COVID-19 Telephone Townhall

How many cases of COVID-19 are there in Burlington?

All new confirmed cases in Halton region are reported online daily, seven days a week, at halton.ca/COVID19. The province continues to post new confirmed positive cases across Ontario online at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Which businesses are deemed essential?

Please view the Province of Ontario’s list of its essential services and businesses 

Can you be immune to coronavirus if you’ve had COVID-19?

The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood.

Where can I find a mask?

Read more about local businesses who are taking action to help produce and sell personal protective supplies, including masks, on Mayor Meed Ward’s COVID-19 Wall of Inspiration.

Does the City have any plans to spray public places with disinfectant?

The City currently does not have plans to spray disinfectant. We continue to follow all protocols issued by Halton Region Public Health Department and the Emergency Orders of the Province.

What is the City doing to encourage people to participate in the Friday evening Frontline Porch Clap to show our appreciation for all the frontline workers in our city?

What is being done to protect seniors in long-term care homes. Will all seniors in residences be tested?

Read about what the Province of Ontario is doing to protect long-term care residents.

Are Personal Support Workers allowed to work in multiple locations?

Please see the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care.

I am a senior and I can only get prescriptions every 30 days now instead of every 90 days and there is a dispensing fee each time. Can this be subsidized?
Questions about support for seniors can be directed to MPP for Burlington, Jane McKenna at 905-639-7924.

What is being done to assist seniors who are feeling isolated and experiencing mental health challenges?

There are several programs and services available to support this request. Please visit burlington.ca/covidresources for more information.

Can someone pick up items for me for the store?

There are several programs and services available to support this request. Please visit burlington.ca/covidresources for more information.

Can I paddleboard in Lake Ontario or do other watersport activities?

Access to Burlington’s waterfront is closed until further notice, including the docks at LaSalle Marina.

In accordance with public health directives we encourage all boaters and watersport enthusiasts to stay home, practice safe social distancing and not visit the waterfront at this time.

Only walking, jogging, riding a bike or scooter/wheelchair through a park or trail is permitted. The City of Burlington has closed all vehicular access to our parks. Trail users must not linger in groups and continue to practice physical distancing. 

If you are concerned about groups you see gathering in parks, contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline at 905-825-4722 to request enforcement.

Are the community gardens open?

All City facilities, parks and playgrounds are closed; this includes community gardens. 

Will the Sound of Music take place?

The Sound of Music has been cancelled for June 2020. All events in City facilities and parks are cancelled until at least June 30, 2020.

Is Tyandaga Golf Course open?

All City facilities, parks and playgrounds are closed; this includes Tyandaga. Washrooms, skate parks, the beach at Beachway Park and leash-free areas are also closed. Do not use the sports fields, basketball courts and refrain from picnics.

Is Bronte Creek Park open?

All provincial parks are closed until April 30, 2020. This includes car camping, backcountry camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities and all public buildings.

Which businesses have been deemed essential?
Please view the Province of Ontario’s list of essential services and businesses 

Can we re-open barber shops and salons as an essential service?
Please view the Province of Ontario’s list of essential services and businesses or contact MPP for Burlington, Jane McKenna at 905-639-7924.

Can a landscaping company come to my house to cut the grass?
Under the Province’s emergency order, businesses are considered to be essential for: maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.

Following Ontario Regulation 82/20 section 20- Maintenance, the City of Burlington classifies companies performing the following work as essential:

• landscaping (cutting grass)
• weed maintenance and control
• maintenance (opening and maintaining of residential swimming pools).

Social distancing regulations should be followed by employees of these companies as much as possible.

Can we go for drive in our car?
To stop the spread of COVID-19, residents should stay home, except for essential travel.

Can I visit neighbours in my condo building?
To stop the spread of COVID-19, residents should stay in their unit, except for essential travel.

Is City going to be collecting leaves? What about street sweeping and the planting of flower beds?
Staff are only doing essential work to maintain City parks, facilities and assets until further notice. Street sweeping has begun on arterial roads and crosswalks with residential roads scheduled to begin mid-May.

Is it okay for children with parents living apart to travel back and forth between two homes?
The Province of Ontario courts advise parents who share custody of their children should continue to split parenting duties with their former spouse during the COVID-19 pandemic, unless there is evidence the child's health is at risk. Current custody arrangements should be adhered to as much as possible. 

The Province has set up a free legal aid hotline at 1-800-668-8258 for residents unsure of their obligations during the COVID-19 crisis, including custody issues.

How many people in Burlington have been ticketed for not abiding by social distancing restrictions?

The City’s Bylaw Enforcement Officers continue to partner with Halton Regional Police Service to ensure community safety and well-being. Bylaw Enforcement Officers are out in the community daily to proactively address and respond to concerns about non-compliance to the orders/guidelines laid out by the provincial government. In the majority of cases, residents and businesses have been receptive to information about the importance of public health and social/physical distancing shared by the Bylaw Enforcement Officers and limited enforcement has been required to date.

How can I report someone who is not abiding by social distancing restrictions?
If you are concerned about groups you see gathering in parks or a non-essential business operating, contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline at 905-825-4722 to request enforcement.

Will there be a reduction in educational taxes with the schools closed?

Education tax rates are set by the Province of Ontario.At this point, the Province has not indicated there will be a reduction in education taxes. The Province has provided a delay in the requirement for municipalities to remit the education taxes to the school boards based on the city’s deferral of the April property tax instalment by two months.

What is the City’s plan for recovery?

At Burlington City Council on Monday, April 20, senior City staff provided an update on the financial impacts of COVID-19 as the City continues to monitor and address the impacts of this pandemic emergency. Council also endorsed a three-month strategy that prioritizes City services to be provided through to the end of June 2020 to maintain critical and essential services for the city. 

The City of Burlington COVID-19 emergency response strategy defines the City’s resource needs over the next three-month operating period, to June 30, 2020 and will be reviewed on a regular cycle to ensure relevancy for operations given the situation and circumstances of this dynamic environment.

Is Halton Region considering expanding the criteria for testing? What about mobile testing units?

For information about COVID-19 testing, please contact Halton Region by email at accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311.

Why isn’t Halton Region being more transparent about COVID-19 cases in long-term care homes?

On April 18, 2020, Halton Region released information on the number of cases and deaths within institutional settings, including long-term care homes and retirements homes. Read the media release

Do Halton Region’s daily reports, deduct those individuals who have recovered from COVID-19?

For information about Halton Region’s daily COVID-19 reports, please contact Halton Region by email at accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311.

Will bulk waste pick up continue?

Bulk waste collection by Halton Region is currently suspended. The Halton Waste Management Site (HWMS) remains open during regular business hours, with some service suspensions in place. Learn more about drop-off services.

What is being done to help the homeless in Burlington with social distancing?

From Halton Region, all homelessness prevention services will continue to be delivered by appointment only. To book an appointment, please email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311. For information about how to access emergency shelter, please call 311.

The Lighthouse Shelter continues to provide emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Is the newly built Pandemic Response Unit (PRU) open and being used?

For news about the status of the hospital’s PRU, please visit Joseph Brant Hospital News

If I have a medical emergency is it safe to go to Joseph Brant Hospital?

The hospital is taking the utmost precautions to ensure the safety of our patients when coming to the hospital for any reason, whether it be for an exciting time like a delivery or for a personal health matter. That applies to all patients that are coming for any emergency ambulatory visits, any deliveries, or any other emergencies. Read more about the hospital’s response to COVID-19

I saw a story in Burlington Post about healthcare workers who have tested positive for COVID-10 being told to report to work if they are asymptomatic. Is this true?

Joseph Brant Hospital is committed to keeping patients, staff and physicians safe. Please read the hospital’s response to the media article, clarifying its return to work instructions for staff and physicians.

With visitor restrictions at Joseph Brant Hospital, can parents still enter with child?

Can the COVID-19 virus be spread through the air? If yes, how long can it survive in the air?

The COVID-19 virus spread through things like coughs and sneezes. It does not remain in the air. When you cough or when you sneeze, and the virus gets expelled, it falls to the ground. So, it does not remain in the air for any amount of time.

Are older people or those with asthma more susceptible to severe symptoms if they are infected with COVID-19?

With respect to the age of mortality, the data seen from around the world is certainly that those who are older and/or have compromised immune systems have a higher rate of mortality. The data in Canada also shows that although you are more likely to pass away if you’re older, there’s still a mortality rate associated with all people that get the infection that are adults. We are not seeing any mortality in children or in infants.

Is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency checking supermarkets at this time?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working diligently to address the challenges and concerns raised by industry and consumers regarding COVID-19. The CFIA will continue to deliver critical services that serve to preserve the integrity of Canada's food safety system while safeguarding its animal and plant resource base. Read more.

Is there a cure for COVID-19 yet?

Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus.

How many cases of COVID are there in Burlington?

All new confirmed cases in Halton region are reported online daily, seven days a week, at halton.ca/COVID19. The province continues to post new confirmed positive cases across Ontario online at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Is 14 days long enough for self-isolation?

The federal government has issued an order under the Quarantine Act that requires individuals entering Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. Read more.

How much longer will the pandemic go on?

To learn more about the current COVID-19 situation in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website at www.canada.ca/COVID19

Where are we in the cycle of the virus?

To learn more about the current COVID-19 situation in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website at www.canada.ca/COVID19

What is the model for positive COVID diagnosis in Halton in the next 2 weeks?

Can I go for a walk outside?

If an individual is in isolation, under quarantine, or feels unwell, they are mandated to stay inside and not go outside.

For those individuals that are social distancing, it is important to get a little bit of fresh air every day. To keep safe, ensure you are staying two meters or six feet away from other individuals in an effort to make sure that you’re not in contact with somebody who might be able to spread the virus.

Health professionals also recommend you make sure you wash your hands when you come back inside and try to refrain from touching your face.

There is no rule for wearing a mask out in public. The best way to prevent yourself from getting infected is washing hands and staying farther away from individuals who might be sick.

Is it still okay to go into my backyard?

If your backyard is completely protected from other individuals, yes.

Should you cross the street if you encounter someone walking towards you in your neighbourhood?

Yes, to keep safe, ensure you are staying two meters or six feet away from other individuals in an effort to make sure that you’re not in contact with somebody who might be able to spread the virus.

I have children who are in jobs that put them on the front line. How can they protect themselves and me when they return to the house every day?

It’s important for your children to always look out for themselves. That means they need to be able to protect themselves while they’re in their line of work, either by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and keeping a distance of six feet away. If they don’t have any symptoms, the risk of transmission of the virus is fairly low. If your son or daughter does start to experience symptoms, the important things to do would be to stay farther away if you can, e.g. to keep separate rooms and bathrooms if possible.

Is it safe to have house cleaners come to your home? What about movers?

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly recommends limiting the number of visitors in your home and to keep away from seniors and people with chronic medical conditions. For more information, please visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus

I feel okay after travelling, why can’t I leave my house for 14 days?

If you’ve been abroad it is mandatory that you stay home and not interact with others for 14 days or until you are symptom free. While you may not feel sick, please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others.

These self-isolation measures are being enforced by the Federal government under the Quarantine Act. Read more

Does Burlington have enough ventilators at Joseph Brant Hospital? Are more on the way?

Joseph Brant Hospital has 50 ventilators with the means to be able to expand its ventilator capacity by using some additional ventilators in the hospital and those that have been donated from the community as well.

How is Joseph Brant Hospital preparing for COVID-19?

Joseph Brant Hospital has been active over the past few months to prepare for COVID-19. The hospital has enacted its pandemic plan and has implemented a number of infection, prevention and control screening measures. Read more.

Will Joseph Brant Hospital open a secondary facility to deal with an influx of COVID-19 patients?

On March 30, 2020 Joseph Brant Hospital announced it is building a temporary Pandemic Response Unit to expand the hospital’s bed capacity for the anticipated surge of COVID-19 patients. Read more.

What is Joseph Brant Hospital’s plan for non-COVID-19 patients during this time, such as maternity deliveries, cancer treatments or emergencies like a heart attack?

The hospital is taking the utmost precautions to ensure the safety of our patients when coming to the hospital for any reason, whether it be for an exciting time like a delivery or for a personal health matter. That applies to all patients that are coming for any emergency ambulatory visits, any deliveries, or any other emergencies.

On March 23, Joseph Brant Hospital implemented a must mask practice for patients. Under the new practice, the hospital requires patients to wear a mask when receiving:

• emergency care
• ambulatory care
• outpatient diagnostic imaging services

The mask must remain on for the duration of their visit. If a mask becomes wet or soiled, it must be replaced.

In an effort to reduce the risk of spread of the virus, patients are limited in their number of visitors. The hospital appreciates the community’s understanding and is willing to look at exceptional circumstances based on the individual cases. Read more about protection measures at the hospital.

What medicine is provided to help COVID-19 patients recover?

There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses.

What if you are at home, what’s best thing to do for COVID-19 symptoms?

Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. You should:

• drink plenty of fluids
• get as much rest and sleep as possible
• try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough.

Is Hydroxide Chloroprene a treatment for COVID-19?

There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses.

When there is a COVID-19 related death in Burlington, who reports it?

Where do I go for a test?

Halton Region Public Health is focusing on those most at risk of COVID-19. Testing is currently recommended for the following people who have symptoms (e.g., fever, new cough, difficulty breathing):

• those aged 60 and over;
• those with pre-existing medical conditions;
• those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19;
• those living or working in a health-care or long-term care setting or institution;
• First Nation community members living on-reserve; or
• anyone else directed by Halton Region Public Health.

Individuals without symptoms are NOT being tested at this time.

Anyone who develops symptoms, whether they have travelled or not, should self-isolate for 14 days, or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Those with mild symptoms and no complications do not need to contact Halton Public Health.

Residents with SEVERE symptoms are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Please visit halton.ca/COVID19 for more information.

Why is the testing taking so long?

Currently there is a backlog of six to seven days for testing. On March 26, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced funding to increase health care capacity, including testing. Read more

How many tests on average are done a day?

On March 26, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced funding to increase health care capacity, including testing. Read more

Canada is fourth in the world in terms of testing on a per capita basis. Please visit  www.canada.ca/covid19 to learn more.

How many test kits do we have?

Please visit www.canada.ca/covid19 to learn more.

Will testing for everyone ever be part of the plan?

Please visit www.canada.ca/covid19 to learn more.

Is there a test for COVID-19 antibodies?

Please visit www.canada.ca/covid19 to learn more.

Will there be a cap or deferral on property taxes? Will it apply to businesses too?

At an upcoming Council meeting, Burlington City Council will be considering a temporary change to provide relief of penalty and interest in the months of April and May for all property owners. The relief will be reviewed on a monthly basis for further extensions. More information about tax payments is available of the City’s COVID-19 FAQ page

When will schools reopen?

On March 31, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced schools and child care centres will remain closed until May 4, 2020. Read more.

Are teachers continuing to be paid?

To ensure continuity of learning, the Province of Ontario announced on March 31, 2020, it is launching the second phase of a Learn at Home program which will create opportunities for teachers and educators to connect with students. Read more.

Questions about education in Ontario can also be directed to Burlington MPP Jane McKenna at 905-639-7924 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I need to renew the stickers for my license plate. How can I do that?

Service Ontario has extended validation to expired and expiring license plate stickers and renewals are not required at this time. Read more.

What is happening at the border with US?

Please visit the Canada Border Services Agency website

Why is the Burlington Canal lift bridge closed?

For more information, please visit the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority website

Why are the City’s playgrounds closed?

All playgrounds in the City of Burlington are closed to discourage people from congregating and gathering in large groups. More information about park closures is available of the City’s COVID-19 FAQ page

Is street parking still being enforced?

Payment is not required for on-street parking or in municipal parking lots downtown until further notice. This is to take away numerous people touching the same parking machines throughout the day. Parking enforcement for lack of payment is also suspended.

Parking enforcement is currently limited to safety-related issues such as fire routes, accessible parking, no parking/stopping areas and blocked areas. Time limit restrictions have been relaxed to help those working from home or self-isolating.

Parking exemptions are also not required until further notice. Read more

Yes, the average traffic volume over a 24-hour period has decreased by approximately half.

Will the City’s tennis courts or swimming pools be allowed to open? What about the Seniors Centre?

On March 30, 2020, the City of Burlington announced the extended closure of all recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and City administration facilities until the end of June. Read more.

How is city’s fire department protected?

The Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a memorandum to the Ministry of the Solicitor General recommending the use of surgical masks (and not N-95 respirators) for frontline fire and police service staff in circumstances where they may experience exposure to members of the public who are symptomatic.

The City’s Fire Department is equipped and ready to deliver the same level of service they provided before the COVID-19 pandemic situation arrived in Canada.

The garbage bins are overflowing in the parks, isn’t this a sanitary issue?

Burlington’s parks are currently closed. Please take your garbage with you out of the park to your home. With the increase of people being home and outside, the City cannot keep up with the volume of garbage.

I am awaiting approval of a development application, how will the deadlines for these approvals be impacted?

The City is currently processing development applications and building permit applications received by March 13, 2020. Read more about timelines related to planning, building and bylaw matters.

If there is a non-essential business still operating, where can I report it?

While voluntary compliance to the guidelines laid out by the provincial government is preferred, Halton Region Police Service has been provided authority under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to issue fines to individuals and businesses that choose to defy the Act.

Residents with concerns about a possible offence under the Act, can contact police through the COVID-19 hotline at 905-825-4722.

I am aware of someone who travelled outside of Canada and is not self isolating where can I report it?

Self-isolation measures for those returning from travel outside of Canada are being enforced by the Federal government under the Quarantine Act. Please call Halton Region at 311 with any concerns.

Which areas of the City are still working?

The City of Burlington continues to maintain essential services and those services that provide direct support to keep our residents and staff safe. These include areas such as Burlington Fire, Burlington Transit including Handi-Van, Traffic Services, Bylaw Enforcement, Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations, Building Inspections and ServiceBurlington (city@burlington.ca).

City staff that are able are working from home to maintain City services such as Community Planning, Capital Works and various Corporate Services. During this unprecedented time, we are continually looking at ways for us to work more efficiently and to use taxpayer dollars wisely. The City has put in place spending restraints on all non-essential purchases during this time and will look to utilize our staff where we can instead of outsourcing.

The majority of the City’s expenditures is paying our hard-working employees and we must continue to ensure we have the staff needed to get us through these challenging times. This means we will maintain our full-time staff workforce. They will continue to work remotely during this period or be redeployed where possible into essential service areas. We are also aware of other organizations that may need assistance, like Halton Region, where we may be able to redeploy staff.

For our part-time staff, we will look at various options including evaluating government assistance programs being offered by the provincial and federal governments. Once we have looked at options for our staff, as a last resort we will also consider layoffs as required. 

How will those laid off across the City be helped?

All levels of government in Canada are working well, together, to make sure that we’re doing what’s best for our residents and for Canadians.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit was by the Federal government on March 25, 2020. It takes into account Canadians who:

• have lost their jobs
• are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19
• are working parents that must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures
• Wage-earners as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for employment insurance
• workers who are still employed but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19.

The fund provides $2,000 a month, for up to four months. Read more.

Questions about the Canada Emergency Response Fund can be directed to MP for Burlington, Karina Gould at 905-639-5757.

What is the plan to help low income individuals that has been laid off with their rent?

Vulnerable Ontarians, including those who live in poverty, are homeless or unemployed, face even more significant impacts as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Province of Ontario is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and safety of these vulnerable populations. Read more. Questions about social services programs, can also be directed to MPP for Burlington, Jane McKenna at 905-639-7924, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The Government of Canada is also offering support for individuals. Read more

Will seniors pension plan payments increase?

The Government of Canada is offering a variety of support for individuals. Read more

Questions about supports can also be directed to MP for Burlington, Karina Gould at 905-639-5757.

I have skills I want to offer to help my community, how can I do that?

For residents looking to get or offer support, the City is aware of the following organizations and services:

• Ontario 211 is a free helpline that connects to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists. You can visit 211.ca or call 211 from your phone with questions related to food, family services, employment, community programs and crisis support.
• Online support groups, The Good Neighbour Project - GTA and Burlington Covid Response are both available on Facebook. You can visit those groups to either seek support or offer help to others. Please make sure you always follow the advice of healthcare experts while supporting others including social distancing, hand washing and staying home if you are sick.
• Local foodbanks: To donate money online or to visit the Burlington Foodbank, visit www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca
• Giving blood: Maintaining a blood supply is as important as ever during COVID-19. If you are eligible and well, please consider donating blood. Visit myaccount.blood.ca or call 1888 2 Donate

Where can I find someone to help me pick up groceries?

The Good Neighbour Project - GTA is offering support to help people pick up groceries and supplies. Please call 647-873- 2230.

Is the Burlington Food Bank well stocked?

On April 3, 2020, the Federal government announced $100 million in funding to go towards meeting the urgent food needs of Canadians, including $50 million to Food Banks Canada. Read more.

Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, the Burlington Food Bank has shifted to a hamper model. Read more information about operations at the Burlington Food Bank during the COVID-19 situation.