Update 26 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

Update 26 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

To our Community members and attendees,

We hope you are all keeping well and safe.

Our COVID-19 Task-Force met virtually on Wednesday November 11, 2020 with a lot to discuss as the COVID-19 climate of our province continues to change day by day. Following our call, we have put together key updates for our community and attendees which we are sharing with you.

An Update on our Province
On Friday November 13, 2020, the province reported 1,396 new COVID-19 cases. The seven day average was reported at 1,355 and the curve continues on an upward trend.

As of November 12, 2020, the rate is 74 active cases per 100,000 people in Ontario. The breakdown by regions is as follows:

Toronto: 134 active cases per 100,000 people
Peel: 191 active cases per 100,000 people
York: 97 active cases per 100,000 people
Hamilton: 64 active cases per 100,000 people

Colour-Coded Categories
Last week, Ontario government announced a new COVID-19 response framework, whereby the province will rank Health Units based on the number of cases and trends in that region. To better understand the areas around our centres, York Region is scheduled to move into the ‘Red – Control’ category along with Hamilton and Halton on Monday November 16, 2020 at 12:01 am. Peel is already in the ‘Red – Control’ category and Toronto will join them on Saturday November 14, 2020 at 12:01 am. Our numbers are going in the wrong direction!

 

A message from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
In a statement released on Monday November 9, 2020, Dr. Tam urged each and every one of us to take personal responsibility for our actions:

• Reduce close contacts to the best of our ability.
• Prioritize and implement key public health practices consistently and with precision:
  • Stay home/self-isolate if you have symptoms
  • Maintain physical distancing
  • Wear a mask as appropriate
  • Keep up with frequent hand, cough and surface hygiene.

She also reminded us to avoid the three Cs as much as possible:

• Closed spaces with poor ventilation.
• Crowded places with large numbers gathering closely.
• Close-contact where you cannot keep a 2 metre distance from others.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the individual responsibility that we have for our own health and wellbeing as well as safeguarding those around us, whether it be in the workplace, in our homes, extended families, or even in places like the grocery store. We must be alert, at all times. The visual below helps us understand how wearing a mask, a key precautionary measure, can reflect on others around us.

“Twindemic”
The year is unique and we are fast approaching colder days of the fall and winter season. In addition to the COVID-19 virus, common cold viruses are around the corner. Some are referring to this as the “twindemic” and it’s a scary thought! However, there is some positive news.

Most winter viruses are transmitted in much of the same way as the virus that causes COVID-19, and for months we have been implementing various measures. This may help reduce the impact of other seasonal viruses.

You have questions … our medical experts may have answers.
Why is the province not on ‘lockdown’? What more can I do at my work place? Is there going to be a vaccine? These are all valid questions that run through our minds, and often in our social circles when we catch up virtually with family and friends.

As a result, the COVID-19 Task Force are planning an informative seminar with updates and your questions answered. Stay tuned for details.

In the meantime, we continue to reiterate our message urging each and every one of our community members and attendees to please take care and keep safe.

ISIJ Secretariat Office
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto
905.695.9786 | [email protected]