2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources for Immigrants, Immigrant-Serving Organizations and Others in Waterloo Region
The global pandemic has brought extraordinary challenges into almost every area of our lives– and things continue to evolve quickly. We will be updating this information regularly and will do our best to ensure it is as complete as possible.
**Early concerns we are hearing with respect to immigrants in Waterloo Region relate to lack of information for people who may not speak English well and increased isolation. Please reach out to the newcomers around you to make sure they are OK and have the information they need to stay healthy and connected. Relevant information and multilingual resources are listed below.
We Are in This Together!
Recent Updates
- Region of Waterloo Public Health announced that there are 12,606 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region as of April 12, 2021. Visit the COVID-19 Information Centre to find the latest information and events on the outbreak in Waterloo Region. Protect each other: Physical distancing, hand washing, face coverings and staying home when you're sick!
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Visit the Region of Waterloo Covid-19 Vaccination website to learn about who can get the vaccine, how to get a Covid-19 vaccination appointment, how the vaccines work, clinic locations and everything related to type of vaccines, side effects and precautions. Use the Google Translate feature to translate this information into one of over 90 languages. "How To Use The Google Translate Feature" Video.
- Region of Waterloo COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin. Find the latest information on the Covid-19 vaccine in Waterloo Region in this bulletin. It includes the following topics: eligible priority groups for the phase 2 rollout, children and the Covid-19 vaccine, primary care vaccination clinics in Waterloo Region, pharmacies offering Covid-19 vaccine, mobile clinic for homebound residents and links to additional resources.
- Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order. Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes. More information.
- Canada border restrictions extended to April 21.
- Extending temporary wage enhancement for personal support workers.
- Temporary foreign workers will no longer be totally exempt from mandatory hotel quarantines imposed on all incoming non-essential travellers,
- Pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results to be required for all air travellers coming to Canada. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine,
- Waterloo Region's mandatory face covering bylaw has been extended to May 31, 2021. It requires face coverings or masks to be worn in enclosed public places, as well as on public transit, and will now include taxi cabs, ride-sharing, and common areas of multi-residential buildings.
- More information can be found in the Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly emails such as the latest service updates from our community partners, relevant measures or changes to legislation due to COVID-19 outbreak, ways to help amid the crisis and webinars on important topics to manage the pandemic consequences, social distancing, financial issues and others. Subscribe to the Weekly for updates delivered to your email inbox each Monday.
Stay Informed About COVID-19 and How To Stay Healthy |
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COVID-19 and Immigration in Canada |
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COVID-19 Assistance and Benefits for Individuals and Families |
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.
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COVID-19 Business Supports and Resources |
Government aid and Resources
Greater KW Chamber of Commerce
Communitech
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Toronto Region Board of Trade
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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Local Organization Updates and Resources for Supporting Immigrants |
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Multilingual and Other Resources for Immigrants and Service Providers |
**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
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:
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
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For more information |
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**Subscribe to this page below to receive updates as they are made. If you have any suggestions or questions about the resources on this page or implications of recent changes for immigrants and those supporting them, contact us at the Immigration Partnership or email ImmigrationPartnership@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order
Contacts