COVID-19 Government and International Response: September 14, 2020

WHAT TO KNOW

Global COVID-19 cases have reached 29,048,438, up from 27,890,579 at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday Canada now reports 136,659 cases, up from 134,294 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. Ontario reports 44,817 cases, up from 43,855 cases on Thursday.

The Province reports 313 (0.7%) new cases since yesterday. Of the province’s total cases, 39,974 have been resolved (89.2%) and there have been 2,816 deaths (6.3%). The province has now completed 3,342,138 tests and reports 19,260 tests are currently under investigation. More information here.

A province-by-province breakdown of Canada’s COVID-19 case count can be found here.

FEDERAL

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on Canada’s youth, with many seeing their summer jobs, internships and graduation plans disappear. With the school year just getting started, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced that Project Learning Tree Canada’s Green Jobs Initiative will receive nearly $7.8 million under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). More information here.

On September 11, the Government of Canada and Mayor John Tory announced $13.9 million in funding over 12 months for Toronto Public Health to establish a voluntary self-isolation centre. The centre, located in Toronto, will have approximately 140 rooms to provide a safe venue for voluntary self-isolation. More information here.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the air industry and how Canadians travel across Canada. The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, announced today that Transport Canada, provincial and territorial governments, public health authorities, and Canada’s largest air carriers have established a consistent approach for air carriers to collect and share passenger information necessary to alert Canadians of possible COVID-19 exposure while travelling by air, in compliance with applicable privacy legislation. This would facilitate timely contact tracing and exposure notification for passengers on domestic flights. More information here.

PROVINCIAL

The Ontario government is investing $175 million this year to address critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance in 129 hospitals across the province, including $50 million for COVID-19 related and other urgent projects. Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care. More information here.

The Ontario government is returning to the legislature today, ready to continue implementing its made-in-Ontario plan for growth, renewal and long-term recovery. The government’s fall legislative agenda will build on the work undertaken over the summer, focusing on job creation, skills training, attracting investment, strengthening communities, and fortifying the front lines of the province’s health care system. More information here.

TORONTO

Today, the City of Toronto, launched ShowLoveTO in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and in partnership with Destination Toronto, to encourage local tourism and foster community engagement and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. ShowLoveTO is a local initiative that will encourage residents to show their love for Toronto by safely connecting with neighbours, supporting local businesses and artists, and exploring their city neighbourhoods to help rebuild the social and economic fabric of Toronto. More information here.

On September 12, Toronto’s first COVID-19 voluntary isolation site officially opened. The centre provides a safe, comfortable place to self-isolate, primarily for people with COVID-19 infection. People can also qualify to stay if they are at significant risk of COVID-19 infection from someone living in their home. Toronto Public Health staff will identify those who qualify for a stay through the case and contact management process based on the individual’s needs. More information here.

To provide continued support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto has announced plans to allow portable heaters to be placed in all outdoor patios, including CaféTO curb lane closures, to help keep outdoor dining spaces open longer and provide additional support for local restaurants. More information here.

INTERNATIONAL