Read on Twitter
Long thread alert!
Yesterday, for the second time during this pandemic, the Ontario Government declared a provincial emergency, which will be in effect until at least February 11, 2021. (1/18)
Yesterday, for the second time during this pandemic, the Ontario Government declared a provincial emergency, which will be in effect until at least February 11, 2021. (1/18)
This affects every single one of us, so we’re going to take the opportunity to just lay it out for you a bit.
The first thing to cross the minds of many people here in Northern Ontario has been, “But why us, too? This is a Southern Ontario problem!”
(2/18)
The first thing to cross the minds of many people here in Northern Ontario has been, “But why us, too? This is a Southern Ontario problem!”
(2/18)
And the very straightforward and simple answer is, “No. It isn’t.”
This is an everyone problem and it requires an everyone solution.
If the colour-coded framework were currently in effect, most public health units would be above the red level. (3/18)
This is an everyone problem and it requires an everyone solution.
If the colour-coded framework were currently in effect, most public health units would be above the red level. (3/18)
Escalating case counts have led to increasing hospitalization rates and ICU occupancy. Every region of the province has at least one LTC home outbreak. Surgeries and other lifesaving procedures are being cancelled.
(4/18)
(4/18)
Ontario’s COVID-19 case #s have doubled over the past two weeks and the provincial hospital system is on the verge of collapse if drastic action is not taken immediately. We are heading in a direction where people who need emergency care could very well be turned away.
(5/18)
(5/18)
Reducing the impact of COVID -19 also means stopping deaths of people in LTC homes, people with cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, and so much more.
If anyone was looking for a time to start taking this seriously, this is it.
(6/18)
If anyone was looking for a time to start taking this seriously, this is it.
(6/18)
Let’s break down some of the numbers, because that’s what a lot of this comes down to. Modelling projections were released yesterday as well, and the situation is extremely grim:
(7/18)
(7/18)
• COVID-19 morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) are at the highest levels since the start of the pandemic.
• Daily mortality is increasing under current restrictions and is projected to double from 50 to 100 deaths per day between now and end of February.
(8/18)
• Daily mortality is increasing under current restrictions and is projected to double from 50 to 100 deaths per day between now and end of February.
(8/18)
• ICU occupancy is now over 400 beds and is projected to be approximately 500 beds by mid-January/approximately 1,000 beds by early February in more severe, but still realistic scenarios.
(9/18)
(9/18)
We are by no means immune to this here in the north. We continue to announce new cases daily and we're still within the timeframe that we can see additional impacts from holiday gatherings. NOW is the critical time to limit spread.
(10/18)
(10/18)
If we want to get ahead of this virus, measures need to be in place BEFORE rates go up any further. Everyone's being directed to stay home except for essential purposes, such as food, medical reasons, exercise, or employment that can not be done from the home.
(11/18)
(11/18)
To help ensure compliance, provincial offenses officers and enforcement personnel have been granted the authority to issue tickets.
We do continue to have certain advantages in the north.
(12/18)
We do continue to have certain advantages in the north.
(12/18)
For the time being, schools here will remain open so that, should we choose that option, our children can continue to learn in-person and enjoy the benefits of interacting with their peers.
(13/18)
(13/18)
Enhancements have been introduced to the strong infection prevention and control protocols that were already in place. These protocols have proven to be very effective so far in quickly containing and limiting spread of infection.
(14/18)
(14/18)
These are extremely trying times and we at the Health Unit are keenly aware of the effects that being locked down can have. It can harm our mental health. People’s livelihoods have certainly been impacted.
(15/18)
(15/18)
We encourage everyone to support each other through this as best they can. If you own a business and you’re struggling, please contact your member of provincial parliament (MPP) for assistance. If your mental health is suffering, you're not alone.
(16/18)
(16/18)
Please reach out for help - there are supports found on our website that can you started ( http://www.tbdhu.com/mentalhealth ).
This will not be easy but please know that the actions we all take now will make a difference in how the coming weeks and months will play out.
(17/18)
This will not be easy but please know that the actions we all take now will make a difference in how the coming weeks and months will play out.
(17/18)
Thank you for your efforts to protect our communities. Stay safe, stay home whenever you can and take care of yourselves and one another.
Learn more about implications for #TBay: http://tbdhu.com/currentlevel
(18/18)
Learn more about implications for #TBay: http://tbdhu.com/currentlevel
(18/18)
