200603 COVID-19 Task Force AGDThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
June 3, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
AGENDA
1.Roll Call
2.Call to Order
3.Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of June 3,
2020, be adopted.
4.Adoption of Previous Minutes
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 20,
2020, be adopted.
5.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
6.General Business & Reports
6.1 Communications
6.2 Recreational activities for youth/children
6.3 Testing Activity Update
6.4 Self-care activities
6.5 PPE- non-surgical masks and sanitizer
6.6 Pop-up patio discussion
7.Round Table
8.Next Meeting
9.Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #3
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the June 3, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at _____ a.m.
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
May 20, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Karen Devolin, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Abbie Boesterd, Emma Dew, Joe
McGuire, Merley Wheaton, Deputy Mayor Beres.
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Town Clerk; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator;
Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer
Regrets: Councillor Chris Rosehart, Larry Scanlan, Roxanne MacMillan
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Joe McGuire
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 20,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Joe McGuire
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 13,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 Communications
6.1.1 Kind Messaging and Working Together
Colleen Pepper provided an overview of this past week’s social media usage and
communications pieces. It was noted that the local content is creating a lot of
attention on social media.
The Province has extended the emergency orders until May 29th. Messaging should
be shared informing the public that gatherings of more than 5 people are not
permitted at this time and that people gathering must be from the same household. It
was suggested that messaging be shared informing the public that these rules are
the law and that fines could be incurred if rules are disobeyed.
A discussion was held regarding the low number of testing occurring through
Southwest Public Health and Province-wide in the recent days. It was suggested
that the public be reminded that even though there are no reported cases locally
does not mean that there are not any active cases going around the local
community.
A motion will be going in front of Council on May 25th to advocate to the Province for
a local testing centre to be established in Tillsonburg. It was noted that the process
for getting a test now in the general public is difficult. The process includes
individuals having to do an online self-assessment, then contact a doctor based on
the results, then the doctor must refer the individual to get the testing done.
It was suggested that messaging be shared reminding people to give back to local
charities. United Way Oxford recently received federal funding that can be
distributed to local charities in need. These charities/agencies are important for
keeping structure in the community thus reducing policing costs.
It was noted that the Lake Lisgar fountain has not been installed yet this year likely
due to the fact that volunteers must set it up and be in close proximity with one
another when doing so. Staff will follow up with the Recreation department to
confirm.
There was a discussion surrounding the matter of wearing of masks. It was noted
that at this time individual stores are receiving guidelines from the Province that
does not require the wearing of masks. Other guidelines such as washing hands,
and physically distancing is very useful to avoid the spread of the virus. It was
suggested that information be shared linking individuals to information on: proper
mask usage, glove wearing, proper hand washing and social distancing protocols.
7. Round Table
8. Next Meeting
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
The topic of recreational activities for children to be added to the next agenda.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Joe McGuire
THAT the May 20, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 9:41 a.m.
Carried
1615-02 (01/14) 7530-4659
Ministry of Health
Office of the Deputy Minister
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Tel.: 416 327-4300
Fax: 416 326-1570
Ministère de la Santé
Bureau du sous-ministre
777, rue Bay, 5e étage
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Tél. : 416 327-4300
Téléc. : 416 326-1570
May 24, 2020
MEMORANDUM TO: Health System Organizations and Providers
SUBJECT: Additional Direction on Testing Strategy
In support of our continued focus on reducing the spread of COVID -19, we are pleased to
provide direction that is in addition to the testing guidance provided by the Chief Medical
Officer of Health. Our approach to testing will continue to evolve, based on evidence from
Ontario and other jurisdictions and the public health indicators that we are monitoring
closely.
This direction is in addition to the COVID-19 Testing Guidance Update of May 14, 2020.
Effective immediately, testing is available for the following populations:
Symptomatic testing:
1. All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even for mild symptoms.
Please see the “Guidance for All Populations” section of the Testing Guidance
Update for details about these symptoms.
Asymptomatic, risk-based testing:
2. People who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19. This
includes people who are contacts of or may have been exposed to a confirmed or
suspected case.
3. People who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment,
including essential workers (e.g., health care workers, grocery store employees, food
processing plants).
No Ontarian who is symptomatic or who is concerned they have been exposed to COVID-19
will be declined a test at an Assessment Centre (either through appointment or walk-in, per
the processes of each individual Assessment Centre),
As we continue to take an iterative approach to testing, expanded testing will provide
valuable information about the spread of the virus in different communities across the
province and help us to protect vulnerable populations and all Ontarians.
14-075
Thank you for your quick adoption of this new direction. We look forward to seeing our
testing volumes increase, identifying cases quickly, and stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
(original signed by)
Helen Angus
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Health
Dr. David Williams
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Ministry of Health
Matthew Anderson
President and CEO
Ontario Health
From:OH, COVIDUpdates
To:OH, COVIDUpdates
Subject:Testing Activity Update
Date:Sunday, May 24, 2020 6:27:57 PM
To: Health System Partners
From: Matthew Anderson, President and CEO, Ontario Health
RE: Testing Activity Update
Date: May 24, 2020
Effective testing, combined with contact tracing and other public health measures, is critical to
defeating COVID-19. As you may have heard through various media reports, the Premier will be
announcing in the coming week a plan to expand testing in Ontario. It will continue to focus on
anyone who has symptoms (even if mild) and will include asymptomatic risk-based testing, with the
intention of more proactively detecting outbreaks and monitoring for any spread of COVID-19.
In preparation for the announcement of the plan, steps were taken over the weekend by Ontario
Health and our partners to alert assessment centers because they will be the main way for Ontarians
to get tested. We encourage them to enable the public to contact them by providing a telephone
number in addition to their address, and we are working with them so Ontarians can contact them
directly without having to take additional steps through Telehealth Ontario, primary care or public
health units.
In addition to alerting the assessment centres, Ontario Health has been ramping up to increase
targeted testing across multiple sectors. In partnership with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, we are
taking an approach which is designed not only to protect and support those tested, but also for the
system to learn what testing approaches are most effective and should become an ongoing part of
our response. Expanded testing is also generating results for future research and analysis purposes.
This work is in addition to the initial testing recently completed across all long-term care home
residents and staff.
Over the weekend, testing activities have included:
Beginning to roll out ongoing interval testing to all long-term care home workers
Testing for hospital workers who are in COVID-related and non-COVID related settings, with
approximately a dozen hospitals already initiated
Testing of retirement home workers continuing
Testing in other congregate settings continuing
Working with hospitals to expand community-based testing in high COVID active areas
And working with partners in non-health care settings to expand testing
If your agency would like to get involved as we schedule the ramp up of these testing activities,
please contact Ontario Health at Jordan.Ramsden@ontariohealth.ca.
There are many partners involved in testing in Ontario – from the Ministries of Health and Long-
Term Care, to assessment centres, public health units, laboratories, hospitals, long-term care homes,
paramedics, other health care settings, non-health care settings and more. It requires an integrated
effort that each day gets stronger.
As you may also be aware, Ontario Health began working with our partners at Public Health Ontario
in March to develop an integrated provincial laboratory network for COVID-19 testing. More than
20 laboratories soon came on board that include Public Health Ontario, hospital and private
laboratories. We are grateful for their united efforts. They meet every day, seven days a week, to
look at ways to improve, stabilize and expand testing with recent successes including improvements
in turn-around times and the quality of information for reporting. However, with this integrated
network still developing, there are many improvement activities underway or slated to begin. If you
have any questions about the lab network system, please contact covid-
19.diagnostics@ontariohealth.ca.
Significant efforts are underway to identify cases by expanding testing, as well as contain and limit
the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing, case management and other public health
measures. Thank you to everyone for your involvement and immense dedication to this effort.
Matthew Anderson
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We are preparing to reopen our Community Centre when the Province and Public Health Leaders in Ontario permit
us to do so (no specific date has been given for this).
We would love to know how you’re thinking and feeling about our reopening.
Where do you think your personal comfort level may fall when our doors reopen?
• Count me in for one day
• I will ease into my routine over several weeks
• Perhaps 2 – 3 months after the Y reopens
• Once all public health mandates have been lifted
• I am unsure at this time
What are you most eager or excited to do upon returning to the Community Centre?
Please share any concerns you may have about returning to the Community Centre?
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. What measure or practices can we put in place to help ensure your
safety and make you feel comfortable at the Community Centre when we reopen?
Since our closure how often do you virtually engage with the Town of Tillsonburg Webpage?
• Daily
• 2 – 3 times per week
• 1 time per week
• 1 – 2 month
• Never
If you have used any of our virtual resources what is your age range?
Please share any additional feedback that may be helpful for our team as we plan for the day we reopen.
Virtual Recreation in Tillsonburg
The following is a list of posts we have provided on the Tillsonburg Recreation Instagram page.
We have been alternating topics between aquatics, programs, and fitness since approval was
received March 26.
March 26 - Crayon melting craft
March 27 - full body workout
March 31 - Water safety tips
April 1 - Magazine picture frame
April 2 - slide update
April 3 - HIIT workout
April 3 - Slide update
April 6 - toilet paper roll craft
April 7 - Ab workout
April 9 - On Guard water post
April 12 - happy easter
April 15 - monster bookmark craft
April 15 - Upper body workout
April 16 - Will it float post
April 17 - paper plate flowers craft
April 17 - Swimmers in the tub
April 20 - HIIT and core workout
April 21 - Swimming underwater post
April 22 - Watermelon bowls craft
April 23 - Lean legs workout
April 27 - Turtle craft
April 28 - Upper body and abs workout
April 29 - Splashing post
April 30 - pinata craft
May 1 - Full body circuit
May 5 - Flower bouquet craft
May 6 - muscle sculpting supersets workout
May 7 - submerging post
May 12 - back floats post
May 13 - Party decoration craft
Since the beginning of the COVID outbreak we have attended a number of webinars related to
how we can stay connected during this time. Most municipalities have now set up a “Virtual
Recreation” page on their website. Through this page they are offering recreational and
wellness opportunities.
Some of their offerings are provided by staff through Facebook and Instagram and make use of
videos either live or prerecorded. A majority of the websites provide links to other activities
that have already been designed and of interest to participants such as:
https://www.londontourism.ca/top-virtual-family-fun-activities-in-london-ontario
The webpages are divided up usually into:
• Health and Wellness Adults
• Kids Zone
• Culture
• Virtual Experiences
• Offline Experiences
Here are a few Virtual Recreation pages:
• https://www.bracebridge.ca/en/be-active/virtual-recreation.aspx
• https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/rec-from-home.aspx#
• https://www.springwater.ca/en/recreation-and-culture/virtual_recreation_zone.aspx
• https://www.lakeshore.ca/en/explore-and-play/recreation-and-leisure.aspx
• https://www.woolwich.ca/en/living-here/woolwich-stay-home-stay-active.aspx#
There are tons of resources available to us to either replicate or link to and use. Some of the
interactive activities we would like to facilitate here in Tillsonburg are:
• Weekly or Bi Weekly Zoom meetings with our participants. Motivational Mondays
where we can touch base with them to see how they are doing or if they are in dire
need of something. This opportunity would allow participants who are program friends
to connect and perhaps continue on that connection outside of the meeting.
• Bear Hunt - this has been done in several communities and the goal is to get families
with children out walking. We would put out an announcement encouraging everyone
in our community to put a teddy bear in their window. Then while families are walking
they can be on the hunt for Teddy Bears throughout the community. Encourage them to
take pictures and post on our Facebook page.
• Scavenger Hunt Zoom Meeting - this event is designed for a fun night with families. We
would ask for items and participants would have a certain time limit to find the item and
bring it back to the camera.
• Community Scavenger Hunt - Where we provide a list of items they have to find in our
Community and email us their pictures. Every entry could be put into a draw for some
Tillsonburg Swag.
• Promoting Self Care and offering some ideas on how to do that - see attached.
• We could offer a Netflix Party for adults and for teens. We could even do a Facebook
poll of movie choices to decide what we would watch together.
• Conduct a Survey Monkey about their return to our facilities - see attached.
• Fitness classes/Zumba inspired classes for all ages.
• Chair Fitness for those who aren’t able to participate in our regular fitness providing’s.
• Partner with Library to read bed time stories to children at night. Could use a different
staff person each night.
• Conference calls for Seniors where they can call in and discuss topics each week of
interest. Some examples are gardening, books, trivia etc.
• Partner with the Lions to see if there is a virtual bingo they could be offering to continue
their fundraising while providing those BINGO lovers in our community some fun.
1.Start a daily jouirnal
2.Remove 5 things from your space you don’t use or don’t like
3.Put seasonal clothing away
4.Track your water intake (aim for 8,8oz glasses/day)
5.Plan your meals for the next 2 weeks
6.Research something you know nothing about
7.Pick one area of your space and declutter
8.Identify which activities give you the most joy
9.Pick an activity from #8 and do it
10.Create a morning routine that works for your family
11.Connect with an old friend
12.Clean out social media from sites/people who don’t bring you joy
13.Do a ‘Brain Dump’ of all of the things that have been
overwhelming you
14.If something has been overwhelming you pick a friend and vent
about it. Thank them afterwards for listening.
15.Make a list of volunteer opportunities and chose one to start
16.Check your credit score and set financial goals
17.Plan a getaway for the future
18.Spend 10 minutes thinking about your morals/ideals
19.Write down everything that you are grateful for
20.Educate yourself on the history of your town/city
21.Watch a sunset or Sunrise
22.Create a ‘happiness” jar - write down things that make you happy
23.Write a letter to a loved one
24.Try a new recipe
25.Organize family photos
26.Start reading a new book
27.Complete a random act of kindness
28.Revisit a childhood hobby
29.Spend an hour in nature
30.Write down 5 goals and post them on your fridge
Remember self care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
Take a moment to check in with yourself:
❏How are you feeling?
❏What do you need?
❏Have you gotten enough sleep?
❏Have you checked in with a
loved one today?
❏What expectations of “normal”
can you let go of today?
It is easy during difficult times to forget about
yourself and worry about loved ones.
Remember self care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
❏Have you drank enough water
today?
❏Have you moved your body
today?
❏Have you done something nice
for someone today?
❏What can you do that makes
you smile today?