Covid-19

Common Myths Circulating About COVID-19 Vaccinations
Myth #1: COVID-19 Vaccines alter your DNA
Fact: COVID-19 Vaccines DO NOT alter your DNA. They produce immunity by providing your body with a blueprint (mRNA) to manufacture its own protein. This protein is similar to one found on the virus that causes COVID-19. Once this protein is produced, your body is able to identify it as “foreign” and produces antibodies to fight it. Those antibodies are what fight against the SARS-CoV2 virus if you are ever exposed to it. The mRNA contained in the vaccine is quickly broken down by your body and “disappears” once its job is done. It has no capacity to enter the nucleus of the cell where your DNA is kept and protected.
Myth #2: COVID-19 Vaccines have been associated with infertility
FACT: Our infectious disease and immunology experts have been monitoring ALL adverse outcomes since mass vaccinations began in December 2020. There has been NO identified link between vaccination against COVID-19 and infertility. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada has issued the following statement: “There is absolutely no evidence, and no theoretic reason, to suspect that the COVID-19 vaccine could impair male or female fertility. These rumors are unfounded and harmful.” Specifically, there has been no documented immune response against the syncytin-1 protein of the placenta as claimed by many online sources.
Myth #3: My chances of getting COVID are pretty low
FACT: Our top scientists are estimating that in Ontario 80-90% of those who are unvaccinated will contract COVID-19 in the next 6-12 months due to the high infection rate and easy transmission of the delta variant. Furthermore, we now know that the Delta strain is 2-3 times more likely to result in hospital or ICU admission.
Myth #4: Vaccination does not prevent transmission of the virus
FACT: We know that transmission of the virus from those who are vaccinated is still possible, but it is significantly lower than if you are not vaccinated. The virus needs to make enough copies of itself to be passed to another person and that number is much lower in vaccinated people.
Myth #5: The mRNA vaccines were developed too quickly and we don’t know all the long-term side effects of them
FACT: mRNA technology has been used in other areas of medicine (like cancer treatments) for over 10 years. These vaccines were produced faster than previous vaccines not because of skipped steps, but because of unprecedented levels of collaboration and funding from around the world. To date, over 50 Million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Canada and over 5 Billion globally. When you consider that adverse events to vaccination are most likely to happen within 6 weeks of vaccination, that’s A LOT of data on side effects!
Myth #6: mRNA vaccines have not been shown to be safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding
FACT: Although pregnant and breast-feeding women were not included in the Phase III trials of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, real-world safety data for hundreds of thousands of pregnant individuals that
have received COVID-19 vaccines is now available and has not revealed any safety concerns. Recent data has confirmed that mRNA from the vaccines does not cross into breast milk, but the antibodies that are produced from vaccination do. This is a good thing because it means that a breastfeeding infant gets some protection against COVID-19 from mom.
Myth #7: These vaccines were produced using embryonic cells. As such, as a person of faith, I cannot receive one without violating beliefs around abortion or the use of certain animal tissues.
FACT: Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine were developed using cells from aborted fetuses. The Catholic Church acknowledges that in some of their final testing processes “unethically derived cell lines” were used, but that either vaccine “can be morally acceptable for Catholics to receive since the connection to abortion is extremely remote”.
https://www.cccb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CLARIFICATION-CCCB-Statement-on-COVID-19-Vaccine-Choice-9-March-2021-EN.pdf The vaccines also do not contain any pork products. Other religious organizations that have encouraged vaccination against COVID-19 include The Muslim American Society, the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force, the World Jewish Congress and World Council of Churches, and the Orthodox Union and Rabbinical Council of America.
Myth #8: Kids don’t need to be vaccinated as COVID-19 is not that harmful to them.
FACT: With the spread of the Delta variant, children are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. As of right now, it does not appear that Delta makes kids sicker than any other strain of the virus. However, being vaccinated against COVID-19 does help prevent children from spreading the virus to other family members who may be more vulnerable to this disease. Furthermore, according to current guidelines in most public health jurisdictions, any vaccinated child who is identified as a high risk contact for COVID-19 will not need to self-isolate and will be allowed to remain in school as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19. For reliable information on COVID-19 Vaccination in children please see https://kidshealthfirst.ca .
Myth #9: My risk of negative outcomes from COVID-19 is so low it is not worth getting vaccinated.
FACT: While mortality from COVID-19 may be low, we are continuing to learn about other long term effects from the virus, known as “long COVID”, which can affect people of all ages that experience COVID-19, and can develop even following only mild illness. The symptoms of “long COVID” can include extreme tiredness, difficulty with memory and concentration, shortness of breath, chest pain and joint pain. These symptoms can last several months and may significantly impair your ability to function or work.
Myth #10: It is better to get natural immunity to COVID-19 through catching the disease than through a vaccine.
FACT: Though having COVID-19 and recovering from it will confer immunity, it comes with a potential big cost: the risk of death or severe disease from the virus and potential long-term effects of “long COVID”. The immunity from the m-RNA vaccines has been shown to consistently protect against severe disease, hospitalization and death from the COVID-19 virus even with the new Delta variant. We also know that immunity, whether through vaccination or natural infection, slowly wanes over time and that it is very possible to get COVID-19 more than once. As such, booster doses for immunization may be recommended in the future.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have the authority to uphold federal and provincial orders.

If you have concerns about an order violation, residents are encouraged to call the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency line (1-888-310-1122). DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need emergency service.

Please note, there may be some adjustment to all non-emergency services  administered by the OPP.

Municipal Enforcement Orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act - PowerPoint Presentation

The COVID-19 event continues to evolve rapidly.  The Town’s Senior Management Team, in constant consultation with Mayor John Grace and Council, has been implementing measures to keep our community safe.  Some of our strategies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Daily Senior Management Team meetings - The team includes Mayor Grace, the Chief Administrative Officer, Treasurer, Director of Operations, Assistant Director of Operations, Clerk/Planning Coordinator and the Deputy Clerk/Health and Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

• Conference calls with the Huron County Warden and CAO, and the eight (8) other Huron County municipal partners - CAOs/Clerks/SMT members.

• Weekly teleconference with Huron Perth Public Health.

• Attendance of teleconference briefings (three times a week) with the Provincial Emergency Operations Control Centre (PEOC).

• Frequent communication to Council members including activity reports and updates following the Town’s Pandemic and Emergency Plans.

• Frequent public communications, website updates, Facebook posts regarding municipal service levels as well as recommended sources of information to follow (Huron Perth Public Health, Province of Ontario, Health Canada).

A list of the news releases and public notices is provided below by date.

Covid Update - January 14, 2021

The Ontario government has declared its second Provincial State of Emergency.  Effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 AM, the Province has issued a stay-at-home order and introduces enhanced enforcement measures to reduce mobility.  The additional measures require everyone to remain at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for work where the work cannot be done remotely.  Additional restrictions have been put into place. We are confident in the Province’s and Huron Perth Public Health’s ability to navigate us through the appropriate response and ensure that all steps are being taken to keep our community safe. Goderich Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice. The Town will no longer offer appointments for marriage licenses, commissioning of documents, lottery licensing or cemetery bookings.  You can still reach Town staff by calling 519-524-8344, Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 4 PM The following municipal departments are deemed essential service: Airport; Childcare Centre; Fire; Maitland Cemetery; Law Enforcement; Planning Development Services; Public Works; and Veolia Water Operations and Wastewater Treatment Measures include, but are not limited to: Outdoor organized public and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five (5) people.  This is consistent with the rules during the lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19 in the spring of 2020 and will allow individuals and families to enjoy time outdoors safely. Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household. Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open.  Wearing a mask or face covering is NOW recommended outdoors when you can’t physically distance more than two (2) metres. All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 AM and close no later than 8 PM.  The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.  Town Hall is closed to the public.  All Administrative staff will work from home and come to the office on an as needed  basis only. an We  can no longer offer appointments for marriage licenses, commissioning of documents or cemetery bookings. Building Department - Non-essential construction is further restricted, including below-grade construction, exempting survey.  Electronic submissions of complete building permit applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed by staff. However, site inspections performed by municipal staff will be restricted and evaluated on case-by-case basis. Construction projects with valid building permits shall contact the Chief Building Official to request an on-site inspection with a minimum of 48 hrs in advance of any required inspection. YMCA – the Maitland Recreation Centre will remain closed.  Updates on the reopening of programs and areas will be posted on the YMCA Goderich website and Facebook page. Library – waiting confirmation from Elizabeth French-Gibson, Acting Director of Huron County Library MacKay Centre for Seniors – remains closed until further notice. Municipal Dog Park – maximum of 5 people at one time. John Cove Memorial Outdoor Rink – Will be closed until the stay at home order is over.

United Way - Press Release - January 14, 2021

For Immediate Release   From:                     United Way Perth-Huron                                 32 Erie Street, Stratford ON N5A 2M4                                 1-877-818-8867 (toll-free) 519-271-7730 (T)                 Date:                      January 14, 2020   211: Connecting people in need with services across Perth and Huron   Stratford, ON — Since 2010, 211 Ontario has been helping individuals in Perth-Huron navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. During the current stay-at-home order, 211 is more important than ever to connect people with the help they need locally.   “We’ve been working hard to get the word out about 211,” said Director of Community Information for 211 Susan Faber. “We want to make sure the vulnerable and newly vulnerable know there are resources available to help to keep them supported and housed. Our goal is to have 211 become THE source for information in Perth-Huron, both for service providers and the public.”   When someone reaches out to 211, a live, trained counsellor will talk through their challenges and connect the individual with community services that can help. By providing a central source of information, 211 helps people quickly before they reach a crisis point. 211 connects individuals experiencing poverty, mental health issues and domestic violence — often root causes of homelessness — with the right resources.   Work maintaining up-to-date local records is crucial to the continuing success of 211. When COVID-19 arrived in March, information on over 1,000 local programs and services in the 211 database was updated, providing a comprehensive and reliable reference for the community.   “Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes,” added Faber. “No matter what walk of life you’re from or what you’re dealing with; from isolation, to a mental health crisis, domestic abuse or economic stress and uncertainty due to COVID-19, 211 can help. Someone will help you 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year and guide you with compassion. All you have to do is pick up a phone and dial 2-1-1.”   About 211 Ontario 211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to the right information and services, strengthens our local health and human services, and helps our local citizens to become more engaged with their communities.  When speaking of #UNIGNORABLE issues, 211 can be offered as a bridging service.   About United Way Perth-Huron UWPH is a 100% local organization working to address #UNIGNORABLE issues like poverty, homelessness and social isolation in our communities. Thanks to United Way and people across the region, over 34,000 of the most vulnerable in Perth and Huron Counties have a brighter future. To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867, mail to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4 or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca   -30-     For more information or to set up an interview with Susan Faber, Director of Community Information for 211, contact (519) 271-7730 x232 or email sfaber@perthhuron.unitedway.ca   Chad Alberico Resource Development & Communications Associate   United Way Perth-Huron 519-271-7730 │ 877-818-8867 Ext. 226  32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4   Show your local love. Donate today. perthhuron.unitedway.ca │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Instagram Need help? Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca

Covid Update - December 23, 2020

Effective December 26, 2020 at 12:01 AM, the entire Province will be placed into the Grey-Lockdown level with maximum widescale public health measures.The Town is under the direction and guidance of Huron Perth Public Health and are confident in their ability to navigate us through the appropriate response and ensure that all steps are being taken to keep our community safe.   Goderich Town Hall will be closed to the public effective 11:30 AM on December 24, 2020, until further notice. Appointments for services surrounding marriage licences, cemetery matters and lottery licences and building department can be arranged by calling 519-524-8344.   The following municipal departments are deemed essential service: Airport; Childcare Centre - closed currently for normal Christmas shutdown. Centre is planned to reopen on January 4, 2021; Fire; Maitland Cemetery; Law Enforcement; Planning Development Services; Public Works; and Veolia Water Operations and Wastewater Treatment   Normal curbside waste collection and household recycling continues.   The Mid-Huron Recycling Centre remains open. Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday 8 AM - 1 PM. Last load at the landfill is 12:30 pm.   Goderich Public Library will be open for curbside, delivery and pick-up only.   The following facilities are Closed until further notice: MacKay Centre for Seniors Maitland Recreation Centre

Covid Update - December 21, 2020

Effective December 26, 2020 at 12:01 AM, the entire Province will be placed into the Grey-Lockdown level with maximum widescale public health measures. The Town is under the direction and guidance of Huron Perth Public Health and are confident in their ability to navigate us through the appropriate response and ensure that all steps are being taken to keep our community safe. Goderich Town Council and staff are committed to providing essential municipal services to our residents and businesses through the Provincially mandated lockdown. All municipal departments are available by phone and email for inquiries. Goderich Town Hall will be closed to the public effective 11:30 AM on December 24, 2020, until further notice. The following municipal departments are deemed essential service: Airport; Childcare Centre - closed currently for normal Christmas shutdown. Centre is planned to reopen on January 4, 2021. Fire; Maitland Cemetery; Law Enforcement; Planning Development Services; Public Works; and Veolia Water Operations and Wastewater Treatment   Stay safe and keep your families safe. We are all in this together. Mayor John C. Grace

Covid Update - November 27, 2020

COVID UPDATE Its Up to All of Us. We Need to Stay Calm. We do have a positive COVID-19 case at our high school, GDCI. The Mayor and Senior Management staff are in constant communication with our community partners at the high school and at Huron Perth Public Health. We are under the direction and guidance of Huron Perth Public Health and are confident in their abilities to navigate through the appropriate COVID-19 response in our community and ensure that all steps are being taken to keep our community safe. This is a wake-up call and a reminder that we are still vulnerable in this pandemic. We have community spread in Huron County. We need to stay vigilant, wash our hands, wear our masks, keep our distance and be mindful of our space. Goderich Town Council have the complete confidence in our community partners. We are in this together. Mayor John Grace

Maitland Recreation Centre - Reopening September 8, 2020

Media Advisory for reopening of YMCA - Maitland Recreation Centre

August 6, 2020 - Goderich Covid Testing/Collection Centre is Moving

July 18, 2020 - Beaches in Goderich Will Be Closed July 19, 2020

Please be advised that due to the required resources to manage the capacity of beachgoers, all beaches in the Town of Goderich will be closed on Sunday, July 19, 2020.   While there will be no access to the Cove, the Main Beach will remain open to vehicular traffic only.  Beach Street Station and the Beach Hut at the Main Beach will remain open.  All beaches in the Town of Goderich will reopen on Monday, July 20, 2020   Mayor John Grace

July 17, 2020 - Goderich Playgrounds Remain Closed

Notice: The Premier has released the Stage 3 Framework for Reopening Our Province. In the Framework, outdoor playgrounds and play structures are permitted to open in Stage 3. The Huron Perth Public Health Medical Officer of Health suggested to municipalities that signage should be posted at the playground equipment site if the municipality could not ensure that sanitation of the equipment would be done at least twice a day.   We are taking all precautions and directives from Public Health and therefore will not open the playgrounds and play structures until Monday when we have all the appropriate signage in place.

July 13, 2020 - Stage 3 Framework for reopening Ontario

Doug Ford announces the Stage 3 Framework for reopening Ontario

June 15, 2020 - Goderich's Waterfront and Beach Gradual Opening

The Town of Goderich is doing their best to safely bring Goderich’s waterfront and beach back to normal with a gradual opening.  Public washroom facilities are now open at the Main Beach today (Monday, June 15) and at the Cove starting Monday, June 29.  Washrooms will be cleaned twice daily.  We feel this is the best way to transition the opening of our waterfront/beach as we complete the shoreline stabilization and boardwalk reconstruction and from the COVID crisis.   As of June 15 at 1:30 PM, the Town has officially closed the public access to the South Pier.   We have done such a great job here in Goderich and across Huron County to slow the spread of coronavirus.  To prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Town is asking the public to follow the advice of Huron Perth Public Health, wash your hands often with soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid close contact with people who are sick, honour physical distancing guidelines (6 feet), and cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.   By-Law Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the provisions of Town by-laws at Town-owned parks, facilities, waterfront and beaches.  The Ontario Provincial Police have the authority to uphold federal and provincial orders.  Goderich’s beaches and parks will be closed if patrons do not follow the Town’s By-Laws and Provincial Orders and/or if the use of these facilities become unsafe.

June 8 - A Framework for Reopening our Province - Stage 2

A Framework for Reopening our Province - Stage 2

June 2 - Keeping Children and Youth Safe Online - Online Safety Talk with Paul Davis

Huron Domestic Assault Review Team presents a series of Facebook Live events with internet safety expert Paul Davis.  June 8, June 10 and June 17 view the poster.  Follow Huron Domestic Assault Review Team on Facebook to find details on how to join the live events facebook.com/hurondart for details.

May 30 - Council Reports the Development of Two Critical Mayor's Task Forces

May 29, 2020 - Farmers' Market Update

AS WE CROSS OUR T’S AND DOT OUR I’S IN PREPARATION FOR OPENING THE GODERICH BIA FARMERS’ MARKET THIS SUMMER; Visitor and vendor safety are at the core of our philosophy. It’s not business as usual for farmers’ markets this year. Only food can be offered for sale and social interaction must be limited to maintain social distancing. GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS: Practice physical distancing by keeping 6 feet or 2 meters between yourself and others. Stay home if you are feeling unwell Pre order online so that your visit is as brief as possible Go to www.goderichbia.ca farmers market page for links to local vendors If you are paying with cash when possible bring the exact amount of your purchase in an envelope. The vendor will receive the envelope in a cash transfer basket YOU ARE WELCOME AT THE GODERICH BIA FARMERS’ MARKET IF YOU: • Have no symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath) • Have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days • Have not been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID- 19 WHERE TO FIND MARKET VENDORS THIS SEASON A Mini Market off South Street A Mini Market on Montreal Street At mini market curb side corner(s) on The Square VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT THE GODERICH MARKET Only Food is offered for sale Stands are spaced out Customer circulation will be monitored and controlled There is no sampling of food Customer supplied containers are not allowed There is no communal seating or eating Food products are packaged in single use boxes or bags Hand washing or sanitizing facilities will be available CHECK THE GODERICH SIGNAL STAR NEXT WEEK FOR A CONFIRMED OPENING DATE AND A MARKET MAP TO USE AS YOUR GUIDE TO FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE. Goderich BIA appreciate the support of Municipal Council, and the Town of Goderich. Public Safety Protocols for the Goderich Farmers’ Market have been developed in consultation with public health officials and will be reviewed and adapted in consultation with the Huron Perth Health Unit. Operational requirements for the market are made in consultation with the Huron Perth Health Unit, Farmers’ Market Ontario, Sustain Ontario and regulated under Provincial guidelines. Thank you for supporting our market and Ontario farmers. See you soon. Susan Carradine 519-955-0375 BIA Manager On behalf of the Downtown Goderich BIA Board and Businesses.

May 27, 2020 The United Way’s goal is to not only build resiliency amongst non-profit and charities in Huron Perth, but to thrive in response to COVID-19.  The survey is only open til June 19. http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh1fqtmgk930bmev/a016vkapp6ug5/questions

May 14 - Government’s Plan to Reopen the Economy - May 19 - Comprehensive List

Please view the Comprehensive List for details.

May 7 - Local medical student Rachel Peet creates effective storytelling initiative for children to understand Covid-19 with support from Dr. Treasurywala.

https://www.facebook.com/thestaysh/videos/2613668475405022/

May 6 - Attention Local Cottagers and Day-trippers

To all the local Goderich area Cottagers and Day-trippers we ask that you please do NOT travel to Goderich while the Provincial Emergency for COVID-19 is in place. We discourage any non-emergency travelling into the community. Our Beaches and Waterfront are closed to the public until further notice. Stay Home, Stay Safe and practice Social distancing at all times. Stop the Spread of COVID - 19. Let’s do it together and play our part on ......CANADA ‘S National Team. Thank you  Mayor John Grace

May 6 - Garage/Yard Sales Are Discouraged Until Further Notice

Due to Provincial Orders surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Goderich discourages all residents on operating garage and yard sales in the Town until further notice.  Residents need to continue honouring social distancing practice to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  Thank you.

May 1 - Children's Mental Health Week 2020

Please view CMH Week 2020 for the updated plans for Children's Mental Health week. This has been a collaborative effort and there are so many positive ways for people to connect in on the issue of mental health at this time in our history. Thanks to the following organizations who are SEA Charter Members for their willingness to co-sponsor these events: Huron Perth Child & Youth Network Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth Avon Maitland District School Board Huron Perth Catholic District School Board Choices for Change Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team LHIN Mental Health & Addiction Nurses Huron Respite Network

May 1 - Ontario Allows Certain Businesses, Workplaces to Reopen May 4

https://globalnews.ca/news/6893347/some-ontario-businesses-workplaces-reopen-may-4-coronavirus/?utm_source=notification/

April 30 - United Way’s Urgent Needs Fund Expands to Help Individuals Directly

Stratford, ON — Having already funded over a dozen programs through their COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund to help organizations and the people they serve during the pandemic, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is making funds available through Social Services in Perth and Huron Counties to individuals and families in need. “COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis and many people are struggling to cope, particularly our most vulnerable,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Organizations are doing incredible work across Perth and Huron but sometimes needs fall outside existing programs and that is where the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund for Individuals comes in. It’s important for us to put our arms around everyone in the community and help them get through this.” UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund for Individuals is administered by the City of Stratford Social Services Department on behalf of Perth County and the Huron County Social & Property Services Department on behalf of Huron County. People looking for help, whether paying a bill or buying groceries to get them through the week, are encouraged to visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca and download an application form. Huron residents can also find application forms at huroncounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Urgent-Needs-Fund-Application-Individuals.pdf.  In Perth County, submit applications via email to rbrown@stratford.ca, or drop off or mail to Social Services, 1st floor, 82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 2M4  In Huron County submit applications via email to owteam501@huroncounty.ca or drop off or mail to Huron County Social and Property Services, 77722D London Road, RR 5, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0 If someone is unable to submit their application by email or postal mail, call Social Services directly at 519-271-3773 x 277 in Perth or 519-482-8505 x 4501 in Huron. Mail applications may be slower due to possible mail processing delays. Funding is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis provided eligibility criteria is met. Applications open Monday, May 4. “We’re happy to be partnering with UWPH to help citizens get the help they need,” said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson. “We want to ensure everyone is supported through this pandemic.” “This is an extraordinary time requiring innovative solutions,” added Huron County Warden Jim Ginn. “Huron County has been working hard to help residents in need and this partnership with UWPH is an added layer of support for individuals and families.” To donate to UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, go to give.unitedway.ca/donate/WSTRAT-UWPH or call the United Way offices at (519) 271-7730 between the hours of 8:30 am and noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. About United Way Perth-Huron UWPH is a 100% local organization working to address #UNIGNORABLE issues like poverty, homelessness and mental health in our communities. Thanks to United Way and people across the region, over 39,000 of the most vulnerable in Perth and Huron Counties have a brighter future. To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867, mail to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4 or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca -30- For more information or to set up an interview with Ryan Erb, Executive Director, contact (519) 276-0097 or email info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca

April 17 - Testing/Collection Centre at Knights of Columbus - Goderich

April 8 – Stay Home Stay Safe To Protect Yourself and Others this Passover & Easter

April 8  - Boat Launches Are Closed to the Public

Pursuant to the Provincial Order, Fisherman’s Wharf and Snug Harbour boat launches are closed to the public until further notice.

April 3 -  Ontario Provides Full Transparency by Releasing COVID-19 Modelling

COVID-19 modelling modelling update with the figures Dr. Donnelly quoted

April 3 - Ontario Revised its List of Essential Services

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

March 31 - Local Love in a Global Crisis - Mayor John C. Grace

Local Love in a Global Crisis - Mayor John C. Grace

Vaccination Roll-Out

Safe and reliable vaccines can help protect you and your family from COVID-19. These vaccines will be an important tool to help stop the spread of the virus and will allow individuals, families and workers to safely resume normal life. There will be a limited supply of vaccines at first, so people who are more vulnerable or at higher risk of infection and serious illness will be prioritized in the rollout of the early phases of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program.

If you have questions about the vaccine please visit the Huron Perth Public Health websiteCOVID-19 Vaccine Information - Huron Perth Public Health (hpph.ca) to read their list of frequently asked questions. These question and answers were prepared by The Primary Care Physician Advisory Council (Huron and Perth Area Ontario Health Team), a collective group of doctors representing over 100 family doctors and primary care providers in the Huron Perth area.

Support Services Contact Information

View the  Help List for contact information for local services and organizations

211 Ontario provides programs and services to help the community through the pandemic through their page dedicated to finding support during COVID-19. 

 Status of Municipal Services

An update on the status of municipal services (both essential and suspended services) is provided below by department. Please note the following measures are in effect until further notice.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – Help Us Help You 

Please see the Ontario Provincial Police website at http://opp.ca/ for further information on the following items:

• Report less serious incidents online at opp.ca/reporting
• What are essential businesses?
• If I have to close my business, how do I keep it safe? 
• Are there COVID-19 scammers out there? 
      

Goderich Business Information

The BIA office has compiled a list of the downtown Goderich BIA stores/retailers. The stores are listed alphabetically with website and Facebook links, telephone numbers and shopping options where available.

Downtown Goderich - Restaurants Listing - as at June 19, 2020

The Ontario Government has the COVID-19: Help for businesses in Ontario Portal with information about changes to government programs and available supports as your business recovers from COVID-19.

On-Line Resources for Goderich Businesses

• Town of Goderich – https://www.goderich.ca/en/town-hall-and-services/Covid-19.aspx#
• County of Huron – https://www.huroncounty.ca/emergency-services/emergency-management/covid-19/
• County of Huron Economic Development Department – Business Support -https://www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/

• To help Canadian businesses through the current ongoing pandemic, the federal government has created multiple new wage subsidies to support Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the most recognizable of these programs being the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-apply-guide.html

  Unfortunately, many high-growth businesses that have not yet seen a 15% or 30% drop in revenue are ineligible for CEWS, but may still require financial support to avoid layoffs related to COVID-19. This scenario can happen for various reasons, such as a company being in the R&D stages of launching an innovative product or service, or a business with clients who are locked into contracts, but whose clients have requested reduced monthly payments due to the government-mandated shutdown.

  It is with these SMEs in mind that the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance program (NRC IRAP) created the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP). With a total of $250 million in wage subsidies available, this program aims to support innovative tech SMEs who are not eligible for other COVID-19 related funding program https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/nrc-irap-iap-frequently-asked-questions?utm_campaign=IRAP_funding_program&utm_medium=link_to_faq_page_e&utm_source=funding_program_page_e  No specific R&D project is required to be eligible for IRAP IAP as this program is designed to support/subsidize payroll costs of highly innovative companies who are seeing a downturn due to COVID-19

• Community Futures - https://cfhuron.ca/covid-19-support/
• Retail Council of Canada – Planning Checklist for Retailers: Coronavirus (COVID-19) -https://www.retailcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Planning-Checklist-for-Retailers-Coronavirus.pdf
• Business Development Bank – COVID-19 Support - https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx
• Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses – Small Business Resources Dealing with COVID-19 -https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/small-business-resources-dealing-covid-19
• Ontario Business Improvement Area Association – The Leading Network for BIAS - https://obiaa.com/
• Government of Canada – COVID-19 Resources for Canadian Businesses -https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/resources-for-canadian-businesses.html
• World Health Organization COVID-19 Update at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has published a Pandemic Resources Guide athttp://chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/, available for download.

The Ministry of Health offers up to date information about the coronavirus, including links to the Huron Perth Public Health Unit at https://www.hpph.ca/en/index.aspx and Telehealth Ontario athttps://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus or 1-866-797-0000 

Helpful Resources

The Town of Goderich will continue to obtain information and updates from the Province of Ontario, Huron Perth Public Health Unit, Telehealth Ontario, the County of Huron, and other health agencies and will provide new information to residents when they become available. 

The following links provide useful information about COVID-19:

• Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/releases
• Ontario Government https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
• Public Health Ontario https://www.publichealthontario.ca
• Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
• Huron Perth Public Health Unit https://www.hpph.ca/en/index.aspx

• Huron Perth Public Health Unit - intake phone line Health Line is available at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3267. Health Line is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Calls left as phone messages on Sunday will be dealt with on the next business day.

• Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for questions specific to individual health concerns
• County of Huron https://www.huroncounty.ca/emergency-services/emergency-management/covid-19/
• Mental Health & Addictions Services in Huron Perth http://www.amgh.ca/uploads/HP%20MHA%20Services%20-%20Service%20Updates%20During%20COVID-19.pdf

Resources for Children

• Rural Response For Healthy Children - Autumn 2020 Programs for parent/caregiver, child and youth. All are offered virtually (with one exception - one in person Parking Lot Conversations program.  Also two new free offerings for workplace/teams and volunteer groups. This is in response to the pandemic and higher stress levels from parent/caregivers who are working/volunteering or returning to the workplace.
• Interview with Local medical student Rachel Peet (creates effective storytelling initiative for children to understand Covid-19 with support from Dr. Treasurywala
• )Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 mental health support service offering counselling through text (Text CONNECT to 686868), phone calling (1-800-668-6868) and online live chat. 
• Coping with Social Distancing
• Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCov outbreak (World Health Organization)
• Please view CMH Week 2020 for updated plans! This has been a collaborative effort and there are so many positive ways for people to connect in on the issue of mental health at this time in our history.

  Thanks to the following organizations who are SEA Charter Members for their willingness to co-sponsor these events:

  • Huron Perth Child & Youth Network
  • Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth
  • Avon Maitland District School Board
  • Huron Perth Catholic District School Board
  • Choices for Change
  • Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team
  • LHIN Mental Health & Addiction Nurses
  • Huron Respite Network

Resources for Families and Youth Leaders

• Social Distancing Tips for Youth Leader
• Support for Families

Rural Response for Healthy Children - view interviews with Jill Robertson on the Staysh

• May 13
• May 06  
• April 29
• April 22 
• April 15