Volume II - April 29, 2020 Good Afternoon,   This is the second newsletter which we have sent out specifically in response to COVID-19. Some of the resources outlined previously remain the same and are included again. However the situation is constantly evolving, and so too is the response from all levels of government. Therefore, we have included more recent updates. Please continue to stay tuned to government announcements and programs which may be applicable and helpful to you. I have been honoured to have been named to the Jobs & Recovery Committee, and look forward to reaching out to our communities and small businesses in Huron--Bruce as we develop a recovery plan for Huron--Bruce and Ontario.   As always, the Huron--Bruce constituency team and I remain available to help you. While our of fices are physically closed to walk-in visits, we can be reached by email at lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org or by calling 519-523-4251 (Blyth) or 519-396-3007 (Kincardine) . All calls and emails are monitored and will be answered as soon as possible.   Thank you for continuing to do your part to help flatten the curve, stay safe, and ensure that we all overcome this together.   Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron--Bruce

Stay at Home and Flatten the Curve The most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home, except for essential reasons, and to limit the number of essential trips. The latest modelling is a positive sign that Ontario is on the right track and proof that social distancing is working - however, everyone must continue to observe public health measures! The updated modelling released on April 20th is outlined here.

Accessing Test Results and Increased Testing To give patients direct access to their COVID-19 lab results, Ontario Health has launched a website which can be found by clicking on the photo above. The province has also expanded their testing capacity for COVID-19. They will be proactively testing several key groups of the population. Learn more about the increased testing here.

Do you have symptoms? If you think you have 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.  Take the self-assessment online

New App Launched A partnership between Bruce Power, Nuclear Innovation Institute and Nuclear Promise X has resulted in a new app designed as a resource and communication tool for residents across Huron, Bruce and Grey counties. This application is now available to download as "GBH Strong" and includes local information on how to find help, offer help, remain informed, and more. See the accompanying website version here! 

Small Business Relief The Ontario government is partnering with the federal government to provide urgent relief for small businesses and landlords affected by the COVID-19 outbreak through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). Learn more about this here.

I've been laid off. What now? If you've been laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or are making less than $1000 a month, you can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit administered by the federal government. The updated eligibility includes seasonal workers, and those who have exhausted their regular EI benefits. Applications have been open since April 6th, and further details can be found by clicking on the button and visiting the Government of Canada website.

CERB Application

Electricity Disconnection Ban Extended  T he Ontario Energy Board (OEB) extended the winter ban on electricity disconnections for non-payment for residential customers to July 31, 2020. Low-volume, small business customers (those who pay time-of-use or tiered electricity prices) will now also be protected by the ban during this period. Also, be aware of a recent scam whereby individuals are posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect power. This is false! Learn more here

Long Term Care Action Plan in Place To protect vulnerable Ontarians in our LTC homes, the government implemented the COVID-19 Action Plan for Protecting Long-Term Care Home . One measure included to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care homes, is that all long-term care staff have been directed to only work in one home. More details on this aggressive action plan can be found here . As well, the family support line for LTC is 1-866-434-0144

Supporting our Agri-Food Industry during COVID-19 Across Huron--Bruce and many corners of the province, the agri-food industry is facing new and unexpected challenges. Last week Minister Hardeman announced $2.5 Million in funding for a new Agri-Food Open for E-Business Program. Learn more about this innovative program here. T o learn more about other measures in place to support the agricultural sector as well as available resources, click here.

Ontario Optometrists available for urgent care Optometrists in Ontario are still available to assist patients with critical vision and eye issues. Click on the image above for their press release and to find more information.

Mental Health Supports Many Ontarians are facing mental health and addiction challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is continuing to provide support to anyone who needs it - during these times and always. Learn more about your local CMHA supp orts here, as well as a host of oth er options here.

Tax filing deadlines have changed. The Government of Canada has extended the personal and corporate tax filing deadline to June 1, 2020. In addition, taxpayers will have until August 31, 2020 to pay any 2019 income tax amounts owed.

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Auto Insurance Relief The government of Ontario recently made changes to the Insurance Act, allowing insurance companies the ability to provide auto insurance premium rebates to drivers for up to 12 months after the emergency has ended. Particularly in a time where Ontarians may be driving much less, this is another relief option for insurers to provide their clients. Read more here.

See the Resources How to self-monitor How to self-isolate Government of Canada Government of Ontario Ontario Public Health Grey Bruce Public Health Unit Huron Perth Public Health Unit County of Bruce County of Huron

Ontario schools remain closed To fight the spread of COVID-19, Ontario public schools will remain closed until May 31st. Online learning resources for students continue to be available. The government has also collaborated with Rogers and Apple to help provide iPad devices to students in need during this time, allowing them the ability to learn at home and electronically. Learn more about this here.

AgScape is an online tool to provide agricultural education to students in Ontario. To learn more about their initiatives and programs visit their website.

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