By Neil Armstrong
Jamaicans in Toronto are following the necessary precautions
to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus – COVID-19 – in the wake of the
declaration of a state of emergency, reduction in businesses and public
transportation, a temporary closure of the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential
travel, and advice to self-isolate and to practice social distancing.
Merrick Aries and Antovin Aries, owners of The Diner’s
Corner restaurant in downtown Toronto, have seen a sharp decrease in their
customers.
In ordering a state of emergency, Premier Doug Ford
announced the immediate closure of “all bars and restaurants, except to
the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery.”
Merrick says many of their customers work in the office
towers downtown and with the advice to work from home many are doing so, which
has contributed to the drop in diners and takeout orders.
The restaurant has reduced its hours of operation and its
staff complement. It will provide takeout and delivery only.
Andre Rose, an entrepreneur, recently went on a cruise and
was outside Canada when things escalated regarding COVID-19 and all the
necessary precautions.
He said while everyone had a wonderful time aboard what was
noticeable were the hand sanitizers that were everywhere.
On his return to Toronto from Florida, Rose plans to
self-quarantine for 14 days and to follow the directions of public health
authorities.
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| Andre Rose, entrepreneur and author |
Randy’s Take-Out, popular for its Jamaican patties, in the
Eglinton Avenue West and Oakwood Avenue area, known as ‘Little Jamaica,’ is
only allowing eight customers into the small space at any given time.
Toni, a worker there, said they have posted a big sign on
the door informing customers that they will only allow a batch of eight
customers in periodically.
She said she washes her hands often for 20 seconds and does
that before handling food and before dealing with cash.
On March 17, the provincial government
declared a state of emergency, in which it said by doing so Ontario is using
every power possible to continue to protect the health and safety of all
individuals and families.
"We are facing an unprecedented
time in our history," said Premier Ford. "This is a decision that was
not made lightly. COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions. We are
taking this extraordinary measure because we must offer our full support and
every power possible to help our health care sector fight the spread of
COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of every Ontarian must be our number one
priority."
Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and
Minister of Health, said they were acting on the best advice of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the
province.
"We know these measures will affect
people's every day lives, but they are necessary to ensure that we can slow the
spread of COVID-19 and protect our people. We're working with all partners
across the system, from public health to hospitals and community care, to do
everything we can to contain this virus and ensure that the system is prepared
to respond to any scenario,” she said.
Meanwhile,
Mayor John Tory, who is in self-isolation because he travelled to England
recently on a business trip, said the state of emergency declaration will help
the province and all cities, including Toronto, protect the health of residents
and further prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The
declaration legally requires all bars and restaurants, except to the extent
that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery; all theatres; all
facilities providing indoor recreational programs; all public libraries; all
private schools as defined in the Education Act; and all licensed child care
centres to close immediately.
“All
organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including
parades and events and communal services within places of worship.”
This follows
the City of Toronto medical officer of health's strong recommendation for
dine-in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and theatres to temporarily close to
fight COVID-19 and the closure of all City facilities, including libraries and
recreation centres, which was announced on March 13.
The federal government has announced a
massive $82-billion aid package to help Canadians and businesses, including
income supports, wage subsidies and tax deferrals amid the global COVID-19
pandemic.
[An edited version of this story was published in the North American Weekly Gleaner, March 26-April 1, 2020.]
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