The following notice was posted by the City of Burlington on March 11, 2020
see original notice at
https://www.burlington.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=ebaee971-5664-4263-8b48-25c73ea46489
City of Burlington monitoring COVID-19 and taking action to help protect staff and residents
Further to Halton Region Public Health’s update today on the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Halton region, the City of Burlington continues to monitor our own operations daily. This is the 41st COVID-19 case confirmed in Ontario. The City is actively increasing the cleaning and disinfecting of common contact points in City facilities and vehicles.
Upcoming decisions about City programs and meetings as well as events at our facilities and public spaces will be made based on the most up-to-date information and advice from our healthcare partners. The health and well-being of our staff and community is the top priority for everyone at the City of Burlington.
Actions taken to date by the City of Burlington
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City resources are being allocated to increase cleaning and disinfecting, with specific focus on high-traffic touch points. This will include increasing the cleaning and disinfection of common contact points such as door handles, customer service counters, elevator buttons and handrails, water filling stations, meeting rooms, lunchrooms, POS machines, vehicle steering wheels, door handles, etc.
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The City is increasing Healthy Hands stations (alcohol-based hand sanitizers) in our facilities
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As is normal practice, disinfectant wipes are available for Transit operators to clean the driver’s area on the bus they are assigned to. Additional cleaning and disinfecting strategies are being considered.
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Information posters will be up in City facilities to inform both the public and our staff about steps to take to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
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A rapid response team has been created at the Citythat includes staff from across the organization. The Team’s purpose is to review the latest information received from provincial, regional and public health sources and advise on appropriate actions needed related to City activities.
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After careful consideration, Burlington’s Teen Tour Band nine-day trip to Myrtle Beach for the Can-Am Days parades and concerts has been cancelled. The bus trip to Myrtle Beach would have taken the band through at least 2 states that have currently declared states of emergencies in order to deal with COVID-19. The decision was made out of the abundance of caution to ensure the safety of band members, volunteers and staff based on the information we have at this time.
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The City continues to investigate technology and best practices for cleaning and disinfecting.
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City staff have been directed that all travel for conferences and other work-related trips for out of country that have already been booked should be cancelled.
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City staff have been directed to hold on booking any out of province travel for work.
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City staff continue to be advised to stay home if feeling sick.
The best way residents can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into upper sleeve, not hand.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.