Ontario’s Vaccine Verification App to access certain businesses and places is in place. To download your QR code, click here: https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/

To book your COVID-19 vaccination through WDG Public Health visit: https://wdgpublichealth.inputhealth.com/ebooking#new

For information from the Government of Canada, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse.html

For information from the City of Guelph, please visit: https://guelph.ca/2020/03/city-of-guelph-responding-to-coronavirus/Help keep Ontarians safe by downloading the free COVID Alert App to your phone.

What to do if you‘re experiencing symptoms

What to do if you’re experiencing symptoms

According to WDG Public Health, you should get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

fever (feeling hot to the touch, a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher)
chills
cough that’s new or worsening (continuous, more than usual)
barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing (croup)
shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
sore throat
difficulty swallowing
runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes or conditions)
lost sense of taste or smell
pink eye (conjunctivitis)
headache that’s unusual or long lasting
digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)
muscle aches
extreme tiredness that is unusual (fatigue, lack of energy)
falling down often
for young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

You can take a self-assessment here to help you decide if you should get tested.

You can also get tested at any time if any of the following conditions apply to you:

Long-term care and other congregate settings
- a visitor or worker in a long-term care home
- a worker in a retirement home
- a resident or worker in a homeless shelter or other congregate setting (for example, group homes, community supported living, disability-specific communities or congregate settings, short-term rehab, hospices and other shelters)
Farming
- a farm worker
Indigenous
- a person who identifies as Indigenous
Surgery and other reasons
- need a test before a scheduled (non-urgent or emergent) surgery in a region with high community transmission (ask your health care provider)
- an international student that has passed their 14-day quarantine period
- you received a preliminary positive result through the rapid antigen screening pilot
- in a targeted testing group as outlined in guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health

You can find your closest testing centre and book your appointment here. You can access your test results here.

Vaccines

Vaccines

Information on Ontario’s Vaccine Certificate System:

As of January 4, 2022 – QR codes will be required as proof. To download your QR code, click here. If you do not have a mobile phone, you can print your QR code and carry a paper copy. My office or the Guelph Public Library can help you download and print your QR code.

As of December 20, 2021, proof of vaccination for youth aged 12 to 17 years participating in organized sports at recreational facilities will be required.

LifeLabs is now offering both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing free of charge at 33 Farley Drive in Guelph. Please note, asymptomatic testing is available for individuals who are high risk or have been in close contact with a COVID-19 case. Find out more here.

WDG Public Health began offering a third dose to ages 18+. More information can be found here.

Book an appointment through WDG Public Health:

First or second doses: you can book online or call 519-822-2715 ext.7006 (Monday – Friday; 9a.m.- 4p.m.)

First or second doses for adults 12+: drop-in to any existing WDG Public Health clinic. To find a time that works for you visit – wdgpublicheatlh.ca/drop-ins

First or second doses for children aged 5-11: Public Health, Family Health Teams and primary care providers continue to vaccinate children aged 5 to 11. To find out more or to book an appointment for your child click here.

Boosters:

Adults 18+ can book appointments:

online anytime at wdgpublichealth.ca/appointments, or
over the phone at 1-844-780-0202 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm)

To be eligible, your appointment must be 84 days or more after your second dose. To book a booster dose appointment visit https://wdgpublichealth.inputhealth.com/ebooking#new

WDG is working hard to increase vaccine appointment capacity and new appointments are being added to the system regularly, so check back often. Thank you for your patience.

For more information about other groups eligible for third or booster doses visit: wdgpublichealth.inputhealth.com

Step 3 Restrictions

Due to rising case numbers, and as a means of allowing time for the public to receive their booster shots, as of Sunday the province has:

Restricted capacity to most indoor public settings to 50%
Restricted indoor social gatherings at 10 people
Reinstated the 11 pm curfew at bars and restaurants
Banned the sale of food and drink at concerts and sporting events

Read more on the announced restrictions here.

Find out about the latest public health measures, advice and restrictions in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen here.

Read O.Reg. 354/20: on updated rules and regulations here.

Find alerts and information about emergencies related to COVID-19 click here.

Local Businesses

Local Businesses

Guelph specific guidelines from Guelph Wellington Dufferin Public Health can be found here, https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-workplaces-and-living-spaces/workplaces-and-businesses)

The Guelph Wellington Dufferin Public Health Unit has mandated the use of face masks or shields in commercial establishments, under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Businesses are open only for curbside pick up.

Guidance and resources from the Ontario government to prevent Covid-19 in the workplace

Is there any financial help available if I cannot work or have lost my job?

Is there any financial help available if I cannot work or have lost my job?

The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for more than 4 months.

Learn more and apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit

What are my rights as an employee during Covid-19?

What are my rights as an employee during Covid-19?

For information regarding your employment rights, you can contact the Employment Standards Info Centre at 1-800-531-5551.

If you have concerns about the health and safety of your workplace, you can contact your health and safety rep and/or call the Ontario Health and Safety hotline at 1-877-202-0008.

https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/rights-responsibilities.html for more information

Do I need to provide a doctor’s note to my employer to get my sick-leave benefits?

Do I need to provide a doctor’s note to my employer to get my sick-leave benefits?

While a medical certificate signed by your doctor is usually required to get sick-leave benefits, this will not be the case during the COVID-19 crisis. During this time, the government is waiving the need for a sick note for patients who are required to miss work due to self-isolation or quarantine.

What can I do to protect myself if I am unable to work from home?

What can I do to protect myself if I am unable to work from home?

If your place or work has not been closed as a result of the closure of all non-essential businesses, public health guidance is to work from home wherever possible. However working remotely is not feasible in many workplaces. If you are in this situation, it is important that you follow all health and safety protocols related to your workplace. Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, most of Ontario’s workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you are in a unionized workplace, consult your staff rep before refusing any work.

Will my time off during self-isolation or quarantine be paid by my employer?

Will my time off during self-isolation or quarantine be paid by my employer?

If your work can be done remotely for the period of self-isolation or quarantine where you are not sick, your employer should allow remote work paid at your usual rate of compensation. If you become sick, your sick day entitlements will vary depending on the language in your contract or collective agreement. If you have zero sick leave benefits—the Employment Standards Act applies, which is currently three unpaid days.

The provincial government has passed emergency legislation to provide infectious disease emergency leave for anyone unable to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes unpaid leave and job protection for individuals under quarantine or in isolation, or providing care to a child as a result of school and day care closures.

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to a maximum of four weeks, for workers who:

Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

You can apply here.

Financial Assistance for Loss of Work

The Ontario government is extending its Worker Income Protection Benefit program, which provides three paid sick days, until July 31, 2022. Employees can continue to access this paid leave to get tested, vaccinated, self-isolate, or care for a family member. Employers and workers can call the program’s dedicated hotline at 1-888-999-2248 or visit Ontario.ca/COVIDworkerbenefit to get more information and updates about Ontario’s paid sick days.

If you have lost work due to the pandemic, you may be eligible for employment assistance through the federal government. You can view the eligibility requirements and apply here.

Are Schools Open?

For COVID-19 health and safety measures for the 2021-2022 school year, click here.

For COVID-19 cases in schools, click here.

For COVID-19 cases in licensed child care settings, click here.

For COVID screening tools for students, please refer to WDG Public Health’s Guide.

Financial support for food, rent, childcare

Financial support for food, rent, childcare

Ontario Emergency Assistance Program can help you with the cost of food, rent, childcare, disability support, medicine transportation and housing.

To apply, visit wellingtoncounty.ca, apply for Ontario Works online or call 519-837-6274.

Support for seniors, mortgage payments, income taxes and more

Support for seniors, mortgage payments, income taxes and more

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes updated employment insurance benefits, mortgage support, income tax flexibility, and the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Limited additional support is being offered by the Provincial government for seniors and people with disabilities. Additional income support for those on OW and ODSP has ended.

Support for homeless, food insecure

Support for homeless, food insecure

Several local agencies are working together to support people who may need food and shelter during this crisis. Learn more about Guelph’s plan to help the homeless during COVID-19.

Please contact the County of Wellington 519-837-6274 with any questions about social housing or emergency housing.

Additional support is being offered by the provincial government for seniors and people on OW and ODSP.

What are the supports for small and medium sized businesses?

What are the supports for small and medium sized businesses?

Ontario is currently providing a variety of supports, more details of which can be found here:

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Guelph have partnered to provide small to medium sized businesses with free COVID-19 rapid Screening Kits. Businesses with 1 to 150 employees or less can participate in this program. More information can be found here. Testing for businesses with 150+ employees can be ordered through the Province here.

Ontario’s Tourism Recovery Program – applications are closed as of November 10, 2021

CERS approved tenants were protected from evictions until April 22, 2022.

Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants are now closed.

Deferred Pension Contributions – If you’re an employer who sponsors certain defined benefit pension plans, you can defer pension contributions due between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

Beginning February 23, 2021, residential and small business customers resumed paying Time-of-Use and Tiered pricing under the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) at prices that were set by the OEB on December 15, 2020

As of January 2021, small businesses may be eligible for up to $1500 towards their electricity and natural gas bills. Contact your electricity and/or natural gas utility to apply.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Offers Temporary Business Wage Subsidy, work sharing options, tax deferrals, loans, and mortgage deferrals. For more information on Federal support programs you can contact Guelph’s Member of Parliament, Lloyd Longfield.

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce in partnership with many local businesses, has created a PPE directory so your business can easily purchase what you need.

Suspension on evictions

Suspension on evictions?

The pause on residential evictions enforcement has ended following the expiration of the provincial stay-at-home order on June 2, 2021.

Neither the federal nor the provincial government have suspended rent payments.

Support for students

Support for students

The moratorium on OSAP payments ended in Sept 2020.

If you are having trouble repaying your Ontario Student Loan and OSAP loans, you can apply to the Ontario Student Loan Rehabilitation Program.

Learn more and apply here.

I’m feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or isolated

I’m feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or isolated

There are many mental health supports available for you.

If you are a healthcare worker, go to Here4HealthCare.ca to find support.

If you are a senior, try signing up through Chatting To Wellness for regular phone calls.

If you are a student, you can sign up to be a volunteer with Chatting To Wellness as well.

For general help, see Here4Help.ca

If you are in immediate need, call Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE247 (437-3247)

Many therapists accepting new patients are now resuming in-person sessions. Note that these services are not free if not covered by insurance. See listing at PsychologyToday.com

Health cards

Health Cards

The province of Ontario now requires the renewal of driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, other driver and vehicle products, Ontario photo cards and Ontario health cards that were temporarily extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals with expired products on or after March 1, 2020, are now required to renew their health card (renew now) and Ontario Photo Card (renew now) by February 28, 2022.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Offers Temporary Business Wage Subsidy, work sharing options, tax deferrals, loans, and mortgage deferrals.

For more information on Federal support programs you can contact Guelph’s Member of Parliament, Lloyd Longfield.

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce in partnership with many local businesses, has created a PPE directory so your business can easily purchase what you need.

Driver licences

Driver licenses

Drivers and vehicle owners with products that expired on or after March 1, 2020, are now required to renew your:

driver’s licence
licence plate sticker
accessible parking permit (renew now)
other driver, vehicle and carrier products

If your Ontario Photo Card expired on or after March 1, 2020, you must renew it by February 28, 2022.

If your Ontario photo health card is expired, you have until February 28, 2022, to renew it.

Is COVID-19 information available in other languages?

Is COVID-19 information available in other languages?

It’s‌ ‌essential that‌ ‌we‌ all ‌continue‌ ‌to‌ ‌get‌ ‌our‌ ‌information‌ ‌from‌ ‌reliable and informed ‌sources‌ as we respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Below are links to COVID-19 fact sheets in some of the most commonly spoken languages in our local community. Please share these with people in your networks who may need them:

English: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-english-2020-02-18.pdf

Français (French): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-french-2020-02-18.pdf

বাংলা (Bengali): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-bengali-2020-02-18.pdf

Tagalog: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-tagalog-2020-02-18.pdf

中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-simplified-chinese-2020-02-18.pdf

中文 (繁體) (Traditional Chinese): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-traditional-chinese-2020-02-18.pdf

தமிழ் (Tamil): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-tamil-2020-02-18.pdf

‎اُردُو (Urdu): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-urdu-2020-02-18.pdf

Farsi: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-farsi-2020-02-18-v2.pdf

Ελληνικά (Greek): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-greek-2020-02-18.pdf

Español (Spanish): https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-spanish-2020-02-18.pdf

Full list of available languages here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-11