COVID 19 Edition

Dear Residents,

With what is happening across the Globe and the daily and even hourly changes that are being announced by our Provincial and Federal Governments, I wanted to ensure everyone that Mylene and I are still here to help. In order to practice social distance, we will not be having any face to face meetings at this time. We are both available by email and phone to assist.
I cannot stress enough that we all need to work together to combat this virus and slowdown the spread and help flatten the curve.
What can you do – check on your neighbours, especially the elderly, make a phone call so that they know that they are not alone. Help pick up groceries or prescriptions if they are unable to go out.
We are all concerned, but please do not panic. Do not stock up on more groceries than you require. Grocery stores will remain open and stocked.
This is going to be a major change for all of us, we are social people and like to be around others. Stay away from large crowds and practice social distancing along with good hygiene practices especially hand washing - this will help slow down the spread of the virus and making other people sick. Making a few, but necessary changes now, will benefit all of us in the longer term and in our future to help ensure our health care system continues and is not overloaded, for those that are in the most need.
Help support our local businesses, restaurants are open for take-out and delivery, local retail stores and services are still open.
We have included a number of links below for further information.
Stay safe and healthy.

Regards,
Karen and Mylene

RECOMMENDED RELIABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

- City of Markham
- York Region 
- Governament of Ontario - Public Health
- Travel Advisory 
- Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000

During this challenging time, the health and safety of the Markham community continues to be the City of Markham number one priority. With growing concerns around COVID19, and out of an abundance of caution
- Effective immediately, the City will be restricting public access to the Markham Civic Centre, 8100 Warden Avenue and 555 Miller Avenue;
- All community centres, libraries, Varley Art Gallery, Flato #Markham Theatre and Markham Museum will be closed until April 5;
- All programs and drop-ins – including March Break camps – will be suspended until April 5 and refunds will be issued to registrants;
- All public meetings have been cancelled until April 6;
- City-produced events have been cancelled for March and will be rescheduled, as appropriate;
- Since our Markham Public Library branches are closed until April 5, all items on your account are now due April 10. Don’t forget to check out their online collections in the meantime.

A Markham Cares Food Drive has been launched. The Markham Food Bank is experiencing a high demand for non-perishable food items. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.

Drop-off locations:
-  Markham Fire Stations
-  No Frills (Markham Locations)
-  Longos (Markham Locations)
-  Freshco (Markham Locations)
-  Whole Foods (Markham Locations)

We are all in this together! Now more than ever, we must look out for one another and consider the growing need. 

Members of the community can donate to the Markham Food Bank at the following link:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/markham-food-bank/

The best actions continue to be practising frequent hand hygiene and social distance. Here is a message from the Government of Canada:  "In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. It takes more than governments and action from the health sector to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness."

There are three COVID-19 assessment centres in York Region, located at the three hospitals: Mackenzie Health, Markham-Stouffville Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre

Each York Region hospital will manage their assessment centre based on their operational capacity. Check your local hospital’s website for specific hours of operation and procedures.