It seems that social distancing may be the name of the game for the foreseeable future, at least here in the Canadian capital. I have gotten some questions about resources to help others through this time and I’m compiling some of them here in case they are useful to you. I am not an authority on ANY OF THESE ITEMS. Therefore in general I am referring you to those who are.
1. Government information and support
Circumstances are changing very quickly so it is important to know which authorities to turn to. You should consider making federal government information, provincial government information and your public health authority your go-tos.
- Federal: on covid 19: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-cases.html
- Federal: on income support: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html
- Federal: on mental health while working from home: https://twitter.com/NancyChahwan/status/1240805780888190976
- Provincial: on covid 19 and Telehealth (to avoid going to the hospital if possible): https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
2. How to help local businesses
It seems supporting the operations that businesses are still providing and buying gift cards helps with cash flow. If there are businesses that you are concerned about, you may wish to reach out to ask how you can help them.
3. How to help vulnerable individuals or health care workers
These initiatives are generally more local in nature. So on this front I would point to a few efforts specific and not specific to Ottawa.
- Canadian Blood Services: needs your blood to get patients through this time. Give if you can. (Find them at https://www.instagram.com/p/B989nh6Blm8/?igshid=1omrf4a5et3hi)
- Businesses in Ontario: retooling to help fight covid. Can yours? If you think yes go to: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ATBxPgIB-/?igshid=rr9nerqbn0il
- Operation Ramzieh: working out of the Waverley this operation is providing crisis relief to seniors, vulnerable individuals and others under quarantine and in need. (Find them at https://instagram.com/operationramzieh?igshid=16b7u3274m53c)
- Little Jo Berry’s: providing curbside delivery a couple days a week to the public but also to those in need on a sliding scale. (Find her at https://instagram.com/littlejoberrys?igshid=9n299jbhxj7m)
- Mad Radish: providing free meals to the healthcare workers on the frontlines of covid 19. (Find them at https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FQFcLFyLX/?igshid=1vzezbmd50zff)
- Swiss Chalet / Harvey’s: providing 50% off meals to the healthcare workers on the frontlines of covid 19.
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