Four Mississauga communities identified as “high priority” for COVID-19 support

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Published February 9, 2021 at 6:41 pm

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The province has identified 15 communities, four of which are located in Mississauga, as “high priority” for additional pandemic support. 

On Feb. 9, the province announced that its High Priority Communities Strategy will provide targeted supports to over a dozen Ontario communities hardest hit by COVID-19. 

The province says it’s providing $12.5 million to local lead agencies to work in partnership with Ontario Health, public health units, municipalities, and other community partners to help high-risk neighbourhoods contain the spread of the virus.

The following communities have been identified as “high priority:”

  • Bramalea
  • Brampton
  • South West Mississauga
  • East Mississauga
  • North West Mississauga
  • North Etobicoke Malton West Woodbridge (Peel)
  • North Etobicoke Malton West Woodbridge (Toronto)
  • East Toronto
  • Scarborough North
  • Scarborough South
  • Western York Region
  • Eastern York Region
  • North York West
  • Durham West
  • Central Ottawa

“We know that COVID-19 has impacted some communities much worse than others due to some of the barriers to accessing critical services,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. 

“This strategy starts to break down these barriers by offering people assistance in a variety of languages to ensure these communities know where to get PPE, get tested or isolate safely away from loved ones.”

The province says it’s investing up to $42 million under the strategy to create about 1,500 spaces in approximately 11 COVID-19 isolation centres. The voluntary centres provide a range of supports and services, including meals, security, transportation, and links to health and social services, free of charge. 

The province also says the strategy will support other populations and communities who are at greater COVID-19 risk, such as Black and other racialized populations.

“Mississauga is one of the most diverse cities in the country and has also been incredibly hard hit by COVID-19. We know that our ability to connect with all of our residents on the services and supports available to them is essential in our battle against this virus,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement. 

“I want to thank the Ontario Government for recognizing the unique needs of our city and region and for providing us with additional support through the High Priority Communities Strategy.”

According to the province, more than 225 community ambassadors are being hired to deliver targeted outreach and communications to members of these communities so that residents are aware of what supports are available to them. The province also says it’s launching more mobile and pop-up clinics and rapid testing in the affected communities. 

According to the province, 184 testing sites have been opened and nearly 9,800 PPE kits have been shipped and distributed to community members.

Cover photo courtesy of The Canadian Press

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