Dear Constituents,

I understand that people of Markham-Thornhill are worried and that many businesses need support as we work through this evolving global challenge of COVID-19. The situation changes daily and so does our government's response to it. These newsletters serve as a way to assure you that our government is doing everything in our power to help and protect Canadians through this.

This week, the Prime Minister and fellow members of Cabinet have announced new measures including closing our border to only Canadian citizens and permanent residents with some exceptions. As well, we have introduced other measures to screen Canadians returning home, assist Canadians abroad, and are planning to roll out financial measures to help people and businesses through this difficult time. I have outlined new measures in detail below.

Most importantly, we are asking that all Canadians STAY HOME if you can, practice social distancing, and continue to wash your hands often. This will reduce the spread of infection and strain on our healthcare systems. I continue to strongly advise that we all follow the advice of Health Canada and maintain good hygiene and monitor ourselves for symptoms.

Please note that my Constituency Office is closed to the public at this time, but my team is still available to help members of Markham-Thornhill by email ([email protected]) or by phone (905)-479-8100.

Sincerely,

Hon. Mary Ng

Member of Parliament

Markham- Thornhill

WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

First and foremost, we are asking all Canadians that are able to STAY HOME. We understand this is not possible for everyone, but we ask that everyone practise social distancing as much as possible to reduce the spread of infection and reduce the strain on our healthcare system.

Canadian Borders and Airport

• Deny entry to people who are not Canadian citizens and permanent residents. At this time, exceptions include aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and at this time, US citizens.
• Those returning from international travels (including the U.S) to self-isolate for 14 days at home.
• Strengthen screening measures, including stronger and more visible messaging, health screening at kiosks, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas.
• Limit international passenger flight arrivals to four airports in Canada.
• Mandate air operators are to prevent all travellers who present symptoms of COVID-19 to board a plane.
• Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering their basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada, through the Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad.\
• For more information on Canadians abroad and international travel, please visit: https://bit.ly/2x4pdUl 

Support for the Economy and Businesses

• We have already announced a $1 billion COVID-19 Fund to respond to the outbreak.
• Our Government is preparing a significant economic plan to be released this week, to stabilize our economy, support businesses, and protect Canadians during this difficult time.
• We will have more to say about changes for the upcoming tax season - through which we are looking at more flexibility for people to make payments, and for businesses to have more liquidity during this time.

MARKHAM- THORNHILL RESPONSE

Community Closures

• All-City of Markham community centres will be closed until April 5th, 2020
• All-City of Markham public libraries will be closed until April 5th, 2020
• All-City of Markham culture sites including the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, the Flato Markham Theatre and the Markham Museum, are closed until April 5th, 2020
• All programs and drop-ins including March Break camps are suspended
• Markham City produced events have been cancelled for the month
• The following public meetings have been cancelled for the month of March:
  • Council
  • General Committee
  • Development Services Committee
  • Committee of Adjustment
  • Heritage Committee
  • Accessibility Committee
  • All advisory committee
• Please Note:
  • Updates for the public will regularly be made on the City of Markham website

 COVID-19 Assessment Sites

In Markham-Thornhill, local resources and assessment sites are still being finalized. Local public health agencies are asking that only those showing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have reasonable grounds to believe that they have been in contact with the virus should pursue testing. Below, you will find the details of the closest hospitals to my constituency, as well as details regarding their assessment sites and links to their web pages for locations and protocols of COVID-19 assessments. Please review these instructions or call ahead before visiting a facility.  Mackenzie Health (Major MacKenzie Drive West between Yonge and Bathurst)

• COVID-19 Assessment Centre located in the Medical Urgent Care Clinic
• Assessments are available by appointment only
• Hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 03:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.
  • Hours are subject to change and will be updated on the hospital web page

Markham Stouffville Hospital (Ninth Line just North of Hwy 7)

• COVID-19 Assessment Centre cannot be accessed from the main hospital facility, entrance is located on the south side of the hospital and east of the Emergency Department
• The centre is walk-in only and will not take appointments or phone calls
• Assessment Centre will be opening as of Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
• Hours:
  • 10:00 A.M. to 08:00 P.M.
  • Hours and dates are subject to change and will be updated on the hospital web page

Once again, please check the protocols of health care facilities before visiting for assessments.  Due to the nature of COID-19, government and healthcare responses are changing at a fast pace. While my team and I are doing our best to keep up with the updates, the best sources of information are referring to the official government and public health agency websites.

When to Contact Public Health

We understand there is a lot of uncertainty and fear surrounding COVID-19. But, in order to lessen the strain on our healthcare systems, we ask that you follow guidelines to determine whether you should pursue medical attention for the virus:

• If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• If you are experiencing a fever and/or have a new or worsening cough and, within the past 14 days, have...
  • Travelled outside of Canada, including the United States of America.
  • Been in close contact with someone who has recently travelled to an impacted area and is also experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

If any of the conditions above may apply to you or someone you know, we strongly recommend calling York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 Ext: 73588. It is also recommended by York Region Public Health that as an alternative, you may reach out to your local emergency department or health care provider to arrange for testing as appropriate.

RESOURCES

If you are presenting symptoms or need more information on measures of COVID-19 please contact the following:

York Region Public Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 Government of Canada COVID-19 information line 1-833-784-4397 TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000

COVID-19 Assessment Centres are coming to York Region. The focus now is on getting them open and operational quickly. Details will be provided once the sites are ready. Please note York Region Public Health offices are not testing for COVID-19. Call the numbers listed above for information on testing if you are experiencing symptoms.