Dr. Lawrence Loh, Acting Medical Officer of Health, stated that historically, human to human spread of viruses were eliminated by stopping human to human interactions because viruses cannot infect new hosts if the hosts are not meeting. He confirmed that, like many other jurisdictions in the Greater Toronto Area, community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring in the Region of Peel, which means that there are chains of transmission that are not linked to travel but are linked to residents here who have fallen ill. Dr. Loh highlighted that this was expected, and should not cause alarm as proper measures can be adopted. Specifically highlighted was the importance of slowing the spread through stringent physical distancing once community transmission is established.
Dr. Loh noted that there will be more cases and more disease severity in the coming days, but highlighted measures that can be taken by members of the community to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Self-isolating if one has travelled outside of Canada. Returning residents should not stop anywhere between the airport and home, and should rely on a family or friend to get supplies and groceries while they stay home for fourteen days.
- Self-isolating if one is unwell.
- Staying at home as much as possible, and only leaving for essential excursions and solo exercise.
- Working from home as one’s work permits.
- Cancelling all group gatherings regardless of purpose.
- Not venturing out unless it is absolutely necessary for groceries, medicine or emergencies.
- Avoiding groups while out, continually walking, and maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others in lines or on public transit.
- Washing one’s hands frequently and avoiding touching one’s face.
- Not attending healthcare facilities or assessment centres unless critically necessary, to ensure that healthcare services are provided to those who need it most.
On behalf of staff in Public Health, Dr. Loh expressed gratitude to healthcare partners and first responders for bravely stepping forward to care for those who are sick and he also recognized the workers – cashiers, clerks, transit operators, who are maintaining essential community services. Dr. Loh commended those who have done their duty to close businesses and the community for coming together during this time. Dr. Loh closed by highlighting that the impact of these actions will not be not reflected immediately, but are vitally important to plank the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Region of Peel.
In response to a question from Councillor Vicente, the Acting Medical Officer of Health advised that police have started to enforce the provincial order with respect to essential workplaces. He undertook to ensure the Region of Peel website remains updated with resources related to workers’ rights to a safe work environment and guidance for businesses to reduce exposure
In response to a question from Councillor Vicente, Andrew Farr, Acting Commissioner of Public Works advised that TransHelp services have been limited to essential trips; passengers are being screened and the number of passengers on each trip is limited to two; and, buses are disinfected daily. TransHelp ridership has been reduced by approximately 70 per cent. Cleaning supplies and sanitizers have been issued to all staff who work with the public.
In response to a question from Councillor Groves, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer undertook to request that staff in Communications Services provide information to Councillors that could be shared with residents on how to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19.
In response to questions from Councillor Damerla, Dr. Loh undertook to consult with other public health units regarding how enforcement of physical distancing guidelines in workplaces is happening, and he confirmed that staff in Communications Services are working to ensure public communications are available in different languages.
In response to a question from Councillor Crombie, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer advised that the Region of Peel Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) would be establishing an email address to receive offers to donate medical supplies. REOC staff are working with staff from the local hospitals to develop an inventory of supplies.
Councillor Downey raised the question of the provincial or Region of Peel’s responsibility to ensure that Region of Peel contractors are providing safe conditions for workers at Region of Peel project sites, and the Acting of Medical Officer of Health undertook to explore options as part of the broader question of approaches to business operations.
Councillor Brown noted that the City of Brampton is home to one of the largest food processing sectors in the province whose work is classified by the province as essential. He requested that staff ensure guidance is provided to those workplaces with respect to protection against the spread of COVID-19.
Members of Regional Council recognized the great efforts of Dr. Loh and staff during these challenging times.