2 Friday, April 10, 2020 brooklintowncrier.com Lorne Coe, MPP of Whitby Ontario Spirit The mass mobilization of government, business, communities and private citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe and healthy represents one of the largest and most ambitious efforts undertaken by Ontario in generations. What's clear is that the potential to spread COVID-19 is great if we don't act swiftly to stay home and practise physical distancing. We owe it to our frontline and essential workers, to our families, friends, and neighbours to restrict our travel and act responsibly. This is the only way we are going to minimize the risk to people, stop the spread, and reduce the number of fatalities. Ontario acting On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19. Most recently, the Province banned organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, and closed all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds. At the same time, the Province's CO-VID-19 Command Table has been implementing extensive measures to build health-system capacity to prepare for increased hospitalizations. Dealing with an evolving crisis like COVID-19 puts a lot of stress on everyone, including people who are self-isolating, families with children out of school, and the frontline health care workers and first responders who are keeping us safe each and every day. This very difficult situation will impact different people in different ways, but I can assure everyone we will be there to support you and help you cope in every way we can. Clearly, protecting our health and well-being is everything, and that includes our mental health. Helping with stress The recently announced mental health services and supports will help people experiencing anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges, including people who are unable to access their regular in-person counselling support. These resources will address the needs of youth and adults, and will include more dedicated support for those working on the frontlines who are dealing every single day with the difficult realities of COVID-19 . What we share, as a people, and as a Province, is our Ontario spirit, our ability to roll up our sleeves and work together to support one another during this challenging time. We will battle COVID-19, restoring our families, our communities, our economy, and our Province together. Please continue to visit Ontario.ca for regular updates and be safe.