​March 30, 2020 1:30 P.M.Office of the Premier
TORONTO — The Ontario government is working with businesses, volunteer organizations and non-profits to make it easier for Ontario's seniors to self-isolate and practice physical distancing during this unprecedented time by ensuring they can receive the support they need to stay safe and healthy. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is strongly urging those over the age of 70 or those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions to stay at home.
The government is investing $10 million to help community organizations with the coordination of subsidized deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to seniors. This investment doubles the government's initial commitment in Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. The government is also working with grocers and pharmacists to prioritize seniors' delivery orders and establish senior-only shopping hours.
"We take seriously the advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, and we're working to put an iron ring of protection around our seniors from COVID-19," said Premier Doug Ford. "I know asking our seniors to stay at home will not be easy as it will mean inconvenience, isolation and significant change in routine. That's why we are encouraging everyone to reach out and support them, whether it's delivering their prescriptions or picking up the phone and giving them a call. It will all make a positive difference to our most vulnerable citizens."
The government is also working with province-wide organizations including Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) and Older Adults Centres' Association of Ontario (OACAO) to identify and mobilize potential volunteer supports and expand the use of innovative technologies in the community to address social isolation and support daily living assistance.
"Our seniors have dedicated their lives to making Ontario the great province it is today. During this very difficult period, we need to take every step possible to protect them and ensure they stay healthy both physically and mentally," said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. "I encourage everyone to stay in regular contact with a parent, grand parent or neighbour to make sure they have everything they need."
This $10 million delivery coordination program for seniors living at home is in addition to the $20 million over two years the province has invested to protect seniors in retirement homes through increased infection control and active screening procedures and $243 million for long-term care homes to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing, enhanced cleaning and sanitation, and additional surge capacity.
"We must do everything in our power to care for and support Ontario's most vulnerable population," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. "I want to assure you that we are working around the clock to assist and care for Ontario's seniors, especially those in long-term care, during this unprecedented time."
The government is implementing a new emergency order to ensure that staffing and resources are available to help care for and protect long-term care residents, providing further flexibility and allowing homes to redirect their staffing and financial resources to essential tasks. This is in addition to implementing a new approach to redeploying highly qualified inspectors to support long-term care homes on the ground through staff supply, care coordination, and helping homes prevent and contain infections. 
"It's never been more important that all Ontarians heed the advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health by staying home and practicing physical distancing," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "This is especially true because it's the only way to protect our seniors and the most vulnerable people in our province. All of us need to do our part to stop the spread of this virus."
Additional Resources

• Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
• Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

• No new countries/territories/areas reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
• WHO has updated the operational planning guidelines to help countries maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document includes a set of immediate actions that countries should consider at national, regional, and local level to reorganize and maintain access to high quality essential health services for all. For more information:
www.who.int/publications-detail/covid-19-operational-guidance-formaintaining-essential-health-services-during-an-outbreak

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product when used according to the label directions. Health Canada has released a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against coronavirus. Unsure if what you're using is effective? Check the link below for the list!
https://www.canada.ca/…/dr…/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html

Notice to General Public and Healthcare ProfessionalsHealth Canada is advising the public, as well as healthcare professionals (HCPs) to use caution when considering the use of homemade masks to protect against the transmission of COVID-19.
Homemade masks may include those that are:

• made of cloth e.g., cotton
• with pockets to insert other masks or filters
• to be worn over N95 respirators (in an effort to reuse respirators)

Homemade masks are not medical devices and consequently are not regulated, like medical masks and respirators. Their use poses a number of limitations:

• they have not been tested to recognized standards
• they may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles
• the edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
• the fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
• they can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount of oxygen needed by your body
• they may require frequent adjustment, increasing the amount of times your hands come into contact with your face and increasing the probability of infection

Homemade masks may include those that are:

• made of cloth e.g., cotton
• with pockets to insert other masks or filters
• to be worn over N95 respirators (in an effort to reuse respirators)

These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from the coronavirus because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.
Only fit-tested NIOSH-approvedFootnote* N95 surgical respirators (not medical masks) are designed to provide complete protection. These respirators are medical devices authorized by Health Canada. An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small test particles.
Medical masks are also medical devices that use materials that block at least 95% of very small test particles, however, they do not fit tightly to the face, so are not designed to provide complete protection for the wearer. They need to be used in combination with other personal protective equipment (PPEs) to provide additional protection.
Health Canada has provided important information on optimizing the use of masks and respirators during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on preventing coronavirus includes guidance on wearing masks, if necessary, and includes the following:

• If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19
• Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security
• There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal
• They also need to be changed frequently
• However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.

For further advice and resources, please visit the Government of Canada COVID-19 website

Three new countries/territories/areas from the Region of the Americas [1], and African Region [2] have reported cases of COVID-19.
• The United Nations launched a US$2 billion COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan to support the world’s most vulnerable countries. 
• The WHO Director-General mentioned many key issues and action steps to effectively combat COVID-19, as well as maintaining physical distance but not social distance. 
• WHO published the COVID-19: Operational guidance for maintaining essential health services during an outbreak and the Handbook for public health capacity-building at ground crossings and cross-border collaboration on 25 March 2020. 
• In line with current evidence, WHO maintains the recommendations of droplet and contact precautions for healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. For those performing aerosol generating procedures, WHO recommends airborne and contact precautions. The use of medical masks, eye protection, gloves and gown are required for direct patient care; respirator masks are specifically required for aerosol generating procedures.

Two new countries/territories/areas from the Western Pacific Region [1], and Eastern Mediterranean Region [1] have reported cases of COVID-19.
• OpenWHO released its introductory video on COVID-19 in Indian sign language yesterday, which is the first sign language resource on the platform. The video already has nearly 900 enrolments. 
• As the world tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that essential health services and operations continue to be available to protect the lives of people with malaria, TB and other diseases or health conditions.
• EPI-WIN, WHO’s information network for epidemics, makes easy to understand advice and information available on a dedicated page on the WHO website. EPI-WIN is also providing employers and workers with timely information through regular calls.

Four new countries/territories/areas from the South-East Asia Region [1], and Region of the Americas [3] have reported cases of COVID-19.
• WHO has delivered a new shipment of emergency medical supplies to the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of COVID-19 response measures. Details can be found on the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
• The WHO WhatsApp Health Alert has now attracted 10 million users since launching Friday, and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund has raised more than US$70 million, in just 10 days. 
• WHO and FIFA launched a joint campaign to equip the football community to tackle COVID-19. This awareness campaign calls on all people around the world to follow the five key steps to stop the spread of the disease. 
• WHO and its partners are constantly working to strengthen the chains of essential COVID-19 supplies. As global demand rises, WHO and its partners aim to ensure assistance to areas most in need.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford  has ordered the closure of all non-essential workplaces in Ontario.
The orders are to take effect Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. and will last for two weeks in Ontario.
Please see the link below for the list of essential workplaces:

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

• Three new countries/territories/areas from the African Region [1], Region of the Americas [1], and Eastern Mediterranean Region [1], have reported cases of COVID-19.
• The number of COVID-19 cases surpassed 300,000 globally.
• Data reported are based on information received from national authorities by 10:00 AM CET, 23 March 2020.
• Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical to tracking the virus, understanding epidemiology, informing case management, and to suppressing transmission. WHO has updated the Laboratory Testing Strategy document according to the 4Cs transmission scenarios. All technical guidance can be found here.
• WHO Regional Office for Europe has published interim guidance on how to deal with COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention, available here.
​• World Water Day 2020, celebrated on 22 March, highlighted the essential role of hand washing in hygiene to protect you and those around you. WHO Regional Office for Europe provides more information here.