COVID19 Highlights: May 24-31

By: Laura Steiner/Editor Milton Reporter

Weekly highlights of COVID-19 Developments for the week of May 24-31

Federal: The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program has opened for applications.  This is the benefit to help landlords to cover up to 75% of rent for small businesses.  The federal government also pledged an additional $600 million in assistance to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples to help fight COVID19.

Ontario: In late April, the Canadian Forces were called in to help with the province’s response COVID19 in Long-Term Care Homes.  On May 26, they issued a report detailing problems with staffing, and supply levels, as well as alleging resident abuse, and hygiene.  Ontario has requested further aid from the Canadian Forces.  All emergency orders until June 9.   The province has also announced next steps in its testing strategy.  Ontarians will no longer need a referral to be tested for COVID-19.  The province has also extended its off-peak electricity rates until the end of October.  Ontarians will be paying 12.8 cents/ kWh throughout the summer.  Premier Doug Ford is starting to talk a reopening on a regional level.

Halton cases continue to increase, Milton adjusts property tax installments

Halton cases continue to rise.  The Region recorded 645 confirmed cases as of May 1.  An additional 74 are considered “Probable cases.”  Milton has confirmed 167 of these cases with another 20 probable.   There are five locations under the Halton Public Health banner doing testing.

Milton: Council  has unanimously voted to shift its tax installment dates.  Property taxes due June 30, will now be due August 30.  Payments due September, are pushed to October 30.   Milton has also convened a COVID19 Economic Recovery Task Force.  They’ve been given the responsibility of helping Milton businesses adapt to life in, and after the pandemic.  The first meeting was May 26, 2020.  The Milton DBIA has announced the annual Milton Classic Car Show for 2020.  They will bring it back in 2021.

Farmer’s Market Returns, and a ‘Strong’ Donation to MDHF

The Milton Farmer’s Market restarted May 23.   It’s being held 9am-12pm Saturdays at the Country Heritage Park.  Vendors are accepting online, and in-person purchases.  All physical distancing measures are being observed.

#MiltonStrong donates to MDHF: The minds behind #MiltonStrong Support your local businesses made a donation to the Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF).  They contributed approximately $8200 from the sales of #MiltonStrong T-shirts to MDHF’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and equipment fund.  The foundation is running a “double the donation” campaign bringing the total to approximately $16,400.