Community News Update - December 6, 2024
Community News Update - April 9, 2021
Dear Community,
Today we’ve seen a significant jump in COVID-19 cases in Ontario, with 4227 new cases being reported this morning. Significantly, this is the second most cases ever reported in a single day – and the most on a day where there was not a data delay that spiked case counts.
We are now firmly in uncharted territory, as the variants of concern continue to spread around our province. As we begin another weekend, I must once again implore our entire community to take every precaution possible right now. That means only leaving your house for essential purposes, ensuring that if do leave your home, that you are properly masked, and that you maintain your distance from anyone you might encounter.
We need to do everything that we can to curb this spike in cases. Our ICUs currently have 552 people in them who are being treated for COVID-19 related sickness – this is the most that we’ve seen at any point during this pandemic.
To battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we will need to get as many people vaccinated as possible, and I would encourage everyone in our community to get a vaccine when they’re eligible.
Click here to book a vaccine if you are currently eligible.
In some good news regarding vaccines, the City of Toronto will be opening up their final three mass vaccination sites at 11 AM on Monday, April 12, including one at the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre (located at 200 Eglinton Ave W) – this will be the most convenient mass vaccination site for the majority of Toronto-St. Paul’s residents.
See the full news release from the City of Toronto about the final three mass vaccination clinics.
In terms of eligibility, right now vaccinations are being offered to:
- residents who are 55 or older in 2021 in participating pharmacies (click here to find your nearest participating location),
- to residents who are 60 or older in 2021 in most areas,
- to residents who are 50 or older in 2021 in hot spot areas identified by postal code,
- and everyone else who meets the criteria listed on this City of Toronto web page.
Here is a full list of City of Toronto postal codes deemed hot spots:
Note: Within the boundaries of Toronto-St. Paul’s the only eligible postal code is M6E.
The City of Toronto has developed a great tool to see exactly who is currently eligible for a vaccine, and you can find that by clicking here.
One consistent frustration throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been the willingness of the Ford government to make announcements before giving civil servants the time to craft their plans. This week, this has happened once again with Doug Ford’s announcement of vaccines coming to people aged 18+ in hot spot areas.
This announcement caught everyone off-guard, including public health units across Ontario, and as of right now, we do not have any good information for when this process will start. I will be keeping a keen eye on this as more information becomes available, and I will be sure to share it with the community when it does.
Throughout COVID-19, and before, our friends at Skills for Change have been running some exceptional programming, and I’m very excited to share with you some information about their Wellness and Support program, where they offer free individual counselling and support, as well as workshops on topics related to mental health and well-being.
They’re doing intake for this program right now, and if you’re interested in getting involved you can contact either:
1) If you are a permanent resident or a convention refugee, please contact: [email protected]
2) If you are a Canadian citizen or hold another status, please contact: [email protected]
Finally, I want to share some bitter news with our community. Earlier this week, there was a break-in at St. Clair Fruit & Flower Market (790 St. Clair Ave W). As a result of the break-in they have had some property damage, that has cost them at an already difficult time.
So, I’d like to simply say that if you are already out that way doing some essential shopping, I would encourage you to drop by curb-side to pick up some flowers (safely) to show support to a great local business.
In Solidarity,
Jill Andrew
Toronto—St. Paul's