Items

• 
  08/04/2020

  Lee Foster Oral History, 2020/08/04

  Oral History in which Lee Foster discusses how one teaches shop (Industrial Arts) through online learning, what it is like teaching your students at the same time as your own children, and having a spouse working in a hospital during the pandemic. He also discusses the changes, or lack thereof, in family dynamics during a pandemic all with his easy-going positivity and sense of gratitude for his situation.
• 
  2020-08-07

  Back to School Stickers Cartoon

  A cartoon produced for the Toronto Star newspaper which shows two sqaure "stickers" surrounded by lines suggesting perforations for seperating them. Above them it reads "BACK-TO-SCHOOL STICKERS!" The top left square mimics a School Zone street sign in it's yellow background an black lettering and boarders and reads "CAUTION SCHOOL ZONE" with a drawing of a virus cell underneath it. The Top right square mimics a School Drop-Off Zone street sign with its white background and red boarder and lettering. It reads "STUDENT DROP-OFF, PICK-UP & DISINFECT" with a red arrow underneath. The bottom left square mimics a school crossing street sign with its blue background and white figures. It shows two figures hunched over, one in a skirt and the other in pants, carrying a book each, with a double ended arrow between them which reads "6 FEET." The bottom right square mimics a bumper sticker announcing a child's accomplishments (such as "my child is an honours students). I thas a red background and black and yellow lettering which reads. "MY CHILD TESTED NEGATIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS!" in a smaller font underneath it reads "TODAY, ANYWAY"
• 
  2020-08-06

  Pandemic causing more drowning deaths on open water, say experts

  "A drowning prevention expert says the COVID-19 pandemic and Ottawa's record-hot July have both contributed to shifts in where people are getting into trouble on the water — and it might be time to change safety messaging. There has been a string of recent drownings in Ottawa, and officials say the vast majority of them are occurring in open water, not at backyard swimming pools or supervised beaches." "'That's why we're seeing a lot of river drownings. [It's] because of it being so hot, and accessibility to the pools is restricted,' said Wagg, noting municipal pools can only operate at about one-sixth capacity because of COVID-19 restrictions."
• 
  2020-08-05

  Wear a Mask Google Doodle

  Daily "Google doodle" logo change in which each of the letters which spell Google are wearing masks. The scroll over text reads "Wear a Mask. Save Lives: Help Stop Coronavirus"
• 
  2020-07-31

  Statement by the Ontario Principals' Council School Reopening Plans

  A public statement released by an organization of principals in publicly funded (Public and Catholic) grade schools stating that while they support a return to classes in the fall, they believe the provincial government needs to provide additional support and clarification on its plans to do so, and outlining those needs.
• 
  2020-07-31

  "Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law in effect. Help Stop COVID-19. Wear a Mask."

  A pamphlet given to all residences in Ottawa through the mail explaining that there is now a "Temporary Mandatory Mask By-Law in effect." It then goes on to explain other public health measures to be observed and the reopening of city services. There is also a panel which reads "For more information, please visit ottawa.ca or for service in any language of your choice, please call 3-1-1." translated into Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Somali, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, and Inuktitut. The reverse is the same in French.
• 
  2020-07-28

  Ottawa's restaurants give each other 'a big community hug'

  "But with such a small space, taking out a few tables to adhere to physical distancing rules wasn't feasible. And its Somerset Street West location doesn't afford it much space for a patio. "But this Thursday, Corner Peach will be once again dishing up its pre-COVID menu — at a different restaurant. Arlo Restaurant and Wine, itself brand-new to Ottawa's restaurant scene, has offered up its spacious patio to Corner Peach, one of a number of examples of restaurateurs in this city lending each other a helping hand."
• 
  2020-07-14

  "I told him" comic

  A single panel comic in which three men are stranding around a man-made beehive in bee keeping suits. Two are wearing bee-keeper's hats with face shields while a third is not and is being swarmed. The caption reads "I told him as an expert in the field I strongly recommend wearing it, but he just kept bringing up his 'rights.'" A commentary on those who do not believe in wearing masks
• 
  2020-07-23

  "Oh my God they put a mask on the Big Apple"

  A photograph showing a facsimile of an apple, several stories tall, with a face painted on it. On the face is a large piece of fabric tied to look like a mask. The Big Apple is a roadside attraction along the busy Toronto-Montreal-Ottawa corridor of Highway 401 near Cobourg, Ontario. Anyone who has travelled this route within the last 20 years or more is familiar with the landmark which has, at times, been billed at the World's Largest Apple, and is attached to an apple pie bakery. The caption accompanying the photograph says "OH MY GOD THEY PUT A MASK ON THE BIG APPLE" (followed but two emojis crying from laughter)
• 
  2020-07-24

  Researchers look to unlock secrets of COVID-19 herd immunity by studying Canada's Hutterite colonies

  "'We can answer a lot of questions (in Hutterite colonies) that can’t be answered in mainstream communities,' said Dr. Mark Loeb, a McMaster infectious disease professor who’s heading the project. It’s 'knowledge that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else.'" "The safety council chastised some members for visiting doctors without warning them they were sick, not observing social distancing and travelling outside their colony when it was not essential. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Wednesday the province may impose restrictions on travel to and from the colonies to curb spread of the coronavirus. But Moe also argued against stigmatizing the Hutterites, who have seen businesses indiscriminately barring members of the communities."
• 
  2020-06-24

  Restore Pandemic Pay // Make it Permanant Poster

  A poster shared on social media in support of advocacy work being done by a friend of the artist. At the beginning of the pandemic, workers in Canada's major grocery stores were given pay increases across the board by their individual employers, as compensation for the additional work and precautions they had to undertake and the hazards they would face having to interact with many different people during the near complete shut down. As time has gone on and other business sectors have begun to open up, the grocery chains have repealed this pay increase, a move which many workers and supporters consider unfair given they are still facing the same risks they have been since the beginning of the pandemic in Canada.
• 
  2020-07-22

  Party held on Vancouver beach despite social distancing pleas from health officials

  Article and attached video showing a large crowd on a beach in Vancouver's Stanley Park, mostly without masks and not physical distancing. The man taking the video states that this gathering is allowed as cases are on the wane however that is not accurate; groups of 50 or more are still not permitted. "The Ministry of Health is aware of the incident and has announced it will hold a special news conference today at 3 p.m., likely to address a spike in cases and a lack of social distancing. It could mean that stricter measures are coming, after B.C.’s health officials hinted earlier this week they may be necessary if people don’t follow the guidelines. Christine Ulmer, a spokeswoman for the Vancouver park board, said the drum circle held Tuesday at Third Beach was an unsanctioned and unpermitted event that is organized regularly by community members without consultation with the board. The park board doesn’t have an ability to enforce any physical-distancing recommendations, as that falls under the purview of the province, she said."
• 
  2020-07-20

  "Don't waste your time on mask wearers" cartoon

  A cartoon depicting a virus cell with arms, legs, and a face standing in front of a crowd of other virus cells. It is point at a poster of a person wearing a mask and saying "LISTEN UP! / DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH MASK WEARERS"
• 
  2020-07-20

  Mask parachute cartoon

  A cartoon depicting two people falling over a pit filled with virus cells which have mouths and teeth. One is falling rapidly which the other is floating away from the pit on a parachute made from a disposable surgical mask.
• 2020-07-20

  Mé​​​​​​​tis artist creates 'wash your hands' posters in 21 Indigenous languages

  "The Métis artist decided to take two of her pieces and, using translations she found on an Indigenous Services Canada website, add the recommendation to 'wash your hands' in 21 Indigenous languages." "There's a lot of elders that don't speak the English language fluently, so to see something in their own language would be comforting, just knowing that somebody cares enough to take the time to give you something in the language of your own upbringing." - Colleen Gray
• 
  2020-07-19

  'I exempt myself:' Protesters march against mandatory masks

  "About 60 people gathered outside Ottawa City Hall on Sunday for an event called March to Unmask. "Some were skeptical about the evidence for making masks mandatory in indoor public spaces. Some argued that it’s a human rights issue. Others were skeptical of government in general."
• 
  2020-07-17

  U of T lab results finds coating on mask 'deactivates' 99% of SARS-CoV-2 virus

  "A University of Toronto professor says lab tests show that the antimicrobial coating developed by a Canadian surgical mask manufacturing company can “deactivate” more than 99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, within a half-hour period."
• 
  2020-07-17

  "Every Parent Online"

  A meme the caption to which reads "Every parent right now" followed by three identical images of an SNL performer dressed as a middle aged women with large hair, looking horrified and/or disgusted. Under each image is a caption, they read "STARTING SCHOOL IN PERSON," "STARTING SCHOOL ONLINE," "HOMESCHOOLING" This is a reference to the inconstant ways in which boards are choosing to run schools in the fall, all of which have different opponents. Many boards have changed their plans several times over the summer as the number of cases in their areas have changed and they have received feedback from parents, teachers, and health professionals.
• 
  2020-07-16

  How to Wear a Non-Medical Cloth Mask Safely Infographic

  A infographic produced by the World Health Organization, it reads "HOW TO WEAR A NON-MEDICAL FABRIC MASK SAFELY / Do's --> / Clean your hand before touching the mask / Inspect the mask for damage or if dirty / Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides / Cover your mouth, nose, and chin / Avoid touch the mask / Clean your hands before removing the mask / Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears of head / Pull the mask away from your face / Store the mask in a clean plastic, resealable bag if it is not dirty or wet and you plan to re-sure it / Remove the mask by the straps when taking it out of the bag / Wash the mask in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day / Clean your hands after removing the mask / Don'ts --> / Do not use a mask that looks damaged / Do not wear a loose mask / Do not wear the mask under the nose / Do not remove the mask where there are people within 1 metre / Do not use a mask that is difficult to breathe through / Do not wear a dirty or wet mask / Do not share your mask with others / A fabric mask can protect others around you. To protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19, remember to keep at least 1 metre distance from others, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your face and mask."
• 
  2020-07-16

  Mobile COVID-19 testing ‘finally’ comes to Toronto’s hardest-hit region

  "Saturday’s pop-up site near Jane St. and Steeles Ave. W. will make low-barrier testing available in an area where some neighbourhoods have case rates more than 10 times higher than the least-affected parts of the city — a disproportionate infection risk linked to systemic disadvantages."
• 
  2020-07-16

  "Our Covid 'research'" editorial comic

  A one panel comic in which several scientists in lab coats stand around a lab bench with the usual equipment. One, who is facing the rest of the group is pointing to a man sitting at a computer desk typing away while wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, and large earphones, the usual monikers of a hacker. The scientist pointing is saying "Yuri here will head up our Covid 'research' while the rest of you can continue your work on athletic doping and poisoning enemies of the state." This is a reference to the news, this week, from Canada, the US, and UK, that all have discovered a prominent hacker group associated with the Russian government attempting to hack their covid-19 and covid-19 vaccine research at various institutions. The response to the Russian government was that they are conducting their own research and are "close" to developing a vaccine of their own. This alleged imminent breakthrough is something of which many in Canada and other countries, including the creator of this comic (it would seem) are skeptical.
• 
  2020-07-17

  School Reopening Editorial Cartoon

  A editorial cartoon which depicts four children, wearing backpacks and masks, standing in front of a brick school building. Over the door of the building hangs a neon sign which read "BAR" with two martini glasses. One of the children is saying "LOOKS LIKE SCHOOL DILEMMA SOLVED..." in reference to the fact that bars were allowed to open very early in the pandemic but the ability of schools to open in the fall is still up in the air and varies by region and board.
• 
  2020-07-16

  Masks and Violence: Ontario man dies in police shooting after mask dispute in grocery store

  An article relaying an incident which encompasses two of the largest issues facing Canada, and Ontario, specifically at the moment: the coronavirus (and subsequent public health measures) and changing views on the role of police in society. A 78 year old man was shot and killed by police after if he refused to wear a mask in a supermarket in cottage country north of Toronto. He then assaulted an employee and drove off recklessly, prompting police to attend his house to arrest him, where the fatal incident occurred. The body responsible for the investigation of this and other police involved deaths in Ontario, the SIU, has come under scrutiny this year as social justice advocates feel it is inappropriate for a watch dog body to be made up largely of retired police officers is not impartial.
• 
  2020-07-15

  Gaspé authorities deploy COVID-19 prevention squads for tourist season

  "Gaspé’s regional health authority says the squads have received the close collaboration of municipalities that are local tourist attractions. The 10-member squads will be on duty from noon to 8 p.m. daily until the middle of August. The distribution of masks will also take place."
• 
  2020-07-13

  Sentry program at National War Memorial restarts with COVID-19 safety measures in place

  "To limit any possible spread of COVID-19, members of the national sentry program will follow protective health measures of the government and the Canadian Forces. Visitors are asked to keep a minimum two-metre distance from the sentries at all times, the military noted in its statement." An article relaying that the sentries at the National War Memorial will be in place again. They normally stand guard every summer but have not so far this year due to the pandemic. The Canadian Armed Forces have had particularly strict regulations in place for the members since March, in an attempt to ensure should military personnel be needed to respond to a crisis, health or otherwise, there will be sufficient healthy staff available to do so. The presence of sentries at the memorial, which is also the site of the tomb of the unknown soldier, is not particularly representative of the city or military for most Ottawans or visitors but has taken on added significance since a lone gunman shot and killed one of the sentries, from behind, before storming the parliament buildings, several years ago. The sentry was the only victim to die in that attack and his death on duty has given an even deeper value in the post to those who hold it.
• 
  2020-07-13

  Reopening presents additional challenges for Northern Ontario schools

  "In one school, she said, there’s one full-time teacher, a part-time teacher and an education assistant. There’s no administrator, which raises a new host of problems during a pandemic. “'When there’s no administrator on site, and a kid gets sick, what do you do?' Douglas said. 'Who’s gonna be responsible for that child?' "But the barriers to remote learning are also greater up north, she said. “'A lot of us don’t have Wi-Fi abilities at our homes,' Douglas said. 'We pay an exorbitant amount of money to get Wi-Fi. And for us to do online learning, it’s been a challenge for many members. I’ve had members who have paid upwards of $700 for their Wi-Fi, just to do the distance learning.'”
• 
  2020-07-13

  B.C. Indigenous groups keeping borders closed to limit COVID-19 spread, despite growing economic impact

  "Indigenous bands along the west coast of British Columbia say their borders will remain closed to tourists and non-residents, despite the economic impact, as they work to raise awareness about the threat COVID-19 poses to their communities." "'A lot of our communities are remote and testing is not easily available,' she said. 'If you’re in Port Alberni, or Nanaimo, or Victoria, or somewhere (else), you can get testing and get results in 24 hours. It’s not the same with our communities.' "The closures have resulted in disputes between Indigenous groups and local businesses. "The Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii have turned away non-residents at the ferry terminal, discouraged leisure travel and called on two local fishing lodges to rethink their reopening plans."
• 
  2020-07-13

  Canadian snowbirds in flux as insurance firms deny them COVID coverage

  "Many Canadian snowbirds — retirees who spend their winters in warmer climates — are concerned about travelling south, especially to the United States." "Undoubtedly, they are influenced by Global Affairs Canada’s ongoing COVID-19 travel advisory, recommending that Canadians “avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada and to avoid all cruise ship travel until further notice.” The ban has meant that Canadian insurers are not issuing travel health insurance for people who ignore the advisory, putting snowbirds at risk for health expenses related to COVID-19 and other ailments."
• 
  2020-07-11

  Ottawa ACORN mobile clinic brings COVID tests to disabled, disadvantaged

  "Saturday’s mobile clinic was organized by Ottawa ACORN, an advocacy group for low and moderate income families. It approached Ottawa Public Health to help organize the clinic, which was supported by The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO, Ottawa Inner City Health and the Ottawa Paramedic Service. The Ottawa Mission supplied hot meals to staff and those waiting to be tested, and the company Honey Group brought its mobile SMRT testing booth, which offers contactless testing."
• 
  2020-07-12

  ‘God Pod’ helps churchgoers to connect despite dangers of COVID-19

  "She met her pastor for a grief counselling session at St. John’s Lutheran Church that afternoon, but the meeting was unlike any she’d had in the era of physical distancing. They sat less than two metres apart from each other, and weren’t wearing any masks. They were sitting inside the “God Pod:” a 4-foot by 6-foot enclosed meeting space that looks like an altered and pandemic-proofed confessional booth."
• 
  2020-07-11

  "Well that settles it! I'm never grocery shopping on a Saturday!"

  This past Saturday, I went to the craft store at the local strip mall with my mom. I needed yarn to knit some lace onto a project I have going and she, upon hearing this, called a single 93 year old lady we do the shopping for during the pandemic and asked if she would like any yarn since she knits too, and she did. It was 1 pm when we were there and the line to get into the local Loblaws grocery store was the longest I have ever seen it. I counted at least 14 families in line, which would mean it would likely take them as much 30 mins to an hour to get into the store. The other notable fact about the line is that it contained multiple children. Up until recently the policy was that only one individual per household was allowed in the store at a time and parents were not allowed to bring in children. As this policy has react parents and guardians, according to my mom who does our groceries, have started bringing their small children, sometimes in groups of 4 or 5. There are two sides to this of course, because firstly, many do not have the childcare to do others but the children often do not understand or observe social distancing in the stores. As we drove around to leave and saw the line my mom exclaimed "Well that settles it! If ever I was tempted I am not doing groceries on a Saturday! No matter how desperate we are! It is never that busy on weekdays!"
• 
  2020-07-13

  Coronacoaster

  A meme shared on an instagram story without a source which reads: "Coronacoaster/ noun: the ups and downs of a pandemic. One day you're loving your bubble, doing work outs, baking banana bread and going for long walks and the next you're crying, drinking gin for breakfast and missing people you don't even like.
• 
  2020-06-24

  "The Internet has discovered... a plague doctor emoticon"

  A text message I received from my brother where he shares a new emoticon created from keyboard characters which he discovered has been created during the pandemic which represents the classic plague doctor mask of the early modern period, which is frequently being used now as a reference to the current pandemic and the need to wear masks.
• 
  2020-07-12

  "To all the essential workers of B.C. Gracias" mural

  A mural by an unknown artist in Vancouver depicting two women in surgical masks with head/hair coverings surrounded by small blue birds with a small message on its left side which reads "to all the essential workers of B.C. Gracias"
• 
  2020-07-08

  “Insufficient facts always invite danger.” - Captain Spock

  A tweet from famed Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield and resulting response from Ottawa Public Health. The initial tweet shows three of the main characters from the original Star Trek (Bones, Kirk, and Spock) with medical masks superimposed on their faces and another crew member, wearing the red shirt which is often jokingly said to mark a character for death, in the background without a mask. The response from Ottawa Public Health is the addition of a quote from the famously logical character of Spock: "Insufficient facts always invite danger." This is possibly a reference to those who are claiming masks are ineffectual or even dangerous based on limited or untruthful sources- a section of the population with which the Public Health unit deals frequently.
• 
  2020-07-10

  Thunder Bay Indigenous and non-Indigenous teens adapt mentorship program to pandemic restrictions

  An in-depth article looking at the way Regional Multicultural Youth Council of Northern Ontario and its director Moffat Makuto are attempting to adapt and continue to support the community during the pandemic when they were already struggling financially prior to this event. "The pandemic presented a new challenge to the 70-year-old restaurant owner and executive director of the Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario, which is the council’s parent organization. "'Continuity when you work with young people is very important,' Mr. Makuto said. "Before the pandemic, the council met weekly, often at the centre, to plan their many initiatives. For instance, the council held a monthly discussion with high-schoolers from across the city on relevant issues. One session before the shutdown focused on how to create safer schools for LGBTQ2S students. "Council meetings have since moved online, but Mr. Makuto said it’s been difficult to organize, as some young people lack enough data on their phones to participate or were relying on local libraries for internet access. "The council would also normally run after-school programming – and provide food – on weekdays at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, which serves First Nations students, including those who come to Thunder Bay for school from home communities in Northern Ontario."
• 
  2020-07-10

  Ottawa company creates 'SMRT Booth' for mobile COVID-19 testing

  "An Ottawa company has developed a mobile COVID-19 testing booth it says increases safety and reduces the need for personal protective equipment. "Honey Group has developed “SMRT Booth”, a mobile testing solution for COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. "Honey Group says the 'SMRT Booth' stands for: - Safe – the SMRT Booth ensures all health care providers and patients are safe during testing as there is no physical contact -Mobile – The SMRT Booth can be placed anywhere -Reduce PPE: Honey Group says the SMRT Booth reduces and almost eliminates the use of personal protective equipment -Testing Time: Honey group says the booth allows health care providers to test patients faster as they don’t have to change PPE in between patients."
• 
  2020-07-10

  Kayaks, dumbbells, hot tubs: Recreational items in short supply during pandemic

  An article discussing incredibly increased demand resulting in back-orders of recreational goods across the National Capital Region/Ottawa Valley. These goods include: canoes and kayaks; above ground pools and hot tubs; golf clubs, inline skates, and tennis rackets; and home fitness equipment. The increase in demand is attributed to people having more free time on their hands with less options to fill it due to the pandemic. All these products are also those which can be used at home or outdoors at a significant distance from others.
• 
  2020-07-09

  She was watching another racist incident on a Vancouver bus. And then, something different happened

  "As she boarded a bus Monday after a morning of classes at a downtown Vancouver campus, Tina Hoang was pleased to see that most passengers were physically distancing. "She sat down at an empty area near the middle of the bus. "But soon, a white man got on board and walked by a row of people who were all wearing masks, who all happened to be people of colour. "'Jesus Christ! Everyone is wearing a mask. It’s the f---ing Chinese virus,' he ranted loudly. "Hoang, who is 21, said she snapped at that moment after enduring months of dirty looks from people in Vancouver, which she attributed to scapegoating for the coronavirus outbreak."
• 
  2020-04-22

  Attack on elderly Asian man with dementia ‘racially motivated,’ Vancouver police say

  "The 92-year-old victim had wandered into a convenience store near Nanaimo Street and East 1st Avenue on the afternoon of March 13, when the male suspect began yelling racist insults at the victim, including comments about COVID-19, police said Tuesday. "Outside the store, the suspect shoved the man, which caused him to fall to the ground and hit his head, police said."
• 
  2020-07-08

  "We understand some of you are upset, but please direct your feedback towards us"

  A tweet from Ottawa Public Health addressing those who have been taking out their anger regarding the city's recent move to mandate masks in public spaces towards business employees attempting to enforce the rule.
• 
  2020-07-07

  "Anti-mask racist rant at T&T"

  The caption accompanying the video reads: "My heart was broken and tears shed... 'I am Canadian'. When that guy shouted at him, he didn't know how to fight back, he kept saying 'I'm Canadian'. Obviously, Canada is his home! Where is our multiculturalism? Where are our national values? Even PM Trudeau called grocery store employees "heroes"! Why are heroes treated like this...? I don't understand... facts also prove that wearing a mask can help stop the spread of coronavirus. What did he/they do wrong? Just because he asked you to wear a mask? Ridiculous!" A video which has gone viral and prompted a police investigation which shows a middle aged man going on a loud rant varying from how he feels masks are bad for general health and how they impact his specific health, to how the virus was released on purpose and blaming it on people of Chinese descent in a T&T in Missisauga. T&T is a Canadian grocery chain specifically offering Chinese and other Asian goods and catering to Asian communities, though in recent years they have also gained some degree of popularity with Canadians of other backgrounds. In the video the man continues to advance on a masked, older male employee who is standing with his arms out, saying "where are your 2 metres?! Back away from me!" while moving forward. Several employees are gathered around asking the man to leave the store repeatedly while his wife, likewise unmasked, pulls on his arm in an attempt to deescalate. When the male employee's place of birth/citizenship becomes challenged, and the customer begins spouting off racist conspiracy theories the employee begins repeatedly yelling that he is Canadian, while attempting to get the man to leave. The customer does not mention until about halfway through the video that he has asthma and claims he will suffer and asthma attack should he wear a mask, but by that point he has made himself unwelcome and the staff tell him they reserve the right to have him leave regardless. Once again, the man's female companion is also not wearing a mask and gives no reason for this. The city of Mississauga does not currently have a bylaw or health order requiring masks indoors like Toronto, of which it is a suburb, but the T&T chain has an store policy requiring masks and has for nearly a month.
• 
  2020-07-07

  "PPE Circa 1348," in 2020

  A photograph shared on a private facebook group as having an unknown origin. The photograph depicting a person in full imitation medieval armour, waving at the camera, in a grocery store. The individual is pushing a cart full of groceries and has a paper sign pinned to their chest which reads "PPE CIRCA 1348"
• 
  2020-07-07

  Demster's Bread Packaging Says Thank-You to Frontline Workers

  For the first time since coming home to live with my parents for the summer/the pandemic my mom bought the brand of bread and thickness of slice I like (she prefers thin slice Wonderbread.) Demster's is a well known and established Canadian brand. It was only when about 3/4 of the way through the loaf that I noticed the message on the bag for grocery and food chain workers. In red font to match the Canadian Maple Leaf which if part of the company's logo and reflect the patriotic nature of the message it reads: "OUR FRONTLINE SHOWS STRENGTH. / OUR FRONTLINE FEEDS FAMILIES. / OUR FRONTLINE SERVES COMMUNITIES. / TO OUR BAKERS, FRANCHISEES, DISTRIBUTORS, AND GROCERS HELPING TO KEEP CANADA GOING / THANK YOU.
• 
  2020-07-07

  TTC riders question the lack of enforcement after maskless subway protest

  "TTC riders are questioning the agency’s priorities after protesters deliberately broke TTC mask rules without repercussion. "Protesters rode the system on Tuesday without face coverings, flouting the TTC’s 'mandatory” mask rule, which the agency has admitted it doesn’t intend to enforce. It argues that its officers can’t tell, simply by looking, who is unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. "Upset riders took to Twitter on Tuesday to question the agency’s priorities given the heavy enforcement of fare evasion policy that included highly visible campaigns and hefty fines."
• 
  2020

  Le Chateau starts work on producing 500,000 hospital gowns in Canada

  "MONTREAL — Le Chateau Inc. says it has started the manufacturing of up to 500,000 hospital gowns in partnership with Logistik Unicorp Inc. and its contract with the federal government. The retailer says all the gowns will be made in Canada." Canadian clothing brand Le Chateau, which usually makes prom dresses and suits, has announced they will now make hospital gowns in support of efforts to keep hospitals and clinics sufficiently supplied during the pandemic and resulting supply chain interruptions.
• 
  2020-07-06

  Vancouver is honouring its health-care heroes with these public works of art

  "And as B.C. settles into Phase 3 of its economic recovery plan, with businesses reopening and residents getting out in the summer weather to meet one another and enjoy the city, the boards — no longer needed to protect shuttered storefronts — live on as an open-air gallery in the same neighbourhood that inspired them." A gallery of photos depicting an exhibit of works of art on wooden panels, some of which previously boarded up businesses during the total shut-down, dedicated to health care workers and hope during the pandemic. The exhibit was organized by the Vancouver Museum and is located in the popular Gastown neighbourhood.
• 
  2020-07-06

  Homeless advocates relaunch lawsuit over COVID-19 safety at Toronto shelters, say city hasn’t complied with settlement

  "Toronto’s homeless advocates have relaunched a lawsuit against the city over unsafe shelter conditions. "In a notice of motion filed Friday, a coalition of public-interest groups alleges that the city has failed to follow a settlement agreement meant to ensure physical distancing standards within the shelter system. "The lawsuit, first launched earlier this year, alleges the city put people’s lives at risk amid the pandemic by not following public health distancing recommendations."
• 
  2020-07-06

  Indigenous overdose deaths jumped drastically from January to May as COVID-19 crisis hit

  'Many of our community members have very specifically said they don’t feel safe going to the hospital or even calling for an ambulance for the fear that they will be treated badly and not receive any kind of support beyond the immediate need of treating an overdose,' Shannon McDonald, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health Authority, said Monday on a video-conference to discuss the data."
• 
  2020-07-06

  Letter of Instruction to Business Owners and Operators Concerning Mask Order

  The attached is a letter from Ottawa Public Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the City of Ottawa, Dr. Vera Etches, outlining how the newly implemented public health order which requires the wearing of masks by all individuals in indoor public spaces and what there responsibilities are in relation to that order.