2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

• Region of Waterloo Public Health – up-to-date facts and information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Waterloo Region, how many positive cases have been detected in the Region, a self-assessment tool, what local facilities and programs have been closed or cancelled, and measures people should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Public Health Agency of Canada – information about COVID-19, how to prevent the spread of the virus, travel restrictions, and updates about Canada’s response

• Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – IRCC has summarized how the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services.

• Only International Experience Canada Participants with a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and a Valid Job Offer are Eligible to Travel to Canada. 
  

• Guidance from IRCC for Private Sponsors Regarding COVID-19. IRCC has produced a document intended to assist sponsors in understanding how cases in process are affected by COVID-19 and, for refugees already in Canada, how sponsors can continue to fulfill their sponsorship role while also addressing the unique settlement needs of sponsored refugees during this difficult time. (FrenchVersion )

• Removing barriers for international students working in essential services to fight COVID-19. the government will remove the restriction that allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

• Processing changes for visas due to COVID-19. With the current travel restrictions in place, most foreign nationals are prevented from entering Canada, with some exemptions. With these restrictions, Canada is suspending processing of non-essential visitor visa applications. This allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to focus resources on critical services. This suspension also applies to some electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications.

• International students who have a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020, are exempt from the travel restrictions. Additionally, international students who have in-class courses that are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, their eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program won’t be affected. This includes students who have a study permit or who have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in May or June but who are unable to travel to Canada at this time due to travel restrictions.

• How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting - International Experience Canada applicants

• To learn more about other measures or changes on immigration legislation, see the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Notices.

• The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $240.5 million to develop, expand, and launch virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians.

• The Ontario government is further expanding the list of essential workers eligible to receive free emergency child care during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Those who will benefit include people who work in the food supply chain, retirement homes, grocery stores and pharmacies, and certain federal employees, including the military.

• The Government of Canada has announced that families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will get $300 extra per child in May. 

• Ontario government supports families in response to COVID-19 - The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12 years of age, and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs. 

• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (Government of Canada) - information about federal supports for individuals and families (enhanced Canada Child Benefit, mortgage support, new Canada Emergency Response Benefit - CERB, Employment Insurance and sickness benefits, and other programs) and students or recent graduates.

• Applications opened for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB is intended to provide temporary income support to workers who have stopped working and are without employment or self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19. The benefit will provide $500 per week for up to 16 weeks. You can find out more information on how to apply here. Applications will accepted online through your CRA My Account or by phone through an automated service.

• Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19 through expanded Student and Youth Programming, Student Financial Assistance for Fall 2020, Canada Emergency Student Benefit, Canada Student Service Grant.

• Part-time, contract and seasonal workers now qualify for COVID-19 emergency benefits.

• The Government of Canada announced an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

• To help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, the government will be changing the eligibility rules to allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB, extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and extend the CERB to workers who recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.

• Ontario Protects Parents during COVID-19. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is temporarily preventing child care centres from collecting payments from parents, while also ensuring that their child care spaces are protected. Child care centres, with the exception of those accommodating health care and other frontline workers, were ordered closed to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep the children and child care staff safe.

• A temporary emergency child care program will open 24/7 for parents who provide critical services. Apply online.

• Benefits for Individuals across Canada - current information about benefits and how to access them, including EI, CERB (Canada Emergency Relief Benefit), and the wage subsidy for employers. It is compiled by Dr. Jennifer Robson at Carleton University, using online information.

• The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) has developed a Summary of Financial Benefits Available Under Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan which is available in Français (French), አማርኛ(Amharic), العربية(Arabic), հայերեն(Armenian), Dari, Soomaali (Somali), Español (Spanish) and ትግርኛ (Tigrinya).

• Ontario is providing additional resources and expanding access to Emergency Assistance for those facing a COVID-19 related financial emergency. See the details: Changes to Ontario's Emergency Assistance Program (Ontario Works) in Response to COVID-19 (Government of Ontario).

• See the Government of Canada site for information about travel advisories, restrictions and exemptions.

• Look at this guide from CBC News: "Financial help for Canadians affected by COVID-19" that provides the basic benefit information to apply for subsidies. It contains information for those who have lost income, renters and homeowners , families, seniors, students, business and Canadians abroad. 

Child Welfare During COVID-19

A Message from Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region (French Version)

During this pandemic, children are at risk. Those who were vulnerable before are more vulnerable now because of social isolation and the lack of their usual supports.

We know that most parents are doing the best they can for their children, but in times of stress they may become overwhelmed. Right now children are not in classrooms where teachers might notice things that worry them, so we need you, as someone who works with children, youth and families, to be watching out for concerns.

Even during this pandemic, children still need their village.

You can help by:

1. Paying special attention to the families and children you encounter or work with.

2. Referring families to the Family Compass website when they need community resources and support. (https://www.familycompasswr.ca/en/index.aspx).

3. Contacting Family and Children’s Services at 519-576-0540 if you have concerns about a child. We are the safety net for children at risk.

4. Considering becoming a Short Term Care Provider for children whose parents are unable to look after them because they are ill with the COVID-19 virus. Visit www.Fosteringkids.ca to learn more.

5. Sharing this message with your colleagues and people in your network.

Government aid

• REMINDER: the application portal for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is open. Employers can apply for the CEWS through My Business Account or through the CRA’s online application portal, and their representatives can apply through Represent a Client. The Canadian Business Resilience Network has developed the Step by Step Guide: Apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) to help businesses who are applying for the CEWS.

• More information about the essential workplaces can be found here. Business owners with questions about the essential business list can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

• The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is an interest-free loan, guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada, of up to $40,000 for eligible small businesses. CEBA is being administered through the financial institutions and applications are now open. Please contact your bank for details and information on how to apply.

• Ontario has announced the launch a new web portal, COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers, for businesses looking to retool operations to make health-related products during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Ontario Provides Urgent Relief for Small Businesses and Landlords. Rent Assistance in Addition to Billions in Measures to Support Business During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

• The federal government has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

• The Government of Canada is introducing a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Beginning April 27, applications will be open for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Most businesses may apply using My Business Account.

• Prime Minister announces additional support for small businesses. The loan program will now be open to businesses that had payrolls last year between $20,000 and $1.5 million.

• New online tool that will help match skilled frontline workers with employers. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Ontario government has launched the new Health Workforce Matching Portal that will efficiently match the availability and skillsets of frontline health care workers to the employers in need of assistance to perform a variety of public health functions. Those providers include retired or non-active health care professionals, internationally educated health care professionals, students, and volunteers with health care experience.

Greater KW Chamber of Commerce

• The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce has information about implications for employers, supports, policy announcements, Covid-19 resources for businesses and useful tools to help employers prepare and manage their business during the COVID-19 pandemic, including detailed daily blog updates, COVID-19 webinars, and the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce also has information for businesses about COVID-19 related supports.

Communitech

• Communitech has information about COVID-19-related program supports for businesses, stories of how local businesses are making a difference during this pandemic, tips for working effectively from home, and how local firms can access help.

Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

• Waterloo Region Small Business Centre offers training webinars and digital tools to help businesses.

Toronto Region Board of Trade

• The Toronto Region Board of Trade, along with their partners, have launched a Business Support Portal that provides businesses with resources and advice featuring the ability to chat live with a business agent for direction, searchable information on resources and programs available to SMEs, Toronto Region Board of Trade virtual events, and current public health information. This resource is available to our local business community to access.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

• In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery. 

• The KW Multicultural Centre and YMCA Immigrant Services are remotely serving newcomers across Waterloo Region.

• The YMCA language assessment centre is placing new clients on a wait list for service once assessments start up again.

• In Kitchener-Waterloo and area, KW Multicultural Centre is providing interpretation services remotely (phone or videoconferencing) in over 50 languages. Visit https://kwmulticultural.ca/interpreters or email interpreters@kwmc-on.com if you require an interpreter.

• In Cambridge, the YMCA is providing interpretation services remotely (phone or videoconferencing) in Cambridge and area. Languages include: Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Persian, Dari, Pashto, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish. If you require an interpreter email interpretations@ckw.ymca.ca.

• Reception House Waterloo Region is remotely serving government-assisted refugees.

• The Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Supports is remotely serving refugee claimants.

• Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre continues to meet the health needs of refugees. Call ahead.

• Conestoga LINC classes are running remotely via Zoom/WhatsApp for any students able to join at this time. They are planning to set up additional options soon.

• St Louis ESL & LINC classes are running remotely.Teachers have been connecting with their students. If students have not connected with their teacher they can call the school at 519.745.1201. LINC ext 224 or 400; ESL ext 229 or 245. Students may also email at esl.stlouis@wcdsb.ca.

• The Immigration Partnership Weekly has updated information about how local organizations are serving newcomers during COVID-19 and relevant information for immigrants.

• View all Regional service changes and closures.

• View Community Supports available for the most vulnerable.

COVID-19 resources

• COVID-19: Financial assistance for newcomers, temporary residents and refugees (French Version). Some of the information on this page is available in multiple languages.
• Know the Facts About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (by Public Health Agency of Canada) – available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), አማርኛ (Amharic), српски (Serbian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and other languages.

• Washing Your Hands Fact Sheet (by Public Health Agency of Canada) – available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), አማርኛ (Amharic), српски (Serbian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and other languages.

• Physical Distancing Fact Sheet (by Public Health Agency of Canada) – available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), አማርኛ (Amharic), српски (Serbian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and other languages.

• How to Isolate at Home When You Have COVID-19 Fact Sheet (by Public Health Agency of Canada) – available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), አማርኛ (Amharic), српски (Serbian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and other languages.

• Vulnerable Populations and COVID-19 Fact Sheet (by Public Health Agency of Canada) – available in  العربية (Arabic), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese), Soomaali  (Somali), Español (Spanish),  Français (French) and other languages.

• Preventing COVID-19 in the workplace: Employers, employees and essential service workers (by Public Health Agency of Canada) available in العربية (Arabic), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), Español (Spanish), Français (French), and other languages.

• Self-isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts (by Ontario Government) available in (Simplified Chinese), فارسی (Farsi), and Español (Spanish).

• Canadian Council for Refugees – resources relevant to refugee claims, travel bans, and policies that are particularly relevant to refugees or those supporting them.

• Refugee Sponsorship Training Program – policy and programming updates related to changes to refugee sponsorship.

• The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) has developed a Summary of Financial Benefits Available Under Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan which is available in English, Français (French), አማርኛ(Amharic), العربية(Arabic), հայերեն(Armenian), Dari, Soomaali (Somali), Español (Spanish) and ትግርኛ (Tigrinya).

• ARAISA– The Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies has compiled program changes and resources for organizations in the settlement and integration sector, as well as a list of multilingual COVID-19 posters, videos and resources, mental health resources, working from home tips.

• COVID-19 Myth Busters- Multilingual Websites. The World Health Organization (WHO) has created a series of infographics with information debunking these myths. To help newcomers easily access this information, there are some multilingual websites in French (French), العربية (Arabic), 中文 (Chinese), русский (Russian) and Español (Spanish). 

**The languages that are not linked above have not yet been translated. Check back here soon for additional translations and multilingual resources.

COVID-19 and Mental Health Resources

• "Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty," a multilingual mental health resource by Psychology Tools in the UK that includes a mixture of psychoeducation about normal and excessive worry, lots of normalization, and a selection of practical exercises anyone can use to manage worry and maintain well-being in these uncertain times. Available in about 40 languages: العربية (Arabic),简体 (Chinese simplified), Français (French),日本人 (Japanese),русский (Russian),Español (Spanish) and other languages.

• BounceBack has developed a series of videos that contain practical tips on managing  your mood, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity, problem solving and healthy living. Videos are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.

 Local COVID-19 resources and supports for children and families

Community organizations and groups across Waterloo Region are working together to help children, youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know this is a challenging time! Visit the Family Compass Website to find resources, services, programs and supports in multiples languages. It is updated regularly and it can be accessed by going to www.familycompasswr.ca and clicking on the COVID-19 Response Pop-Up Link.

Resources and supports are organized under these topics:

• Basic Needs
• Mental & Emotional Health
• Safety
• Respite & Relief
• Financial Supports
• People You Can Talk To
• Resources for Adults
• Stuff for Kids & Teens
• Fun
• Learning
• Governmental Resources
• Community Connectedness
• Get Moving

This message is available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya), فارسی (Farsi), Soomaali (Somali), አማርኛ (Amharic), српски (Serbian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and Português (Portuguese).

Please share this message with your networks and clients!

Other Resources for Children and Parents

• Newcomer Parent Resource Series. This material, developed by CMAS, will help newcomer parents who stay home with their children get through this time of lockdown. The series contains 14 parent resources on helping children cope with stress, learning through play, creating routines for children,listening to and talking with kids,sharing stories with children and other interesting topics. They are available in Français (French), العربية (Arabic), زبان دری (Dari), русский (Russian), 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese), Español (Spanish), தமிழ் மொழி (Tamil), ትግርኛ (Tigrinya) and 8 other languages.

• “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” It is a storybook mainly for children aged 6-11 years old. It explains how kids can protect themselves, their families and friends from coronavirus and how to manage difficult emotions when confronted with a new and rapidly changing reality. Made by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Setting , the World Health Organization and 50 other organizations, it is available in العربية (Arabic), 中文 (简体) (Chinese), Español (Spanish), Français (French),Italiano (Italian),Português (Portuguese) , русский (Russian) and other 12 languages.

• “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” Adapted with music and voices performed and recorded in French and English. Words and illustration by Helen Patuck. Voices, music and adaptation by Daniel James.

• Explaining Coronavirus to Kids. If you're a parent wondering how to talk to your kids about the coronavirus, here's a video that'll help start the conversation.

• Children and Youth Planning Table - COVID-19 resources page for children, youth and families on basic needs, mental and emotional health, safety, fun, learning and more (translate feature on site). Family Compass Waterloo Region is a helpful resource for parents and caregivers.

• COVID-19: 24/7 Parenting has parenting tips sheets in multiple languages including Français (French), العربية (Arabic), Español (Spanish), فارسی (Farsi), አማርኛ (Amharic),中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) and 24 other languages.

• COVID-19 Health Literacy Project - Get fact sheets in over 30 languages on COVID-19 for immigrants, refugees and newcomers developed by a huge team of medicine students and physicians. It contains infographics about the virus geared toward kids of all ages. 

• Region of Waterloo Public Health (519-575-4400) - interpretation services are available in multiple languages, or email regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca. Coordinated COVID-19 Response Newsletter - The Region, area municipalities and local community partners have been working together to stop the spread of the virus. This work is being done through a Regional Pandemic Control Group which coordinates the efforts and actions of five other sector control groups.

• Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) - interpretation services are available in multiple languages.

• Government of Canada's coronavirus information line (1-833-784-4397) - interpretation services are available in multiple languages, or email phac.covid19.aspc@canada.ca.