August 11 eNews

Dear friends and neighbours,

In the past few weeks, we have observed an increase in COVID-19 cases, which experts have partly attributed to reduced COVID-19 restrictions in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen. Amidst concerns of a potential fourth wave, the provincial government has noted that it will likely be different than its predecessors, thanks to the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. As a result, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, is urging Ontarians to focus on hospitalizations due to COVID-19 instead of daily infection rates.

Approximately, 80% of Ontarians hospitalized by COVID-19 are unvaccinated or single-vaccinated—underscoring the importance of completing your vaccine series. To date, over 4.4 million vaccines have been administered to Torontonians, which translates to 72% single-vaccinated and 64% double-vaccinated. This week, in addition to the typical COVID-19 vaccine clinics operating in our ward, there will also be pop-up clinics for residents aged 12+. Information for the pop-up clinics are as follows:

• August 12, 2021: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (400 Rockcliffe Blvd)

• August 13, 2021: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (100 Pine St)

Finally, TDSB schools begin their fall semester in less than one month. In preparation for the coming school year, the Province of Ontario has released provincial mask guidelines for students. To summarize, students in Junior and Senior Kindergarten are encouraged (but not required) to wear masks in the classroom. Students in Grades 1 to 12 must be masked while indoors, though schools and school boards will have the opportunity to implement "reasonable exceptions." No students are required to wear masks while outdoors.

Stay safe and healthy—and get vaccinated.

Sincerely,
Frances