, by the end of the month
- Thousands of ex-NHS staff are returning to work in hospitals
Europe:
- More than 10,000 lives lost to Coronavirus in Spain
Russia:
- President Putin prolonged non-working period until April 30^th, 2020
Asia:
- President Duterte tells his security forces to crack down on violent protesters to enforce Coronavirus emergency
- Saudi Arabia locks down the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the fight against Coronavirus
- Iran’s Coronavirus death toll passes 3,000

April 1st, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau looks to recall Parliament to pass ‘biggest economic measures in our lifetimes’
- Need to recall Parliament to pass ‘Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy’
- No timeline on when Parliament will be recalled
More details released about ‘Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy’
- 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 would 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.
Government document says social distancing/self isolation measures are expected to be in place until July as ‘best case scenario’
Minister of Finance eyes low-interest lines of credit for households battered by Covid-19
Aid package for energy, airlines and tourism still a work in progress
Minister Hajdu, Federal government “likely did not have enough” protective equipment in its emergency stockpile to meet needs during Covid-19 pandemic
Whistleblower says workers at nursing homes aren’t being given protective gear

Provincial:

Quebec police setup checkpoint to limit Ottawa-Gatineau border crossing
Ontario, BC, and Quebec begin building makeshift hospitals in preparation for rise in cases
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am
- Total Tested: 57,874
- Currently under investigation: 3,135
- Confirmed positive: 2,392
- Resolved: 689
- Deceased: 37

Local:

Misc
- There are 62 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Simcoe-Muskoka region
Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- There are now 50 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Simcoe-Muskoka region
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 925,263 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 46,403 confirmed deaths
- 193,431 recovered
US:
- White House projects up to 240,000 US deaths from Coronavirus
- Army Corps of Engineers mobilize across America to combat Covid-19
- Florida Governor issues statewide stay-at-home order to curb coronavirus
UK:
- 13-year-old boy dies with Coronavirus
- Woman fined 660 GBP for breaching Coronavirus rules
- 2,000 NHS staff tested for Coronavirus
Europe:
- European dead passes 30,000
- Spain’s deaths soar, but infection rate slows

March 31st, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Canadian Postal Workers Union asking Canadians to disinfect their mailboxes
Minister Blair (Public Safety) asks prison, parole heads to consider releasing some inmates to stop spread of Covid-19
- Two inmates and nine employees are infected at Port-Cartier maximum security prison
- “Prisons will become incubators of the virus” – Senator Kim Pate

Provincial:

Ontario extends emergency order to April 13^th, 2020
Ontario Government expected to unveil extended online learning plan this afternoon
Ontario School will remain closed until at least May 4^th, 2020
Six-month moratorium announced for OSAP loans
Premier Ford personally picked up and delivered 90,000 surgical masks to Ontarians, with his pickup truck
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm
- Total Tested: 51,629
- Currently under investigation: 4,280
- Confirmed positive: 1,966
- Resolved: 534
- Deceased: 33

Local:

Misc
- Barrie teen confirmed to have contracted Covid-19
- There are now 55 confirmed cases in Simcoe County and Muskoka region
Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- There are now 50 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Simcoe-Muskoka region
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 845,526 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 41,429 confirmed deaths
- 176,504 recovered
US:
- President Trump calls for $2 Trillion infrastructure bill as ‘Phase 4’ of coronavirus response
UK:
- UK Police now have wide ranging powers
  - The power to detain someone to be tested if they are believed to be infectious
  - The power to close a wide range of non-essential businesses
  - The power to restrict your right to move around and be part of a gathering
- One UK doctor is calling on 3D printer owners to use their machines to make face shields for the NHS
Europe:
- Spanish Foreign Minister says, spread of Covid-19 is slowing in Spain
- The Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey have all rejected Chinese-made equipment saying the equipment is substandard
Russia:
- Russia includes jail terms for violating lockdown rules
Africa:
- 13-year-old Kenyan boy shot by police after Coronavirus curfew starts being enforced

March 30th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau says that the military is ‘gearing up’ to join the federal approach to combating the Covid-19 pandemic
- 24,000 soldiers have been mobilized to help provincial and municipal authorities who may need support
PM Trudeau expanded on wage subsidies for businesses
- Applies to businesses of any size that has seen a revenue decrease of 30%
- Will be eligible for 75% of wages
- Being backdated to March 15^th, 2020
Minister of Agriculture announces extension to Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Deadline
- Deadline to apply, reinstate, cancel or make changes to Crop Insurance contracts is extended to April 13^th, 2020
Two inmates have tested positive for Covid-19 at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec
Lockdown at Drumheller Institution has ended
Air Canada to layoff 16,500 workers amid Covid-19 pandemic

Provincial:

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Williams, strongly recommending people with compromised immune systems, underlying health conditions and anyone over the age of 70 to stay at home
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm
- Total Tested: 48,461
- Currently under investigation: 5,651
- Confirmed positive: 1,706
- Resolved: 431
- Deceased: 23

Local:

Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- There are now 50 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Simcoe-Muskoka region
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 775,786 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 37,109 confirmed deaths
- 164,541 recovered
US:
- President Trump extending self-isolation guidelines to May 1^st, 2020
- USNS Comfort (hospital ship) arrives in New York City harbour
  - Expected to start receiving patients Tuesday March 31^st, 2020
  - Not receiving Covid-19 patients, being used to treat non-Covid-19 patients
- Virginia, Maryland amongst latest states to impose stay-at-home orders to stem Coronavirus crisis
UK:
- UK Coronavirus measures ‘making a difference’ – UK’s chief scientific adviser
- Prince Charles out of self-isolation
Europe
- Spanish Foreign Minister says, spread of Covid-19 is slowing in Spain
- The Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey have all rejected Chinese-made equipment saying the equipment is substandard
Australia
- Government limits public gatherings to two people
South America
- Columbia’s ELN Rebels call ceasefire over virus

March 29th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau pledges more support for Canadians
- $7.5 Million in funding for Children’s help phone line
- $9 Million through United War Canada to help seniors get groceries
PM Trudeau to remain in isolation longer despite Sophie Trudeau recovering from Covid-19
China donating thousands of medical masks, and personal protective equipment to Canada
- Canada sent many tonnes of equipment to China in February 2020

Provincial:

Ontario Government preparing to turn hotels, convention centres into makeshift hospitals
- This move is already being implemented in other jurisdictions around the globe
Ontario prohibits gathers of more than five people with strict exceptions
Ontario stepping up measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 on construction sites
- The update follows an initial guidance document circulated on March 20, 2020, and addresses sector topics including:
  - providing better on-site sanitation, including a focus on high-touch areas like site trailers, door handles and hoists
  - communicating roles, responsibilities, and health & safety policies, by, for example, posting site sanitization schedules and work schedules
  - enabling greater distances between workers by staggering shifts, restricting site numbers and limiting elevator usage
  - protecting public health by tracking and monitoring workers
- Ontario taking emergency measures to support long-term care homes during Covid-19
  - Funds, resources and flexibility for the sector
- Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  - Negative: 40,630
  - Currently under investigation: 7,203
  - Confirmed positive: 1,326
  - Resolved: 8
  - Deceased: 21

Local:

Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- We have evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in our region which means the virus is spreading in the community and is not linked to travel or a previously known case. Community transmission means that we expect the number of cases will start to rise over the next days and weeks
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 711,985 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 33,573 confirmed deaths
- 150,827 recovered
US:
- President Trump backs off on his idea to quarantine New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut
UK:
- “All parts of UK on ‘emergency footing’ – UK Minister
- “Six months before life returns to normal” – UK deputy chief medical officer
- PM Johnson warns Britons that measures to combat Coronavirus could get tougher
Europe
- More than 900 virus deaths in a day in Italy
Australia
- Government limits public gatherings to two people
Russia
- Sees no epidemic, but starts to shutdown

March 28th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau announces that people displaying symptoms of Covid-19 will be banned from internal flights and trains.
- Measure to take effect Monday March 30^th, at noon
Lockdown at Drumheller Institution
- Precautionary measure after some inmates showed symptoms of influenze

Provincial:

Ontario Government launches website for citizens to report on price gouging
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm
- Negative: 33,240
- Currently under investigation: 8,690
- Confirmed positive: 1,118
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 18

Local:

Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- We have evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in our region which means the virus is spreading in the community and is not linked to travel or a previously known case. Community transmission means that we expect the number of cases will start to rise over the next days and weeks
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 653,208 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 30,338 confirmed deaths
- 139,591 recovered
US:
- President Trump suggests he may quarantine New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut
UK:
- “UK will do well to keep deaths under 20,000” Health Official
Europe
- Spain’s Princess Maria Teresa (86) dies from Covid-19
China
- Wuhan partly reopens after lockdown
Africa
- Tunisians self isolate in factory to make face masks

March 27th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau announces major wage subsidy hike for business
- Boosting it to 75% from 15%
- Being backdated to March 15^th, 2020
- Allows businesses to defer all GST/HST and customs duties payments until June
- Launched the new Canada Emergency Business Account
  - Provide up to $25 Billion to eligible financial institutions so they can provide interest-free loans to small businesses
  - These loans will be guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada
- Launched the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program
  - Enable up to $40 Billion in lending, through EDC and BDC
- British Columbia has assumed the power to take over supply chains

Provincial:

Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 29,967
- Currently under investigation: 10,976
- Confirmed positive: 967
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 18

Local:

MISC
- Local company, Napoleon, stopping production of bbqs, to focus on manufacturing face shields for front line workers
- North American Development Group (Park Place) introduces national economic relief program to support and bring immediate relief to qualified small business owners in their shopping centres
- Local MPs Doug Shipley and John Brassard announced they will be donating their legislated raises to the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie
Municipalities
- Barrie City Council will hold a Special Council meeting online Monday March 30^th
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so.
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- “There could be thousands of Covid-19 cases in the region” – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 586,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 26,889 confirmed deaths
- 132,428 recovered
US:
- President Trump expected to sign $2 Trillion aid package into law
- President Trump will not deploy US troops to Canadian border
UK:
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for Coronavirus
- Health workers on frontline to be tested in UK
Europe
- Over 900 deaths in a day in Italy
- Deaths rise, but Spain’s infection rate stabilises
China
- China bars foreign visitors as imported cases rise
- Wuhan province to ease lockdown
Africa
- Zimbabwe to start lockdown on Monday March 30^th
- South Africa reports first Coronavirus deaths

March 26th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

PM Trudeau appoints new ambassador to the United States, Kristen Hillman
Canada – United States in talks to avoid American troops along border
Federal government facing criticism over sending 16 tons of personal protective equipment to China in February
Federal government is asking banks and credit card companies to lower interest rates on Canadians struggling financially
Minister for Indigenous Services, Marc Miller, outlined the details of the $305 million Coronavirus aid package for Indigenous communities

Provincial:

Province allowing bars and take out restaurants to sell alcohol with meals
- Temporary measure meant to help struggling restaurant businesses.
New financial measures for businesses
- $1.9 Billion
- Will be run through Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- Will see premiums payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province
Government of Ontario says it will ramp up testing capacity, aims to have 18,900 tests a day by mid-April
Provincial government will impose measures to stop price gouging
Premier Ford says, anyone who must choose between paying rent and buy groceries should stop paying rent, Province of Ontario will stop people from getting evicted, but please don’t take advantage of this
Premier Ford says 72 Covid-19 assessment centres are now open across Ontario
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 26,727
- Currently under investigation: 10,965
- Confirmed positive: 837
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 13

Local:

MISC
- Orillia woman dies of Covid-19 complications, March 26^th, 2020
Municipalities
- Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so.
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- “There could be thousands of Covid-19 cases in the region” – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Simcoe County Linx Transit
- Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
- Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
- The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
  - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
  - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 525,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 23,701 confirmed deaths
- 123,329 recovered
United Nations launched a US$2 Billion Covid-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan to support the world’s most vulnerable countries
Three new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19.
- Region of the Americas [1]
- African Region [2]
US:
- Senate approves historic $2 Trillion stimulus package
- Number of people in the US seeking jobless benefits jumped to nearly 3.3 million last week
UK:
- Government unveils aid for self-employed
  - Up to 80% of their average monthly profits, up to a maximum of £2,500
  - Will not begin to arrive until the start of June
- Europe
  - Italy fears virus is spreading quickly into southern Italy
  - Coalition government in Kosovo falls, no clear way forward as the pandemic prevents new elections
- Australia
  - Barbers and hairdressers have been allowed to remain open, despite coronavirus restrictions
- Africa
  - Uganda bans public transport for two weeks
  - Cameroon rebels declare Coronavirus ceasefire
  - Kenyan MPs debate Coronavirus pay cut

March 25th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Prince Charles tested positive to Covid-19
- In isolation at Balmoral Estate
Emergency legislation passed the House early Wednesday (March 24^th, 2020) morning
- Senate passed early Wednesday (March 24^th, 2020) afternoon
  - The Official Opposition was successful in blocking the Liberals attempts to suspend Parliamentary oversight of taxation and spending
- Government announces MANDATORY 14-day self isolation for travellers arriving in Canada
- PM Trudeau announces $2,000/month Covid-19 Job Loss Benefit (Canada Emergency Response Benefit
  - Online portal should be launched soon
  - People should start receiving money ten days after applying
  - Government will have more to say on wage subsidies for business shortly
- Federal bureaucrats have been reassigned to work the backlog of EI applications
- National Parks, and historical landmarks have been closed for parking

Provincial:

Ontario Government announces Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to Covid-19
- $7 Billion in additional resources for the health care system
- $10 Billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals
- $17 Billion is a critical first step
Premier Ford announces creation of phone hotline for business: 1-888-444-3659
- Toll free line is a resource to help answer questions from business and employees who feel they fall into the grey area of whether they are an essential service
Ontario Implements enhanced measures to protect the safety of residents in long-term care homes
- Redeploying staff within different locations in (or between) facilities of the health service provider;
- Changing the assignment of work, including assigning non-bargaining unit employees or contractors to perform bargaining unit work;
- Changing the scheduling of work or shift assignments;
- Deferring or cancelling vacations, absences or other leaves, regardless of whether such vacations, absences or leaves are established by statute, regulation, agreement or otherwise;
- Employing extra part-time or temporary staff or contractors, including for the purpose of performing bargaining unit work;
- Using volunteers to perform work, including to perform bargaining unit work; and
- Providing appropriate training or education as needed to staff and volunteers to achieve the purposes of a redeployment plan.
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 24,458
- Currently under investigation: 10,489
- Confirmed positive: 671
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 9

Local:

MISC
- Local Oro-Medonte business “Molded Precision Components” is transitioning its production towards making medical masks for front line workers
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced the biggest single-day increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the region
  - Total up to 21 cases today
- Municipalities
  - Local municipalities remain in a state of emergency
  - Springwater Township has authorized these special measures
    - Penalties and interest not be applied on May 1 and June 1 for unpaid property taxes that are due April 22, 2020;
    - Penalties and interest not be applied on April 1, May 1 and June 1 for water/wastewater bills that are due between March 31 and May 31, 2020;
    - NSF charges be waived for payments that are returned from April 1 to May 31, 2020; and
    - Residents be able to temporarily withdraw from pre-authorized debit plans without penalty from March 26 to May 31, 2020.
  - Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
    - 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
    - Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
    - Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so.
  - RVH:
    - Restrictions remain in place
    - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
    - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
    - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
    - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
  - SMDHU
    - “Definitely more than ten cases in the region” – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer SMDHU
    - Restrictions remain in place
    - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
    - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
  - Simcoe County Linx Transit
    - Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
    - Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
    - The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
  - Local Closures
    - Closures remain in effect
      - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
      - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall
      - Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
      - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
      - Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 454,824 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 20,545 confirmed deaths
- 113,128 recovered
Four new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19.
- South-East Asia Region [1]
- Region of the Americas [3]
US:
- Congress continues to work on passing $2 Trillion aid package
UK:
- Government aims to start testing 25,000 people a day
- 18-year-old dies from Coronavirus in UK
Europe
- Spain’s death toll surpasses China’s
  - Still no way to what China is lying about
- Russia post-pones vote on constitutional changes that would allow President Putin to remain in power
Australia
- Limits funerals to just ten people
Africa
- Ethiopia freeing 4,000 prisoners to help combat spread of Coronavirus
- DR Congo president aide dies of Coronavirus
- Top aide to Nigeria’s president contracts Coronavirus

March 24th, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Liberal government backs off giving extraordinary powers to ministers after Official Opposition pushes back against their power grab
Official Opposition says they are willing to pass emergency legislation aimed at assisting Canadians and Business get through this pandemic
- Would not pass giving Minister of Finance sweeping powers to change tax levels, and spend money without Parliament voting
Bombardier stopping production, including aircraft and trains, furloughing employees
Federal government announced financial measures to support farmers/agri-food businesses
- Farm Credit Canada will receive an additional $5 Billion in lending capacity to loan to agri-food businesses
- In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional six months to repay the loan
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) and United Steelworkers union both says that Federal Stimulus package ($82 Billion) will not be enough
Saskatchewan Health Officials say they are ‘preparing for thousands to die’

Provincial:

Ontario government releases list of what it considers non-essential vs essential
Ontario government set to lower hydro rates
- All time of use pricing will be moved into off-peak rates
- Changes in place for 45 days
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 21,795
- Currently under investigation: 10,074
- Confirmed positive: 573
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 7

Local:

Municipalities
- City of Barrie, Springwater Township, & Oro-Medonte Townships all declare state of emergency
- Oro-Medonte council to meet tonight to pass by-laws allowing for council meetings to be held electronically
- Springwater Township shutting down playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment
  - Parks and fields will remain open for public use
- Simcoe County landfills are closed to the public
- Effective immediately the following adjustments to curbside waste collections will take effect:
  - All green bin organic materials must be bagged, sealed and placed inside green bins. Compostable bags are preferred; however, plastic bags* are being accepted on a temporary basis to assist residents with this change
  - All garbage must be bagged and sealed properly
  - Residential units may place out diapers in clear, sealed bags on their garbage day without additional bag tags
  - Exercise social distancing with collection operators
- Simcoe County Linx Transit
  - Effective March 23, the county is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice.
  - Additional sanitization measures are in place on all county buses.
  - The county will be reducing the frequency of service on some of the routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the county’s website.
- Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
  - 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
  - Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
  - Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so.
- RVH:
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
  - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
  - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
  - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- SMDHU
  - “Definitely more than ten cases in the region” – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer SMDHU
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
  - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 398,760 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 17,259 confirmed deaths
- 103,748 recovered
Three new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19.
- African Region [1]
- Region of the Americas [1]
- Eastern Mediterranean [1]
2020 Olympics postponed to 2021
US:
- Trump muses that he might lift self-isolation guidelines
  - Cure “cannot be worse than the problem”
- Senate working towards passing $2 Trillion stimulus package
- Stock market rallies as Congress set to pass $1.6 Trillion package
UK:
- PM Johnson introduced stricter self-isolation measures
  - Non-essential businesses to be shut down
- India:
  - India to go into full lockdown

March 23rd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Minister of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Champagne, announces more commercial flights are being organized to evacuate Canadian citizens from these countries:
- Peru, Spain, Morocco, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
- Air Canada to operate 3 commercial flights from Peru this week
The Canadian Olympic Committee announces Canada will not be sending athletes to Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics unless the games are delayed
PM Trudeau to hold conference call with Premiers this morning
PM Trudeau announces $275 Million to support large-scale efforts towards countermeasures to combat COVID-19, including potential vaccines and treatments
PM Trudeau announces support for farmers and agri-business
Parliament to resume at Noon Tuesday March 24^th, 2020 to pass emergency legislation
- Trudeau says $82 Billion stimulus package just the first step, implying more money will come from government at later date
- The package includes $27 billion in direct supports and another $55 billion to help business liquidity through tax deferrals
- Senate will resume Wednesday (Senate needs to approve Emergency Measures introduced in the House)

Provincial:

Premier Ford ordering all “non-essential workplaces” to close, effective Tuesday, March 24^th, 11:59pm
- List of what is and is not “non-essential” to be released Tuesday, March 24^th, 2020.
“Prepare to have kids home longer than April 6^th” - Premier Ford
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 19,586
- Currently under investigation: 8,417
- Confirmed positive: 489
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 6

Local:

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre
- 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
- Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm
- Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so.
RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- “Definitely more than ten cases in the region” – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall

International Situation:

Global numbers
- 373,646 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 16,319 confirmed deaths
- 101,399 recovered
Three new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19.
- African Region [1]
- Region of the Americas [1]
- Eastern Mediterranean [1]
US:
- Senate Democrats block Trump’s Coronavirus stimulus package
  - 5 Republican Senators unable to vote due to self-isolation
- ‘This week, its going to get bad’ - US Surgeon General
- Trump deploys National Guard to New York, California, and Washington state to help deliver urgently needed medical aid
UK:
- PM Johnson expected to introduce stricter self-isolation measures
  - Warning vulnerable populations to stay at home up to twelve weeks.
- Europe:
  - Italy bans internal travel
  - Germany introduces bans on more than two people outside

March 22nd, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Parliament to resume at Noon Tuesday March 24^th, 2020
Trudeau says $82 Billion stimulus package just the first step, implying more money will come from government at later date
The package includes $27 billion in direct supports and another $55 billion to help business liquidity through tax deferrals
Senate will resume Wednesday (Senate needs to approve Emergency Measures introduced in he House)
Federal Government threaten fines, arrest, if orders to distance and isolate not followed
- A failure to follow public health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 could "put our civil liberties in jeopardy" – Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu
Modelling suggests up to eight months of aggressive social distancing could be required to stop Covid-19
Toronto-based medical supplies company says it can dramatically increase production of ventilators once it gets final instructions from Ottawa
Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association say member companies are interested in producing medical supplies.
- if auto companies get the engineering specifications for a product, and a list of suppliers, they could, within weeks, be churning out gear on a scale unimaginable for medical-supply companies
- "[The medical industry's] scale is less than one per cent of our scale,"- Flavio Volpe CAPMA, suggesting that companies could, within weeks, be supplying anything from ventilators to protective gear for doctors, such as masks.
Nova Scotia latest Province to declare state of emergency
Canada not at the point of declaring state of emergency – PM Trudeau

Provincial:

Hospitals get new emergency powers
Special daycare centres established for frontline workers
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 17,634
- Currently under investigation: 8,361
- Confirmed positive: 413
- Resolved: 8
- Deceased: 3

Local:

RVH:
- Second Covid-19 death at RVH reported March 21^st, 2020
- Restrictions remain in place
- Closed for visitors, effective immediately
- except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
- Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
- RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
SMDHU
- Restrictions remain in place
- Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
- If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
Local Closures
- Closures remain in effect
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall

International Situation:

337,985 confirmed cases of COVID-19
14,455 confirmed deaths
- Six new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19.
  - (African Region [2],
  - European Region [1],
  - Region of the Americas [1],
  - South East Asia Region [1]
  - Western Pacific Region [1])
- US:
  - Governor Cuomo (New York) says “This is a war. Treat it like a war”
  - US Army discussing plans to turn empty hotels in New York City into hospitals
- UK:
  - PM Johnson says ‘Time has come to shield the vulnerable’
    - Special steps will be needed to shield 1.5 million vulnerable people
  - Europe:
    - German Chancellor Merkel has been diagnosed with Covid-19
    - New stricter rules introduced in Lombardy, Italy
    - Spanish Prime Minister warns ‘the worst is yet to come’, and ‘very difficult days lay ahead’
    - Strict self quarantines remain in effect in major European cities
  - Russia:
    - Protective measures are being increased, but no lockdown
  - Australia:
    - Introduces nationwide shutdown
      - All pubs, cafes, restaurants to shut down

March 21st, 2020

New Developments:

National:

Government of Canada is organizing evacuation flights to Canadians stranded in foreign countries
- Special flights will begin in Morocco, with Spain and Peru coming soon. Other countries will be announced as quickly as possible
  - ‘We might not be able to get to everyone, but we will do everything we can to help as many people as possible.’ PM Trudeau, March 21^st, 2020
- Canadians who are unable to pay, and who have no available sources of funds to return home, are encouraged to apply for an emergency repayable loan through the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. This program was created to help Canadians return home and to cover basic essential needs while they work towards their return
- In the event the traveller presents COVID-19 symptoms, the airline will be required to refuse to board the passenger for travel for a period of 14 days, or until a medical certificate is presented that confirms the patient does not carry the virus
- The Emergency Care Benefit for self employed and others not covered by EI, is being rolled out shortly. The Government has made assurances that no single Canadian will be left out
  - Emergency Care Benefit will provide up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. This flat-payment Benefit would be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provide income support to:
    - Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits
    - 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 sickness benefits
    - Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school or daycare closures, and are unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not
  - North West Territory issuing ban on non-essential travel into the Territory

Provincial:

Premier Ford calls for Manufacturers to retool
Government of Ontario launches website portal for businesses and organizations that can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19 (click link here)
- "We're ready to mobilize Ontario's manufacturing might to help the entire country. We want Ontario to be the workshop of Canada in the fight against COVID-19," Premier Ford, March 20^th, 2020
Over 35,000 people have used online self-assessment tool (click link here)
- "I want to remind everyone to please use this tool if you're experiencing symptoms. Please do not visit an assessment centre if you have not been advised to do so by a healthcare professional," Premier Ford, March 20^th, 2020
Government of Ontario has rolled out “Learn at Home” an online learning portal for K-12 students.
- Meant to be a resource for K-12 students who are locked out of school
- Can be accessed at through this link
Status of cases in Ontario: Updated daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm.
- Negative: 15,768
- Currently under investigation: 7,239
- Confirmed positive: 369
- Resolved: 6
- Deceased: 2

Local:

RVH:
- Restrictions remain in place
  - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
    - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
  - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
  - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- SMRHU
  - Restrictions remain in place
  - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
  - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
- Local Closures
  - Closures remain in effect
    - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
    - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall

International Situation:

242,430 (+29,214) confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 9,883 (+1,0417) deaths.
- 166 countries/jurisdictions outside mainland China have reported cases.
- Eleven new countries have reported cases: Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Chad, Fiji, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guernsey, Haiti, Jersey, Mauritania, and Netherlands Antilles.
- Outside of China, Italy has reported the most cases, followed by Iran, Spain, United States, and Germany
US:
- New Jersey follows New York and California, in ordering people to stay home, and non-essential businesses to close their doors
UK:
- Deal between NHS and private hospitals reached.
  - NHS will acquire 8,000 extra beds, ventilators, and 20,000 fully trained staff
- Europe:
  - Italy remains the epicenter
  - Spain sees jump in cases of infected
  - Strict self quarantines remain in effect in major European cities
- Russia:
  - President Putin announces Russia has situation under control, stating ‘early and aggressive measures’ for their success
- China
  - Government is bracing for another surge of infections as Chinese students studying abroad are returning to China
  - Recently announced that American journalists will be expelled from China
  - Government orders Chinese nationals to leave work at US news outlets

March 20th, 2020

Public Health Officials continue to suggest taking these measures:

Avoid any unnecessary contact with other people

Stay at least six feet away from others
Remain at home as much as you can - only going out for essential needs like food and medication
Work from home if possible
Do grocery shopping online

Current Situation:

873 confirmed cases in Canada, 12 deaths.
Travel Bans coming into effect Friday at midnight, non-essential travel will stop at US/Canada border
Ottawa has announced an $82 Billion stimulus package, will need to recall parliament to unlock funds.
- Fund is aimed at helping business get through this crisis, and helping Canadians
Ontario State of Emergency
- Schools closed
- Bars and restaurants closed except for takeout/delivery
- Provincial government has passed emergency legislation aimed at protecting workers
- Ministry of Health will be updating the status of cases daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm
- Government of Ontario has launched "Learn at Home" website, an online portal for K-12 students to continue their learning.

Expected Future Developments:

PM Trudeau continues to provide Daily Briefings at 11:30am
- Ottawa working on new plan to mobilize business and industry
  - They will likely be tasked with producing masks, ventilators and other much needed medical supplies (see US for example)
- Parliament is set to resume early next week; exact date remains unknown, plans to roll out emergency legislation aimed at unlocking funds
- Ottawa is planning a bailout package for the Oil and Gas Industry
- Minister of Finance Morneau says EI cheques should be arriving the first week of April
- Ottawa to roll out foreign aid as part of plan
- “All options are on the table” – PM Trudeau
- Canadian Military has told troops, ‘prepare for multiple waves of infections’
Ontario
- Ministry of Health will be updating the status of cases daily at 10:30am & 5:30pm

New Developments:

Local
- Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Center opened at 490 Huronia Road, Barrie
  - Monday, March 16: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  - Tuesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 22: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  - Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so. Ontarians can do so by using a new online self-assessment tool, calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or calling the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520, 8:30 am - 8 pm and weekends 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. People should not go to an assessment centre unless they have symptoms of the COVID-19.
- RVH
  - Closed for visitors, effective immediately
    - except for, the Emergency Department; Paediatrics; Neonatal Intensive Care and the Birthing Unit, where one ADULT visitor is permitted.
  - Surgical procedures have been cancelled, affected patients will be contacted directly.
  - RVH has received notification of a second lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- SMRHU
  - Currently experiencing significant call volume on our phone lines. We are also unable to respond to inquiries on our social platforms.
  - If you are concerned about your health, call your health care provider OR call Telehealth 1-866-797-0000 (24/7). If you wish, you may send us a secure message through our online formand staff will respond within one business day
- Local Closures
  - Schools, bars and restaurants, no gatherings over 50 people
  - City of Barrie facilities have closed, including city hall

Support for Canadians:

Mortgage Payment Deferral
- Canadians are eligible to receive up to a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages. Contact your bank for more information or to apply for deferred payments
Income Tax Deadline Extended
- The return filing due date has been deferred until June 1^st, 2020.
- All taxpayers are permitted to defer the payment of any income tax amount owing, until August 31^st, 2020
Moratorium on Student Loan Payments
- A six-month interest-free moratorium has been placed on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all individuals currently in the process of repaying these loans
EI Sickness Benefit
- The one-week waiting period for individuals in quarantine, and the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits, has been waived.
Emergency Care Benefit
- This benefit will provide up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks to workers taking care of a family member who is sick, and parents required to stay home from work to care for children
Emergency Support Benefit
- This benefit will offer support to workers, including self-employed Canadians, who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment
Increasing the Canada Child Benefit
- The maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment amounts will be increased by $300 per child beginning in May 2020
One-Time Additional GST Payment
- The government will double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year

Public Health Updates:

Current number of cases is badly dated
“Weeks before we know if social distancing is working” – Dr. Theresa Tam
“It’s a bit like watching the lights coming from a star,” – Dr. Theresa Tam
“You know what you see reported today is something that actually happened a while back, so certainly maybe two weeks back even, after the cases that would have contracted the illness and then they have to be tested,” – Dr. Theresa Tam
“We need to act as if the virus is here, circulating in our community,” - Vera Etche, City of Ottawa Medical Officer of Health

International Situation

Global Cases
- 258,845 confirmed cases
- 10,544 deaths
- 89,992 recovered
US, UK, Europe, China, Russia, Rest of World
- PM Johnson predicts UK can turn the tide within 12 weeks, if people follow the plan, stimulus plan of 330 Billion GBP
- US has created Coronavirus task force, stimulus plan of 1 Trillion USD
- FEMA is taking the lead in US
- President Trump invoked ‘Military Production Act’ to get business/industry to start producing masks/ventilators
- Epicenter has apparently moved from China to Italy
- Much of continental Europe is on very strict lockdown with curfews in place, and mandatory self quarantining
- Chinese government reporting spread of Coronavirus slowing dramatically
  - Difficult to believe sources coming from Chinese media (they’ve consistently lied since this situation began)
  - Chinese media talking points is that US military created and unleased the disease in China
- Infections in Russia have been slow but are now increasing in frequency. Russia is now taking similar precautions to western nations
- Rest of the world is being affected at a slower rate, but are expected to rise

Psychological Effects of isolation

Depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life
Not only will the disease have negative public health effects, it will also have a massive impact on the world economy as well as people’s mental health

Coronavirus Updates

We want to keep residents up to speed on the rapidly changing situation at hand. We will be updating this page as soon as any new information is released.

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