Ontario working diligently to control spread of COVOD-19
Dear Centennial residents,
We are facing an unprecedented time in our history. Globally and locally we are taking countless precautions to fight against the spread of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, March 17, the province of Ontario declared a State of Emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of all Ontarians. This decision is not one that was made lightly, but made to ensure that the government acts fast and decisively.
Our government has committed $304 million to enhance our province’s response to COVID-19 and to further support our healthcare sector. The investment will go towards: increasing capacity in hospitals to assist with effective treatment; protecting frontline workers and first responders by increasing supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies; and increased testing, screening and monitoring at various levels including institutional testing as well as home testing.
Ontario is working diligently with its partners in the healthcare system to implement a robust plan to monitor and isolate cases of COVID-19. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, we have opened 17 COVID-19 assessment centres throughout Ontario. In partnership with the Scarborough Health Network, the first COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Scarborough opened at the Birchmount Hospital as of Monday, March 16.
If you are experiencing symptoms indicative of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to it, you can use our online self-assessment tool available at ontario.ca/coronavirus to determine your next steps. I kindly ask that you use the self-assessment tool or contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 prior to visiting an assessment centre.
I’m sure that since writing this article, a lot has changed.
As your MPP, I will continue to work closely with our government at all levels and collaborate with healthcare professionals. My office and I will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates through our social media platforms as they arise. If you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact our office at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or by leaving a voicemail with your name and number at 416-283-8448.