Yes, we need to be practicing what experts currently call "social distancing", ie: avoiding social events, to flatten the curve of infection but that doesn't need to be the collapse of community and community support. Technically what we need is physical distancing (at least 2 m from folks outside of who you're living with) but in a virtual way, socially we need to be closer than ever. Indeed if you think about it, Canada and many parts of the world are in the midst of changing lifestyles in a show of remarkable solidarity and coordination to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.
I have compiled this list of updates, resources, and community opportunities in an effort to make a one-stop resource so it's easier for us all to get the info we need and help out our networks who might need updating. Topics covered: General info, from health to refusing work; responding to racism; financial help and relief; community: opportunities to stay engage and help out your neighbours; and finally marginalized groups who cannot be left behind as well as some resources if you or someone you know is in these positions. All info is from major news sources, the government, credible health authorities, representative organizations, and on the topic of finances, banks themselves. I will update this periodically when I am able and it's necessary; small disclaimer this is (Southern) Ontario focused as that is where I am based.
To start, this graphic is a great summary of what the general public should be doing right now:
To start, this graphic is a great summary of what the general public should be doing right now:
General Info:
Please stay at home as much as possible to flatten the curve
so we’re not all getting sick at once and overwhelming our healthcare system! This (viral) article from the Washington Post has great graphics and simulations illustrating how this works, a twitter preview is embedded below
The early trickle of new #coronavirus infections has turned into a steady current. By creating simple simulations, we can see how to slow it down. Here's what it looks like if you don't do anything to stop the spread. pic.twitter.com/giyaxmAP1U— Harry Stevens (@Harry_Stevens) March 14, 2020
How do I social distance? LA Public Health put out a useful graphic:
Prevention:
Please make sure to stick to credible sources for your info, big news sources, and governing bodies like the World Health Organization. Here's a link to prevention info from WHO.
Social distancing is the best tool we have to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here is a quick rundown of activities that are safe, activities to avoid, and activities where we recommend using caution. Let's work together from far apart. #COVID19 #novelcoronavirus pic.twitter.com/i0yiYgRrP4— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) March 17, 2020
Prevention:
Please make sure to stick to credible sources for your info, big news sources, and governing bodies like the World Health Organization. Here's a link to prevention info from WHO.
Where do I get medical Advice?
https://rocketdoctor.io/ is a resource to ask questions about Covid-19 staffed by doctors, many helplines like Telehealth are absolutely swamped, so this could be a great alternative for medically sound advice.
Shoppers Drug Mart has also put together a coronavirus guide and there is an option for virtual care through a partnership with Maple.
It's also really important to be practicing self care
Mental Health Management resource from WHO
Peak Resilience, a counseling practice in Vancouver also put out COVID-19 & Your Mental Health: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
Mental Health Management resource from WHO
Peak Resilience, a counseling practice in Vancouver also put out COVID-19 & Your Mental Health: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
State of emergency in Ontario:
On March 17th, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Ontario by the Premier, this link summarizes what it means for you. Some other cities, provinces, and territories have followed suit.
Live Updates:
Available from many major news sources, here are links to The National Post, CTV News, and Global News. The CBC is also maintaining 24 hour free coverage through their apps for people inside and outside of Canada.
Refusing work:
You have the right to refuse work if you are afraid for your health and safety without fear of penalty from your employer. there are however specific protocols to follow for this:
Link to Ontario's Guidelines
Link to The Government of Canada's guidelines
How do I educate others as to why Racism, Xenophobia and Sinophobia (Anti-Chinese Sentiment) are not the right response?
Many groups of racialized folks who look like they may hail from countries associated with bigger outbreaks are experiencing increased aggression. I don't have all the answers but I wrote this piece about my thoughts and reflections as a Chinese-Canadian whose family is from Wuhan.
On March 17th, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Ontario by the Premier, this link summarizes what it means for you. Some other cities, provinces, and territories have followed suit.
Live Updates:
Available from many major news sources, here are links to The National Post, CTV News, and Global News. The CBC is also maintaining 24 hour free coverage through their apps for people inside and outside of Canada.
Refusing work:
You have the right to refuse work if you are afraid for your health and safety without fear of penalty from your employer. there are however specific protocols to follow for this:
Link to Ontario's Guidelines
Link to The Government of Canada's guidelines
How do I educate others as to why Racism, Xenophobia and Sinophobia (Anti-Chinese Sentiment) are not the right response?
Many groups of racialized folks who look like they may hail from countries associated with bigger outbreaks are experiencing increased aggression. I don't have all the answers but I wrote this piece about my thoughts and reflections as a Chinese-Canadian whose family is from Wuhan.
Finances and emergency relief:
Canada's six biggest banks BMO, CIBC National Bank, Scotiabank, RBC, and TD have announced financial relief measures for Canadians, and it is in effect now. Relief includes mortgage deferral and other credit relief. If this is relevant to you, call your bank to discuss your options.
EI (employment insurance) has been expanded, receiving more funding and covering more people. They've also made the process easier whether you've been laid off or need to claim sick EI. You can apply here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
If you don't qualify for EI, there is an emergency support benefit, a temporary boost to Child Benefit payments, and tax payment deferrals. Here's the link from the Government of Canada detailing support for individuals and businesses.
The deadline to file taxes has been extended to June 1st.
Student loan repayment is on pause with no accrual of interest until September 30, 2020, including Pre-Authorized Debits. (With Parliament's approval on March 30th, 2020)
In Ontario, new evictions are being halted.
Other Emergency relief and/or supply boxes/kits also exist:
There are a number of CareMongering Facebook groups that have been organized for people to offer and ask for help. Here are the links to the ones for Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo. Many others exist so if these two aren’t relevant to you, chances are a quick search will turn up one near you!
Black Creek Community Farm is offering Emergency Food Boxes.
Feed it Forward has been rescuing food from landfill to feed those in need for years, they are ramping up efforts to provide free meals, and are currently in search of volunteers and donations to help make this happen. Link here.
HydroOne has a pandemic relief fund to offer some help with utility bills.
A kind soul compiled a google doc of support for freelance artists and writers, there are also a number of GoFundMe's that are set up.
Glad Day Bookshop has an emergency survival fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers, tip-based workers (You can also donate at this link).
The National Zakat Foundation is making Emergency Kits with food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies (You can also donate at this link).
Community:
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| Screenshot from the Social distancing Festival Website |
I know I just mentioned them, but the CareMongering groups are also an excellent place to find community - if you're dealing with a problem, lonely, want to discuss something, want to rant, you'll find thousands of friends and strangers in these groups who will be there. A great note I saw there was to try to support live streams/virtual classes from locally-owned gyms and studios while navigating exercise, boredom and the closures to help these small businesses stay afloat. They also are a good place to find Covid-19 related good news.
My friend Erin is sharing some recipes through an Instagram Channel called Cooking with Kang. Recipes are easy and currently focused on stretching resources to support folks who have decreased or no income.
A Toronto-based playwright started The Social Distancing Festival where artists are sharing snippets from work that has been canceled, delayed or disrupted due to the need for physical distancing.
Here is a spreadsheet of digital experiences that are being crowd compiled.
Lots of cool online opportunities are being shared by the Ontario Children's Advocacy Coalition.
Harm reduction resource for those who use drugs.
A really important opportunity to help right now, Kids Help Phone is seeking more volunteers for rush training because they are receiving an increased number of calls and texts from young people concerned about COVID-19.
Additionally, Canadian Blood Services is in critical need of blood, especially O-, the universal donor.
People to be Thinking About
Lastly, there are a lot of marginalized people to be thinking about right now, we cannot leave these vulnerable groups behind. Please share resources on support for these groups, and if you have the bandwidth please help organize something to make a difference!
Indigenous peoples, particularly reserves with no access to
safe water. These groups are often not given adequate resources, face specific challenges because of colonialism, and we need to
make sure that no one is left behind. Here is some more information from NDN Collective, and a webinar with loads of good info happened recently on Facebook.
Those who are homeless. With libraries, and restaurants
closing in many places, shelters are most definitely going to be stretched very
thin and it’s still somewhat chilly outside. Further, how do you practice
#physicaldistancing when you don’t have a place to go? How do you wash your
hands without access to water? In Toronto, All Saints Church-Community Center, located at 315 Dundas Street East is open and looking for donations.
The immunocompromised, elderly, chronically ill, folks with
disabilities: The virus is particularly dangerous to these groups, practicing
physical distancing is particularly important to protect these folks. Here is a roundup of stores in Toronto that are offering dedicated hours for seniors and/or folks particularly at risk.
Folks with Mental Health concerns/illness, the neurodivergent: Being forced to stay
inside can be particularly tough for these groups as it could be triggering. This Facebook post includes suggestions for strategies to cope with some anxiety disorders:
People who might be experiencing domestic abuse/intimate
partner violence: Being quarantined with an abuser is a terrible situation Here is a link on information for safety planning during a quarantine from the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)
Folks who are struggling financially – not everyone can
afford to panic buy and hoard. Even disaster preparedness experts are saying
having enough for 2 weeks to a month is enough. If you have extras please
consider offering them up or organizing a swap (CareMongering groups are good for this).
Grocery store workers, cleaners, delivery drivers, who are
on the frontlines keeping our society functioning. Be extra kind to them and say thank you!
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help and
if there’s any info that I missed/if you have additional resources. Please share to get this info out there, together we can do this!
* I adapted this post from a resource round-up for a Club at the University of Waterloo.
* I adapted this post from a resource round-up for a Club at the University of Waterloo.
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