The new year has brought new challenges, as the province imposed a lockdown beginning January 14th to help prevent the spread of COVID. This requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes including:
- going to the grocery store or pharmacy
- accessing health care services
- for exercise
- to attend essential work
For more information, please visit the Middlesex London Health Unit website.
In response to the new measures, London Police Chief, Steve Williams, posted a message on the London Police Service website that reads, in part:
“We have been working in partnership with City of London Bylaw throughout the pandemic in addressing violations of restrictions and orders, and we will continue to do so. Throughout this pandemic, the police response has been largely complaint-based, meaning we are responding to concerns from community members. These complaints and enforcement measures have related predominately to gatherings in excess numbers of those permitted.”
COVID Vaccine
The COVID vaccine is now being rolled out across the country. Healthcare workers and people in long term care facilities are among the first to get the vaccine. But when are you likely to be vaccinated? According to a report published on CBC.ca, a Toronto developer has come up with an online tool that helps to calculate length of the queue based on personal variables. For the news report click CBC.ca
For a link for the online calculator go to Vaccine queue calculator
COVID Scams
Since the pandemic began, we’ve been learning about scams associated with COVID. According to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre, recent scams include:
- Potential counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines
- Private companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease
- Coronavirus-themed emails and COVID-19 vaccination themed emails that are trying to:
- trick you into opening malicious attachments
- trick you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
- Unsolicited calls claiming to be from a private company or health care providers offering home vaccination kits for an up-front fee
- Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale
- Only official health care providers can perform the tests
- No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results
Source: Canadian Anti Fraud Centre
Lifesaving Locator App
Ontario Provincial Police want people to be aware of an online tool to help pinpoint the location of an emergency when calling 9-11. For example if you come across a car that’s veered off a snow-covered road into a ditch and the driver needs urgent assistance. The app is called what3words. A global mapping system pinpoints locations through the use of a three word tag. When inputted on the phone, that helps direct emergency personnel to the location.
“We all know that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. With this tool, the OPP’s PCCs will be able to help officers locate callers who are unaware of their exact locations, including in wooded areas and on waterways. The what3words app is free for users to download and the OPP is encouraging Ontarians to do so in case of emergency.”
Source: OPP
For information on the app visit: what3words.com
More Canine Kudos!
Meet Koda, the newest addition to the LPS K9 unit. Koda, and his handler Sgt. Wintjes have recently been certified in explosives detection.
Canine kudos also went out to Carbon in an LPS tweet: Stolen pickup truck…successful spike belt…driver bails from vehicle…bring in PSD Carbon…locates suspect hiding in nearby complex…suspect goes to jail…now that’s how it’s done!!!!
Virtual Recreation Hub
The City of London launched ConnectLDN this month. It’s a virtual recreation hub that features activities and resources to help people stay engaged and entertained while at home. This includes activities for children like virtual arts and craft tutorials, as well as programs for seniors including fitness classes. Here’s the website link: ConnectLDN
Support For Downtown Retailers
There’s a new way to support downtown London retailers. An online marketplace is now available that links shoppers with businesses in the core. You can order everything from an engagement ring to a jar of hot sauce. The shopping platform is free of charge, and features online payment, curbside pickup, as well as delivery that can be arranged through Canada Post. Check it out at Downtown London Virtual Marketplace
SLR London Winter Sessions Are Starting Now!
COVID-19 has been difficult for all of us; fortunately SLR is offering virtual classes and group discussion on a variety of interesting topics. Be sure to head over to their website today to browse some of their offerings, such as Canada in the Next Decade. Classes start this week, with registration open until the 21st!
Visit SLR London’s Winter Course Catalogue for more information.