Dear Friends,

I understand that these are worrying times. I want you to rest assured that the time to act is now. We have the opportunity to stem the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing and staying home if we're feeling unwell. The measures the Government is putting in place are precautionary in order to try and avoid the crisis situation that other countries around the world are facing.
 
These are scary times, I know. But we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves, our families and friends, and our community at large. We are experiencing something that most of us have never lived through before. But if we are responsible, caring and compassionate, I believe we can get through this safely.  I will continue to send out regular updates with the latest information from the Government of Canada.​ It is important we maintain calm. Panicking might actually worsen the situation.
 
The Prime Minister and key Cabinet Members will be holding daily press conferences to update Canadians on the evolving situation. Please tune in at 1pm today for the first.
 
To help prevent the spread of Covid-19 I have decided to close my constituency office to in-person visits and postpone our Volunteer Income Tax Clinic until further notice. My staff and I will still be fully operational by phone and email. Please see below for further information. 
 
If you have returned from traveling abroad, please self-isolate for 14 days upon your return. The Government is also asking Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel.

As I have said, COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global challenge. Over the past weeks and month, we have taken significant steps to ensure that Canadians are kept safe and to slow the spread of the virus.  As a government, we will continue to make decisions based on recommendations of medical experts, public health authorities, and top scientists.

As we progress through this challenge, I will continue to write to you with updates to make sure that you are informed and reiterate important information as a reminder to continue to use best practices.
As I have said, to help limit the spread of COVID-19, you are encouraged to:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• monitor symptoms for a fever and dry cough
• coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand 
• and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, with unwashed hands 
• practice social distancing and to stay home if you have any symptoms.

For more information on the resources available to Canadians and how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit Canada.ca/covid19 or call the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 information line at 1-833-784-4397 between the hours of 7am and Midnight 7 days a week.

I know these are difficult times, but Canadians, and Burlingtonians, are a resilient bunch and we will get through this together. The Government of Canada stands by our commitment to Canadians and will continue to look for ways to support citizens and businesses through this situation.

Sincerely,


Hon. Karina Gould
Member of Parliament
Burlington

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