COVID 19 Update August 21

COVID-19 Update from Mayor Wade Mills August 21, 2020

There were 131 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario today which is the highest daily increase since the end of July. In actual fact however, it may not be as bad as it sounds since these numbers include two days of reporting from at least 11 health units across the province who were unable to officially post numbers yesterday. Province-wide, our cumulative reported totals now sit at 41,179 cases, 37,397 resolved cases, and 2,796 reported deaths.

Within the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health region, we now have had a total of 545 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. There are currently 16 active cases throughout the region but no new cases within the past 24 hours, and only two current hospitalizations. Within Dufferin County, our cumulative total now sits at 198 cases with only four active cases, but no new reports with the past 24 hours, and no hospitalizations.

This week, the Ontario government extended many of its orders made under the new Reopening Act to September 22nd. This legislation was enacted when the provincial declaration of emergency ended and was designed to provide the government with some of the additional decision-making powers that were available to it under the declared emergency.

The federal government has announced that CERB will continue for one more month brining the total maximum number of CERB eligible weeks to 28. Once CERB ends, additional support will be available through expanded Employment Insurance (EI), and other programs. Those eligible for EI will get at least $400/week for 26 weeks and will only have had to work for 120 hours to qualify – this is well below the current EI qualification requirements. For those who are self-employed, or otherwise ineligible for EI, a new Recovery Benefit will also pay $400/week for up to 26 weeks and will allow recipients to also earn some income while receiving the benefit. Finally, there will also be a $500/week sickness and caregiving benefit for anyone who is forced to stay home from work because they are ill or required to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19. This will also cover those who may be required to miss work due to school or daycare closures.

As the new school year quickly approaches, I understand that many parents are feeling a great deal of anxiety. Locally, the Upper Grand District School Board has decided that masks will be mandatory for ALL students including those in grade three and below. There has also been a move to a “staggered” start to the school year which will see students attending school in person on different days/at different times depending upon their grade level or cohort. This afternoon I spoke with our local UGDSB Trustee Lynn Topping, and she stressed the fact that things continue to be subject to change. Accordingly, her advice is for parents to regularly monitor the UGDSB website for updates and instruction as to when your children will be expected to return. The UGDSB Reopening Plan can be found at the following link: https://www.ugdsb.ca/community/coronavirus/reopening-schools-plan/

Be safe, stay informed, and look out for each other. Have a great weekend Shelburne!

Mayor Wade Mills