Midland - Staff Updates

Update – July 10, 2020

We are looking to share positive news about staff! If you've had some good news, please email rfee@midland.ca to include in a future update!

1) Face coverings/non-medical masks to be required in public indoor spaces/transit

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced this week that as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 13, the wearing of face coverings/non-medical masks will be required in all public indoor spaces and on public transit.
“It is important to know that while we will commence with an educational and supportive approach, as per the EMCPA, those who do not comply with the above noted requirements may be fined. Individuals may be liable for a fine of $750 -$1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000, while corporations may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues." said Dr. Charles Gardiner, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer.

Impact on Town of Midland employees:

As of Monday, July 13, as per the direction from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, when employees are entering Town facilities where they may come into contact with customers, they are required to wear a mask.
Employees will be provided with an SOP and masks. Until you have been provided with a mask, employees are welcome to bring their own.

Click here to read the SMDHU letter sent to businesses & organizations.

Click here to read the SMDHU letter sent to municipalities and CAOs

2) Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to July 22

The government will continue to review each order on an ongoing, case-by-case basis to determine when and if they can safely be adjusted or lifted, as part of the reopening framework. To read the full media release, visit: Emergency Orders Extended until July 22

3) COVID Recovery Committee Update

The COVID Recovery Committee (CRC) has officially met with Municipal Office staff and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The engagement and discussions with employees allowed the CRC to provide a wholesome discussion with the SLT. Although we don't have all the wrinkles ironed out yet, we are in a good place! The CRC have over 75 action plans! Some things we have moved forward on:

Purchase of decals to accommodate (high touch, 2m distancing posters).
Purchase of Mirrors for tight spacing.
Banners and signage for entry/exit are in the works.
Placed Occupancy load posters in all meeting rooms, public washrooms etc…
Processes for when we unlock doors are well underway.
IT's action item list to move us to the new innovative future of technology for both internal and external customers is well underway.
Since we are advancing and continuing 'by-appointment' for services, IT will be introducing a Microsoft 365 feature called 'Bookings'. It integrates with staff calendars and does not override existing appointments. Stay tuned for more information!
Many SOP's and guides have been created and sent to management for review with employees. There are more to come!
….and much more!

Success cannot happen without teamwork and solution driven discussions, so the CRC team wants to thank everyone for their participation! The Recovery Framework is in the process of being updated and we are excited to share with you what we have to date. The CRC will be reaching out to other facilities to meet virtually soon.

4) Canada Extends Mandatory Requirements Under the Quarantine Act for Anyone Entering Canada

Government of Canada has extended the Emergency Order requirements related to mandatory isolation and quarantine until August 31, 2020, for travellers entering Canada. Anyone entering Canada—whether by air, land or sea—will continue to be required to isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether they have signs/symptoms.
Border measures prohibiting foreign nationals from entering Canada from any country other than the United States, subject to certain limited exceptions, have also been extended until July 31, 2020.
Border measures restricting all non-essential travel, including tourism and recreation, across the Canada-US border remain in effect until July 21, 2020.

5) Good News: Canada continues to do well on reducing the spread of COVID-19

Our current 7-day moving average for daily new cases sits at 291, down from the peak average of 1,797 on May 3.

(Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/canada/)

Since May 30, when the number of active cases peaked at 35,014, active case totals have dropped by 22%, and as of July 9 Canada currently has 27,482 active cases.
CNN focused on Canada's successful efforts to “crush the curve" recently. Click here to view the video report.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care.

Remember to pre-screen daily when entering any Town building.

Any changes within a department will now be provided to Randy to be included in an update and copied to Clerks@midland.ca for tracking.

Health & Well-being

Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre

Chigamik Community Health Centre

845 King Street, Unit #3 - Cedar Room

By appointment only:
Monday & Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p..m
Wednesday & Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

There are three (3) ways to access an appointment with the Assessment Centre. Please note a screening tool will always be used to determine if you should be seen at the centre:

Go to the Georgian Bay General Hospital website at:
http://gbgh.on.ca/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-updates/
Call the assessment centre booking desk at 705-529-1025, 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm
Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000

COVID-19 Symptoms

Visit COVID-19 - Stop the Spread for an up-to-date listing of recognized symptoms of COVID-19.

Self-Assessment Tool for COVID-19

If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care.

Self-Assessment Tool - COVID-19

Safety Precautions

While it is always our priority to maintain safe and healthy facilities, ultimately it is up to each one of us to maintain proper hygiene. Proper hygiene is always important to protect yourself and others from becoming ill. You can help reduce your risk of infection by doing the following:

Wash your hands often, being sure to use soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

When coughing or sneezing:

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash or sanitize your hands immediately afterward.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water): toys, phones, bedside tables, toilets, electronics, door handles, television remotes, desks, tables, etc.
Maintain physical distancing; at least 2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Physical Distancing

Physical Distancing is one of the most of effective ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and the Town is ensuring our staff follow this guideline. To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that residents practice physical distancing and maintain at least a 2 metre distance from Town staff.

Click to view larger poster.

For Returning Travellers: Self-Isolate!!!

If you've returned from travel you must self-isolate for 14 days to avoid spreading the virus throughout the community. It does not matter your age or if you do/don't have symptoms. Self-isolate! You can pass the virus along even without showing any symptoms.

How to self-isolate

Mental Health Support

CAMH - Coping with Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety Canada

Coronavirus anxiety support

Mental and emotional wellness support

Free Meditation classes

Free Mindfulness practice sessions

Support for Canadians & Businesses

Apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Federal Government Economic Response Plan

COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada

Apply for EI Benefits

Support for Canadians

Support for Businesses

Downtown Midland (BIA) Digital Improvement/Marketing Grant

The Downtown Midland Business Improvement Area (BIA) is pleased to introduce the new Digital Improvement/Marketing Grant to assist business owners within the BIA during COVID-19 to create/update online stores, create/update websites, outsource social media management, and run social media advertising campaigns.

The Digital Improvement/Marketing Grant will offer the opportunity for business owners to market themselves online and update/create a website and/or online store during COVID-19. Improvements/marketing requested by a business owner will be considered, and with BIA approval, the business owner will receive a grant.

For full details and to apply, visit: https://downtownmidland.ca/ForBIAMembers

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA)

Helping isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19

OCSA COVID-19 Community Support Finder

COVID-19 Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Local Community Futures offices are available to walk you through the application process. Please visit the County of Simcoe’s Economic Development website for more information on eligibility and the office nearest you.

County of Simcoe - COVID-19 Business Resources

The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office has a website listing COVID-19 resources to assist Simcoe County businesses

COVID-19 Business Resources

COVID-19 Business Impact Survey 2.0 - on until May 8

As a follow-up to Phase I of Simcoe County Economic Development survey, and in an effort to continue to monitor the progression of COVID-19 on local businesses, Simcoe County, in partnership with our member municipalities, the Cities of Barrie and Orillia and regional partners are seeking information on the changing conditions and your business needs. We will continue to use this information to put in place supports where possible and advocate various levels of government on your behalf. Your input is valuable and we appreciate your time in completing this survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YVSYPZ2

EDCNS Business Support 2020

Business Support & Recovery 2020

EDCNS Manufacturing Business Recovery Fund

Stop the Spread Business Information Line

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

On Monday, the province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.

A complete list of essential services is available on the Government of Ontario's website.