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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A pr il 23 ,2 02 0 | 14 Meetings at Halton Region, 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca for full schedule.for full schedule.f COVID-19Update: HaltonWasteManagement ProgramsandServices HaltonWasteManagement Site (HWMS) Location: 5400 Regional Road 25, Milton Open during regular operating hours:Monday - Saturday | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. COVID-19 Service Reminders: • Physical distancing measures are in effect at the HWMS. Expect longer than normal wait times when visiting the site. • Only credit or debit is being accepted (no cash or coins). • If necessary, you can pick up or exchange Blue Boxes and Green Carts at HWMS. To limit interaction with staff, you will be required to pick up and carry containers to your vehicle on your own. • The Reuse Depot remains closed until further notice. Please do not leave items at community donation bins. Many organizations have stopped collecting clothing and household items at this time. • Staff are not permitted to help unload items. Please bring additional help if unloading heavy items. Event Cancellations In response to the Provincial emergency orders and public health direction, all Spring waste events at the HWMS have been cancelled through June 30. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time. Spring Compost Giveaway The Spring Compost Giveaway, originally scheduled May 4 to 10, has been cancelled. Please consider donating to your local food bank in lieu of this event. HWMS Spring Sunday Openings Spring Sunday Openings at the HaltonWaste Management Site, which were scheduled for every Sunday between May 1 and June 30, from 8 a.m. to noon, have been cancelled. SpecialWaste Drop-off Days SpecialWaste Drop-off Days have been cancelled through June 30. Residents can drop off household hazardous waste at the Household HazardousWaste Depot for proper disposal. During this challenging time, Halton Region is taking extra measures to protect the health of our essential workers, support the community and ensure the critical services you rely on are there when you need them. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we are following public health recommendations and are working with our contractors to assess potential impacts on our programs and services. Curbside collection programs and drop off services at the HaltonWaste Management Site (HWMS) will continue, with some event cancellations and service suspensions still in place. Please visit halton.ca/waste to get the latest information or sign up to receive weekly updates. Curbside Collection Reminders: • Curbside Blue Box, Green Cart, YardWaste and garbage collection continues as scheduled. • Bulk waste collection remains suspended until further notice. • Metal and appliances are collected by appointment only. Please contact us, as soon as possible, if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. 04 23 20 Please bag and tie all organic materials such as tissues in compostable bags before placing at the curb. All garbage materials including masks, disposable gloves & personal hygiene products should also be bagged and tied. Loose items will not be collected. Bag and tie your waste to keep collection crews safe Halton Region Public Health officials have been "working around the clock" in response to the corona- virus pandemic to keep communities safe along- side health-care partners and front-liners. MESSAGE FROM HEALTH OFFICIALS In an email, the health agency said they're fortu- nate "to have such a dedi- cated team that is here to support each other." As to the impact of the co- ronavirus to their service, public health said that the teams are "dedicating all re- sources to reducing the spread COVID-19. Staff are extremely busy with case management, contact trac- ing and other essential ac- tivities to ensure the public remain safe and healthy." PUBLIC'S HELP IS CRUCIAL The public also has a role to play in curbing the spread of the acute respira- tory disease by continuing to adhere to the physical distancing rules. "Physical distancing measures are effective in slowing the spread of CO- VID-19 in the community by limiting close contact with others. Halton Region Public Health is apprecia- tive of those who are doing their part to flatten the curve," the agency said. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE NEEDED Halton Region's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hami- dah Meghani said that the battle against the novel co- ronavirus is far from over. "But, we can and we will overcome this ... together," she remarked. HOW HALTON PUBLIC HEALTH IS COPING WITH COVID-19 BAMBANG SADEWO bsadewo@metroland.com NEWS SUPPORT WORKERS IN #ESSENTIALSERVICES