Back to SearchMonday, March 23, 2020
To the Stratford Community,
We continue in Stratford to place the health and safety of our residents as our primary focus, and we continue to follow the direction of Huron Perth Public Health.
The City of Stratford is working to monitor and to address the ever-changing challenges of COVID-19 in our community, and to provide some support for those most affected by it.
HELP DO LOCAL GOOD
The City has partnered with the United Way Perth-Huron on a “caremongering” initiative to bring those who have been impacted by COVID-19 together with those who are willing to lend a hand.
A new website has been launched at http://helpdolocalgood.ca/ to provide information on how to help, and how to receive help.
There is a link on the site to donate to an Urgent Needs Fund that has been established to support to individuals and organizations who need assistance coping with the fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.
The site also has a link to volunteer information for those who are able to contribute their time and energy to helping others in the community. For those who need help, the site provides links to community resources, including the 211 community information line.
And an associated Facebook group called Huron-Perth Covid 19 Resource Group - Help is Close to Home has been set up to provide information and support for people helping people during these challenging times. Those who do not use Facebook but want to help can contact reception@perthhuron.unitedway.ca or call 519-271-7730 to leave a phone number and briefly describe how and where you can help.
SLAAA
The City of Stratford is continuing its efforts to support local seniors through its connection with the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association (SLAAA).
Over the past few weeks, City staff have been communicating regularly through email to provide updates to members on a variety of issues, including COVID-19. Updates are also provided through the Stratford Active Adults website.
A direct phone line, 519-271-4310, allows Association members to call if they have questions, or need a referral to a community resource.
And with help from City staff, SLAAA has established a new Facebook page to help promote its programs and initiatives, and to provide an online forum for members.
Planning is underway to offer virtual programming on this social media platform, including activities like yoga and fitness classes through Facebook Live streaming sessions. The goal is to give seniors the opportunity to stay active and feel connected with fellow SLAAA members, while practicing social distancing.
STRATFORD TRANSIT REMINDER
Stratford Transit is an important service for many people in the community who need transportation to and from work, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, the pharmacy or other necessary appointments.
We kindly ask that residents only use Stratford Transit buses for necessary trips, and follow the direction from health professionals to avoid crowding and stay home if you can, as a way of reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 to transit drivers and fellow passengers.
We continue to direct riders to enter and exit the buses from the rear door only, and remind them that payment is not required.
We appreciate your co-operation with this.
THE ECONOMY
Tomorrow we will learn the full extent of the provincial government’s efforts to further contain the spread of COVID-19. Today Premier Ford announced the Ontario government will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. The list of businesses that are permitted to stay open is available at https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/list-of-essential-workplaces.html
On Wednesday of this week, Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips will release the Ontario Economic Statement. This will be followed by the federal Economic Statement to be delivered Monday March 30 by Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Both are believed to contain further measures of support for Ontario and Canadian residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The City will review these statements when released and provide an update on the benefits available to residents and businesses in our community.
I ask that we continue to stay at home, practice social distancing and check in on our family, friends and neighbors and most importantly, please continue to follow the advice of the medical community.
For the most up-to-date medical information, please visit the Huron Perth Public Health website at www.hpph.ca. For updates on City programs and services impacted by COVID-19, please visit the City’s website at www.stratford.ca/covidimpact
Thank you, and please be safe.
- Mayor Dan Mathieson
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