Community News Update - April 26, 2024
Community News Update - July 12, 2021
Dear Community,
Today, Ontario has reported 114 new cases of COVID-19, and no new deaths. Of the reported cases, only ten were found here in Toronto. Our vaccination rate has now risen slightly, to 79% for at least one dose, and over 55% of Ontarians have been fully vaccinated with two doses.
While it’s great to see our vaccination rates continue to climb, it must be noted that the percentage of people with at least one shot is now increasing quite slowly. While it was always expected that our vaccination rate would level off, we must redouble our efforts to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
So, if you’re reading this - please get vaccinated if you haven’t already, and just as importantly, if you’ve been vaccinated, please make sure that you’re reaching out to your vaccine hesitant friends and family to encourage them to get vaccinated as well. The more widespread our vaccination effort is, the better protected we’ll be against another wave of COVID-19.
Click here to book your vaccine.
Getting vaccinated now is especially vital as this Friday we will be moving into Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, where there will be a significant loosening of restrictions across Ontario. Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed, and even indoor social gatherings and events will be allowed of up to 25 people.
Further, indoor dining will be returning after many months, with no limits on the number of patrons per table – but with physical distancing between tables still being enforced.
These are major changes after months of lockdowns, and if we’re going to make this our last reopening, we need to make sure that we get vaccines into as many arms as possible.
You can read the full breakdown of Step 3 by clicking here.
On Saturday, it was great to drop by some of our Community Food Tables, and to check in with our volunteers once again. I want to thank everyone who came out to participate, whether that was volunteering, picking up food, or dropping off food. It’s a program that works because we do it together, and two weeks into the new season, we’re already picking up steam.
If you’re interested in helping out next week, you can find the volunteer sign up links by clicking here.
I also stopped by the Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Market on Saturday, and stopped by to see the incredible artwork at the Children’s Art Studio. They do absolutely fantastic work, and if you’re looking for an art class or summer art camp, you should check them out!
Find their website here.
Next, on Sunday I dropped by the Afro-Caribbean Farmers’ Market in Little Jamaica for another terrific week of shopping. I want to send a huge shout-out to Lori Beazer and her team for pulling this market together! I’m incredibly glad to be a Community Partner on this project, and I would encourage everyone who can, to drop by on a Sunday between 11AM and 3PM.
It’s located at 1531 Eglinton Ave W, just east of Oakwood and Eglinton in the Green P Parking Lot.
Before I wrap up, I have two quick requests from our community!
First, I’d like to quickly reshare my Arts and Culture Mental Health Survey with everyone, if you’re involved in the arts and culture sector in any way, please fill it out.
Click here to see the survey.
And lastly, we’re starting to run low on photos for our Pets of Toronto-St. Paul’s! If you’ve got a cute animal tucked away at home, please send in a picture with a caption so that we can share them with the rest of our community!
Click here to send your photo in!
In Solidarity,
Jill Andrew
Toronto—St. Paul's
