Daily COVID-19 Update - March 26, 2020
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These are the essential updates available relating to COVID-19.
CMTO says DO NOT Practice
The CMTO recently announced their position that RMTs should not practice at this time. The CMTO does not view the practice of Massage Therapy as emergency care.
Failure to comply with an order of the Premier is a provincial offence pursuant to section 7.0.11 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000.
The College expects RMTs to comply with all government and public health recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The CMTO’s position may evolve as the situation continues to evolve, especially as new guidance from the Government of Ontario is released.
You can read the full CMTO announcement on their website.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit Text Scam
In light of the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit announced yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has warned of a text message scam going around aimed at exploiting people who are looking to apply for the new emergency aid benefit.
The text reads: “Alert: The emergency response benefit of Canada relief fund has sent you a deposit,” and then asks the receiver to click a link to claim their money. This is not from the federal government.
The Prime Minister reminds Canadians to rely on information provided on the official government of Canada website.
You can read more information about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit on the Government of Canada website.
Ontario COVID-19 Update
The Ontario government recently announced a 17 billion dollar aid package as a result of COVID-19. Much of this support will be directed to front line health care workers and frontline healthcare resources for the response to COVID-19. However, there will also be a significant amount of funding available to help individuals and businesses including but not limited to:
- $6 billion in provincial business tax interest and penalty relief for five months
- $355 million for a temporary increase in Employer Health Tax exemption (companies with less than $1 million will be exempt from paying, estimated to help 57,000 businesses)
- $1.5 billion increase in electricity relief
- Previously announced changing time-of-use rate prices to the lowest rate for 45 days
- Expansion of the low income energy assistance program’s eligibility and ensuring no disconnections for nonpayment
- $340 million for one-time payments of $200 for each child 12 and under, $250 for each child 12 and under with special needs
- OSAP repayments suspended for six months
You can read the full details of the benefits available on the government of Ontario website.