Arielle Kayabaga

Arielle Kayabaga

What is COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause both animals and humans to be ill. Coronaviruses in humans causes respiratory issues and COVID-19 is the name of the latest coronavirus disease in humans. Symptoms of this virus include “fever, tiredness,dry cough, aches&pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea” and can be mild to severe. 

Older individuals, individuals with medical problems and immunocompromised individuals have a higher chance of having severe illnesses from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Updates

City of London

Public Health Canada

World Health Organization

Declaration of Emergency

As of May 27th, the Government of Ontario has extended their emergency orders to June 9th. The province is currently in Stage 1 of its “Framework for Reopening Our Province”. The government has also updated its list of essential workplaces that can reopen and provide services. Some businesses and services permitted to reopen include the following:

  • Stores with a separate street entrance

  • Seasonal businesses and services such as golf courses, boat clubs marinas and more

  • Health and community services

  • Some outdoor recreational services such as outdoor sport facilities, off-leash dog areas, outdoor picnic site, benches and more

More COVID-19 Information
Curious London: LFP finds answers to your COVID-19 questions

A COVID-19 glossary: What the terms mean and some subtle differences

Financial Resources
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

How to apply for Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Apply for EI sickness benefits

A guide for which federal financial supports to apply for 

Mental Health Resources
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 

Coping with stress and anxiety

BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program for individuals 15 years and older

Kids Help Phone: For individuals 18 years and younger who need to talk to someone about their mental health

Good2Talk: A phone and texting service for post-secondary students.

Find other mental health resources here

Other Resources
Working from Home During COVID, With and Without Children

A parent’s guide to online learning platforms

Seniors for Seniors are available for seniors in the community that may need help and can be reached at 519-433-5000

Concerned that you may have COVID-19?
London’s COVID-19 assessment centre is located at Oakridge Arena (825 Valetta Street) and is open 7 days a week from 11AM to 7PM. However, you must use the online self-assessment tool and call Telehealth (1-866-797-0000) before visiting.

Have a concern over other residents not following COVID-19 social distancing and self-quarantining rules?
Send an email or call 519-661-4660

The City of London has released information on how they will be supporting the most vulnerable people in our community during this COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few things you need that are being done:

Enhanced Support – Social Distancing

Community Informed Response – Support for People who are Unsheltered

Recognizing hat social distancing can be difficult, shelter providers are implementing plans to create additional social distancing within their existing shelter services. It is recognized that this may result in some loss of shelter beds but it is intended that the use of hotel rooms may help to address some of this concern.
 
To help address the shortage this may create, the City has secured 50 hotel rooms which will be used to support the most vulnerable individuals that have been identified by service providers, who are either currently living in shelter or unsheltered. Rooms will only be available and allocated through service providers. 
 
As needed, shelters have also implemented some isolation spaces for those that are unwell. This will continue and they may involve access to hotel rooms as well.
 
The City is also working with Middlesex London Health Unit to support shelter providers in ensuring stringent infection control practices and procedures.

Comfort Stations and Washroom Facilities
 Because a number of facilities have been shuttered, access to comfort stations and washroom facilities, especially in the core area, has been reduced.  To help alleviate this, the City has provided comfort stations at Victoria Park that can be used.
 At this time, the Community Informed Response team will continue to provide support to people who may be unsheltered. This includes outreach and supports being provided to those living rough or unsheltered in the community. Where possible, efforts are being made to help those who identified as the most vulnerable to seek alternative living arrangements. The City will continue to monitor this situation and as necessary, work with shelter providers to create additional housing options to ensure.
 
City Services – Social Assistance, Housing and Homeless Prevention Support
 The City of London continues to provide support to those who receive or are seeking social assistance, needing housing supports or urgent homeless supports. Individuals can contact the City at (519) 661-CITY for further assistance. Information on what City of London services are still open can be found here.

 Access to Basic Needs, Foods and Other Supports
Although a number of community agencies have had to change or reduce their services in light of COVID-19 concerns, there are a number of supports that continue to be available. A list of services still operational from the City of London can be found here. Information about social services that will be provided can be found on the Support for Basic Needs list.
 

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, practice social distancing by staying home whenever you can, regularly wash your hands with soap and water, avoid touching you face and mouth and stay up to day on the latest COVID-19 news. Finally, social distancing doesn’t mean we stop talking to each other. We are all in this together so let’s continue to check in on each other through social media, calls, emails, facetime ect.