Toronto Public Health vice-chair questions city’s COVID-19 policy
A recent editorial in the Toronto Star suggests Toronto has been slow in addressing the issue of shelter-in-place and the coronavirus pandemic.
While this is true, a lot can be learned from the example of cities such as London, which has implemented a number of different measures, particularly to the benefit of residents.
London already has a shelter-in-place order in place, but it has more ambitious and far-reaching measures that have been adopted because they have been effective. Other cities that are having success with their outbreak plans include New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
There is a long and complicated road of social distancing measures that should be followed. It’s important to ensure those measures are effective if the community is to avoid outbreaks.
One aspect of the new London plan has also been implemented – allowing residents to collect a “sick note” at home. At minimum, this provides a way to receive medical support, such as a phone call or an email, or, in the case of a serious situation, a call to an emergency hotline.
By bringing in a formal way for people to communicate their health issues, it’s also helping the city to monitor the effects of social distancing.
In addition to the sick notes, London also has another measure that is already helping reduce the spread of the disease: the “No Panic” sign program.
The No Panic sign program aims to educate people that public health measures are needed at this time, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a smart way for residents to follow social distancing measures – even if they don’t think they need one – by reminding them that there’s a public health solution that can’t be avoided.
With each passing day, as we learn more about the virus, the city�