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15 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M ay 7,2020 theifp.ca HaltonHighlights May2020 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region Community supports and volunteers are critical to the COVID-19 response Our lives have changed significantly since the beginning of COVID-19.We have all felt its impact, whetherwe know someonewho has become sick, is considered high-risk or is taking care of a loved one. Even in this difficult time, I have seen our community come together inmeaningful ways to say thank you to those on the frontline--from inspirational sidewalk chalk to encouragingwindow signs and nightly frontline claps. Regional staff, fromhealthcare professionals to essential serviceworkers, have beenworking around the clock to respond to COVID-19 andmaintain the high-quality of life we experience in Halton. Behind every public health guideline, every cup of clean drinkingwater, every call to 311 and every empty recycling bin, there are frontline staff. These staff have put their lives on hold to be there for our community whenwe need them themost. There are not enough words to thank you for all that you do. I would also like to thank residents who are staying home, practicing physical distancing and listening to public health advice.We truly are stronger together. To learnmore about Halton's response to COVID-19 and our staff on the frontline, visithalton.ca/COVID19 or go to the #StrongerTogether campaign on our social media channels @RegionofHalton. 04 07 20 Our entire community is working tomake sure everyone has the supports they need to get through COVID-19. If you need additional support or are a community organization that provides vital community services to others, wewant tomake it easy for you to find the information you need.We have updated our website athalton.ca to include information about: We are stronger together Emergency Preparedness during COVID-19: How to keep your loved ones safe We are all in this together. If you need support or would like to help our community, please visit halton.ca for more information. Being prepared is an essential part of keeping you and your family safe and healthy during COVID-19. Here are some tips to consider as the pandemic continues: Know the risks Stay informed, but avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. Periodically check the news and use trusted sites to get the latest health information, such as halton.ca/COVID19 or ontario.ca. Make a plan Make a plan for you and your loved ones if anyone becomes ill. Give extra thought to children and older adults, and consider setting up a buddy system with your family, friends or neighbours to run errands and deliver supplies. Get a kit Continue to slowly build your shelter-in-place kit on your weekly essential grocery visit. Only purchase what you need and do not stockpile--instead, consider picking up items gradually to build your emergency kit. Thank you for doing your part to keep your loved ones and our community safe. For more information, please visit halton.ca. Regional Council meetings are taking place through web conferencing until further notice. Videos will be posted to halton.ca. Visit halton.ca for full schedule. We all have a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gary Carr, Regional Chair • financial assistance including income supports, tax relief and benefit programs, payment assistance and more; • community supports for food, essential goods such as infant supplies and hygiene items, housing and rent resources, emergency child care for essential service workers and care for older adults; • funding opportunities for local non-profit organizations; and • volunteer opportunities for those who are looking to support our community during COVID-19.