April 8 - Update

Dear Friends and Neighbours, 

If you or someone you know is over the age of 70 and self-isolating because of COVID-19, food hamper delivery service is available for those who are unable to pay. Please call the Red Cross at 1-833-204-9952 for eligibility and registration information. 

Frontlines is looking for support from the community so that they can continue to provide meals and groceries for families as well as online programming for youth such as tutoring. They are looking to raise $1500 through this Facebook fundraising campaign.

FoodShare (located at 120 Industry St) is currently looking to hire a delivery driver to help support the daily operations of their Social Enterprise Department. If you are 25 years or older and have a G licence, please find the details for this job postinghere. 

Please be advised again that tomorrow and Saturday are expected to be very busy day for grocery stores.Please be respectful of physical distancing while getting groceries and if possible, only have one family member go out for groceries. It is recommended to have a list of items, shop efficiently, do not casually browse, and avoid touching any products that you do not need to. Please also respect store hours dedicated to seniors, vulnerable persons, and essential service workers (normally the first hour stores are open).

Resources for business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic are available below. 

Stay safe everyone, and Happy Passover to all those who are beginning to celebrate today!

Sincerely,

Frances Nunziata

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Here's the key information you need to know today:

City reminds residents to maintain physical distancing over the holidays

This evening at sundown, the Jewish community will begin the eight-day celebration of Passover, and with Easter, and the start of Ramadan also here soon, many will want to spend time with family and faith-based communities. However, the City urges everyone to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this, people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart.

Public Health guidance on home-made masks and other facial coverings

Today, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. de Villa spoke about steps people can take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. While the best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with others, Dr. de Villa discussed the use of home-made masks while stressing the importance of keeping medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders.

Yesterday, the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health Communication released a statement on the use of non-medical masks (or facial coverings) by the public.

Resources & Supports for Small Businesses:

The City of Toronto and the Toronto Region Board of Trade have partnered to deliver a helpful information centre for resources, tools, and critical support programs you need through these challenging times. Click here to check out the website. 

Their next webcast about supports for small businesses is tomorrow (April 9 at 11 AM). You can sign up for it here.  

The Retail Council of Canada has created a resource list and FAQ for businesses and employees which is updated daily. 

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has created the COVID-19 Small Business Help Centreand updates the page regularly. Check out their growing FAQ section and also find templates for your business including notices for visitors and emergency preparedness check lists as well as information on relief from governments. 

Music Together is supporting Ontario musicians by paying them for online performances. Donations are encouraged from the community! To apply to perform, to watch the shows, or to donate to this great program, please click here!

The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) has compiled a list of resources for small business owners as well. 

Toronto’s BIAs can currently apply for the BIA Innovation Fund. 

For the latest updates from the Federal Government, please click here. 

For the latest updates from the Province of Ontario, please click here.