Dear Neighbour,

I am so thankful for the nice weather after a few cold months. A beautiful weekend is approaching and I know how many people are going to want to be outdoors. Go for it, do a barbecue with immediate household members in your backyard, take a walk,  enjoy some trails, but keep in mind physical distancing and public health measures when you do so. 

This week was definitely a big one in Ontario. On Tuesday, we began Stage 1 of the Framework of Economic Recovery by allowing all retail stores with street entrance to open if they are able to do so safety, amongst other things. To support our reopening, the Ministry of Health released updated health guidelines as more people now attend work and are outside:

• Wear a non-medical face covering, such as a cloth mask, safely and snugly to cover your nose and mouth, without any gaps. Ensure your face covering is made of at least two layers of tightly woven material and can be cleaned multiple times without losing its shape;
• Medical masks, such as surgical and N95 masks, should be reserved for use by health care workers, those providing direct care, first responders and individuals who are ill and must leave their home for essential reasons such as seeking medical care, picking up medication or groceries;
• Face coverings should not be placed on or used by children under the age of two; anyone who has trouble breathing; and anyone who is unable to remove it without assistance.

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, SickKids Hospital, and the health experts at the COVID-19 Command Table, the Minister of Education announced this week that all public schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. 

At the same time, the government is planning for the reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year, the gradual reopening of child care, and the opening of summer day camps subject to the continuing progress in trends of key public health indicators.

Assuming trends in key public health indicators continue to improve, summer day camps, both indoor and outdoor, may be permitted in July and August of this year with strict health and safety guidelines.

This week, I rose in the legislature to recognize those who are stepping up to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals and organizations embody the Ontario Spirit and give us confidence that together as a community and as a province, we will beat COVID-19. 

Applications for the 2020/21 Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) are now available. Whether you're going to post-secondary for the first time or a returning student you can now apply! Temporary loan deferrals and interest waivers on existing loans continue until September 30th, 2020.