Residents of Hunt Club like citizens everywhere in Ottawa, the province, the country and the world are getting used to a new reality: hunkering down in their homes, practicing social distancing and wondering what’s next. We have been bombarded with information on what to do from many different sources. Your Community Association realizes what you’re going through and has put together a list of some useful links.

What's the Latest Information on COVID-19?

• Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/coronavirus
• Province of Ontario: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
• City of Ottawa: https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/covid-19-ottawa
• Ottawa Public Health: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/Coronavirus
• Councillor Riley Brockington: http://rileybrockington.ca/
  • Sign up for his newsletter and get the latest news
• John Fraser: https://johnfraser.onmpp.ca/
• David McGuinty: https://dmcguinty.liberal.ca/

Where can I find Food?

Commercial grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro and Farm Boy have instituted seniors’ hours (check with store for more info) and are limiting entry to ensure social distancing is possible. They have also implemented stricter cleaning protocols, including wiping down cart handles and providing antibacterial wipes at entrances. Some stores like Loblaws and Farmboy have delivery and pick up at the curb options. However, there are alternatives to the big grocery chains:

• City of Ottawa – Human Needs Task Force – Food Resources
• Food Resources Sheet for the General Public
• Food Resources Sheet for Isolated Seniors
• Link to several food options: https://goodfoodottawa.ca/
• Our local organic gardener, Mike Milsom: https://www.mikesgardenharvest.com/
• Ottawa Valley Meats offers delivery of locally sourced meat for your freezer as well as local dairy products: https://ottawavalleymeats.com/
• Farm 2 Fork also offers locally sourced meat delivery: https://farm2forkdelivery.ca/
• Bytown Catering offers delivery of a variety of grocery products: https://bytowncatering.com/
• Local breweries offer free beer delivery, Vimy Brewing Company is one: https://www.vimybrewing.ca/
• Many restaurants, although closed, have delivery take out options. Find them through Skip the Dishes (https://www.skipthedishes.com/ottawa/restaurants) or Uber Eats (https://www.ubereats.com/ca) and have food delivered to your doorstep. You type in your address and find out which nearby restaurants deliver. In many cases, delivery is free but feel free to tip the driver.
• Some restaurants offer curbside pick up as well.  Check with your favourite restaurant.

Employment Assistance

Benefits to help individuals and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

• Lynette’s Work Counselling is offering a Free Resume Workshop.
• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Your rights and responsibilities as an employee
• Government of Canada COVID-19 Emergency Benefits and Services
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
  • Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
• Ontario COVID-19 Support for businesses
  • Ontario COVID-19 Rent assistance for small businesses
  • Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace

What Resources are Available for Seniors?

• The Council on Ageing of Ottawa provides information on resources for seniors: https://coaottawa.ca/
•  CARP (the Canadian Association for Retired Persons): https://www.carp.ca/about/#about
•  South East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC): http://www.seochc.on.ca/
•  The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (https://alzheimer.ca/en/ottawa) has two online YouTube video series called “Arts & Mind” and Circle of Song. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI86t5wPpHzqafDpxiJP2Ag

I'm Bored! What Can I Do?

• If you are well, and if you’re able, go for a walk around your neighbourhood, respecting social distancing guidelines of 3 metres (6 feet). There are less people about in the early morning or evening. Check with Ottawa Public Health for the latest information about COVID precautions and restrictions.
• Join online conference calls with friends and family. Zoom, Facetime and Skype are popular platforms.
• Many teachers are offering lessons online for music and other activities.
• Learn a new hobby. Google is your friend.
• There are also many opportunities to watch free or tipped concerts online.
• The Ottawa Public Library has launched Isolation Recreation. Although all 33 branches are closed, the OPL has created an online resource offering 10 different streams of content for leisure and learning including: books, virtual tours, streamed films and educational content. Check out Isolation Recreation for Adults and Teens and for Kids.