Previous Updates

October 12, 2020

Overview of the reopening strategy

On September 29 we were informed of our first C19 positive case at the Club. It was a guest of a member, they had signed their waiver and were showing no symptoms when they were at the club prior to testing positive. On September 30 and October 1st, we were also informed of members who had tested positive to C19. On October 4th and October 5th we were also informed of members who tested positive. The latter most likely being connected to one of the previous cases.

We closed the Club at this point, out of caution, as a few other members had been in close contact with these positive cases and we were concerned that if they tested positive as well, we would be exposed to significant spread of C19 at the Club. Thankfully, we have received confirmation that these close contact members have tested negative to C19, with only a couple more test results yet to be confirmed.

During our short closure, we did a deep clean of the facility and contracted a fumigation of the clubhouse. The Re-opening Task Force (ROTF) met to review managements plans for our second re-opening. During this time the Provincial Government implemented further restrictions as well.

We are providing an overview of our short term plan for operating the Club safely. If you have any questions please reach out to David Main at [email protected] or (416) 922-1105 ext.230. The first thing our ROTF determined was our Club’s safety goal.

Safety Goal: TLTC has a target of no C19 transmission within the club property. We will continue to provide communication, education and protocols to reduce the chances of C19 from coming on our Club property. We will implement new protocols to significantly reduce high risk interactions within the Club property that may promote the spread of C19. We will do this while following, and often exceeding Government protocols until the community spread of C19 is determined to be at Low Risk.

We appreciate that at times, protocols such as limited members dining, restricting guests or wearing masks while participating in a Group Exercise class may be frustrating or annoying, but they are in place to ensure we reduce high risk interactions at the Club. This will help ensure that we do not require Club closure in the future.

RISK LEVELS (based on C19 new daily cases in Toronto):

We will take the guidance of the Toronto Public Health to determine when Community spread is Low Risk. This can be found using the TPH Monitoring Dashboard at:

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/

These are guidelines that are used by management to determine what level of protocols TLTC will follow. Reporting is from Toronto Public Health. Management can adjust from time to time based on TLTC positive cases. (current 14 day average is 216 cases in Toronto as of October 11, 2020)

• High Risk – 14 day average of 125 cases or more Toronto
• Moderate Risk – 14 day average range from 31 to 125 cases in Toronto
• Low Risk – 14 day average of 30 cases or lower in Toronto

General Protocol:

• Guests
  • While community spread is considered High Risk in Toronto, TLTC will not permit any guests on the property.
  • While community spread is considered Moderate Risk in Toronto, TLTC will permit ‘within family household’ guests on the property.
  • All guests will be permitted when community spread is considered Low Risk in Toronto.
• Waivers
  • Waivers will be signed on the 15th and 30th of every month until further notice. A current, up to date waiver must be signed for members (guests and caregivers) prior to attending the Club.
  • All staff will complete the staff waiver daily.
• Mask use and not being within 6ft of others for sustained periods of time will keep members and staff in a LOW Risk scenario while using the Club.No mask and being within 6ft of someone increases risk significantly.All these protocols are there to reduce the possibility of C19 spread on the club’s property and promotes a safe use of your Club.
• When masks are needed for an activity we suggest members bring a second mask to use during their activity.
• We will make available a disposable mask for those members who forget to bring a second mask.
• Approved TLTC face shields to be used only for activities such as squash are available for sale at the Proshop. Members may purchase these for their own personal use.We will have a few available however, they are not disposable and will be sanitized prior to and after each use.

Activity Protocol:

• Tennis (Reopened October 10th, 2020)
  • Tennis Professionals are asked to wear a mask for private/group member lessons if they come to the net for instruction and/or if they are within 6ft of a member during instruction.
  • Tennis Professionals will wear a mask for junior programming at all times around First Serve Programs and when within 6ft of any advanced Junior program members.
    • Children attending first serve programs will wear a mask at all times.
    • Juniors in advanced programming will be prepared to wear a mask when within 6ft of another participant or a tennis professional.
  • Members and/or guests are not required to wear a mask when participating in the sport but are required to wear the mask to and from the court. Please remember to wear your Mask when arriving on court or leaving after your game.
  • We recommend that while Toronto community spread is in a High Risk category of COVID cases, you limit the number of doubles partners you play with while at the Club. Although the risk of transmitting COVID is low while playing doubles, limiting doubles partners will significantly help contact tracing during this High Risk period.
  • Pool (Reopened October 10th, 2020)
    • Members will continue to wear a mask once they exit the pool until they are in their Pod space.
    • Pod spaces will be restricted to family use only.
  • Squash (Opening October 13th 2020)
    • Squash Professionals are to wear a mask at all times when instructing on or off the court.
    • Juniors participating in programming must wear a mask or TLTC approved face shield.
  • Members playing squash must wear a mask or TLTC approved face shield.
  • We recommend that while Toronto community spread is in a High Risk category of COVID cases, you limit the number of other members you play against. Limiting opponents will help contact tracing significantly during this High Risk period. Guidelines restrict playing opponents to a maximum of 10 at this time.
• Locker Rooms (Reopened October 10th 2020)
  • While community spread is High or Moderate Risk all wet areas will remain closed.
  • Locker rooms will be available for changing and Mask. wearing is required at all times within the Locker Rooms
  • Laundry service will continue.
  • Towels will not be available; members are asked to bring their own towels at this time.
• Wellness (Opening October 13th 2020)
  • Practitioners will wear full PPE as required by their professional associations to include no less than masks and gloves.
  • Members receiving treatment will wear a mask at all times within the wellness centre (exception for aesthetics, members may remove masks for facial treatments).
• Kids Klub/PreSchool (Opening October 13th 2020)
  • All juniors over the age of 2 will continue to wear masks while on the property and at Kids Klub.
  • All staff will continue to wear masks and other PPE as required by the club.
  • Registered TLTC care givers will be permitted to drop off and pick up children, within the club, even if guests are not permitted. They must complete waivers on the 15th and 30th of every month. They must wear masks at all times while on the property.
• TAKE-OUT F&B (Opening October 13th 2020)
  • Available 7 days a week from 11am to close.
  • For pick up at the Courtside Café.
  • Members are to order in advance or before beginning an activity at the Club.
  • Menu items TBD.
• OUTDOOR F&B (Opening October 16th 2020)
  • Bistro Patio and Philpott Patio (both on 2nd level) will be open for F&B service
    • Two sides of each patio will be open, heaters will be used.
    • 8ft round tables to be used with maximum 4 seated (6 if all seated are living in the same household).
    • 6ft tables being used for up 1, 2 or 3 seating.
  • While Community spread is High or Moderate risk masks will be worn while seated at tables until food is served at the table. When a member is finished eating they will return to wearing a mask.
  • Masks will otherwise be worn at all times when seated, pulled down temporarily to drink a beverage and can remain off while eating.
  • No breakfast service available until further notice, muffins and coffee/tea available until 11am.
  • Courtside Café Menu available from 11am to close 7 days a week.
  • Bistro Dinner menu available Tuesday through Saturday evening from 5pm to close on the Bistro Patio.
• INDOOR F&B (CLOSED until at least November 7th 2020)
  • Bistro Patio and Philpott patio will be fully enclosed and heated and Philpott Room will be available.
    • Service only available on 2nd level until further notice.
    • 8ft round tables to be used with maximum 4 seated (6 if all seated are living in the same household).
    • 6ft tables being used for up 1, 2 or 3 seating.
  • While Community spread is High or Moderate risk masks will be worn while seated at tables until food is served at the table. When a member is finished eating they will return to wearing a mask.
  • Masks will otherwise be worn at all times when seated, pulled down temporarily to drink a beverage and can remain off while eating.
  • Lunch will be served on the Bistro Patio, 4 max to a table (hrs of Ops TBD).
  • Bistro will open for Bistro dinner menu.
  • Philpot and tented outdoor area will be used for daily dining (hours of Ops TBD).
• GroupX (CLOSED until at least November 7th 2020)
  • Instructors will wear a mask or TLTC approved face shield and will stay a minimum of 6ft from all members. participating as much as possible. If contact is required, it will not be ‘face on’.
  • Members will wear a mask or TLTC approved face shield while participating and will be in designated spaces that are a minimum of 6ft from each other.
  • Maximum of 9 participants in any class and will be spaced more than 6ft from each other.
  • Members and instructors are asked to not congregate prior or after classes.
• Fitness (CLOSED until at least November 7th 2020)
  • All Fitness Staff will wear a mask or TLTC approved face shield and will limit their interactions with members to short contact, remaining 6ft away as much as possible.
  • Masks or approved TLTC face shields will be required while in the gym unless on a designated cardio machine that is 6ft from another person using a machine OR that has plexi-glass divider in place.

Short term Timeline:

Saturday October 10th at 10am
-- Outdoor Tennis courts will open for member only play
-- Pool lanes open
-- Locker Rooms will be open for changing only, NO Showers

Tuesday October 13th at 6am
-- Wellness will resume
-- Kids Club will resume
-- Squash will resume
-- Indoor Tennis (Pavilion) will resume
-- TAKE OUT F&B will be provided

Friday October 16th
-- OUTDOOR F&B will resume on 2nd level only

Monday October 19th
-- Court 1-6 closes to prepare for Bubble installation
-- Courts 9-12, 13&14 remain open for play

Monday October 26th
-- Winter Bubble opens

Thank you everyone for your support and commitment to a C19 safe environment while at the Club. It is our plan to keep as much of the Club open throughout the winter season as possible, and will remain committed to communicating with the membership the progress of our C19 Club Operations.

October 5, 2020

COVID-19 CLUB CLOSURE ALERT

We have received notice of two (2) more cases of members testing positive with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, with one (1) of these cases, most likely a transmission from one member to another was within club premises. We will send details of these cases in a follow up email.

With this new development, TLTC Management and the Board are exercising extreme prudence and caution and have come to the decision to pause operations and close the club as of 4PM today, October 5, 2020 for the next seven (7) days. At this time, management and the Re-Opening Task Force (ROTF) will evaluate and assess the scale of member and staff exposure. Follow-up communication will be sent out at the end of this week with more information about the club's next steps. We will also take this time to do a deep cleaning of the facility.

Closing the club at this time is not anticipated to be a longstanding closure, rather a necessity of the current situation. Please continue to inform myself of any positive cases to assist the club in evaluating the scale of exposure and available to answer questions at [email protected] or (416) 922-1105 ext. 230.

Thank you for your ongoing support, cooperation and understanding. We will continue to share all developments in the most timely manner.

September 5, 2020

Fall Operations Update from David Main

Highlights:

Fall 2020 Updates

Soon after Thanksgiving we will begin the process of closing the South Courts and will get the Bubble ready. Our target date to have the Bubble up and running is Sunday, October. 25.

As mentioned in the past, The Lawn and other Toronto area clubs are investigating air flow, air quality and other factors about the use of the Bubble. Details will be shared in the next week or so.

We are aware of a possible addition to our air filtration system which uses UV to help improve air quality. This technology is also being considered.

We will keep the patio on Court 8 as long as possible. We anticipate it will remain open until Oct 25. In the meantime, our tents will have sidings added along with heat sources to make cooler nights more comfortable.

Once dismantling of Court 8 is completed, the plan is to bring those tents to the patio area by The Philpott Room. We anticipate using this area as a key part of our dining experience this Fall and Winter season.

Additionally, we are looking at the possibility of enclosing the Bistro patio to extend our time outdoors, which may also allow us to open earlier in the Spring.

Please expect more details in mid-September regarding the Bubble and Food & Beverage plans. As always, rest assured that safety is the basis of our decision-making.

August 22, 2020

An update from David Main with Simon, Andrew & Mark!

Highlights:

Squash:

We currently have solo hitting, household play and lessons.

We are hoping to implement “pods,” in September. "Pods" will be groups of 6 TLTC squash players who agree to only play squash within their group.

We are offering modified Fall Squash Clinics. The clinics will allow 6 juniors (from 10 in years past), essentially forming a pod.

If a player decides to defer the squash clinic for whatever reason, their spot will be held. This is different from past years, when choosing not to participate would forfeit the junior’s spot in the program.

We hope that the introduction of pods will allow us to create modified versions of league play, and offer levels of competitive play within the Club.

Tennis:

We are investigating, in conjunction with clubs, the air flow of the Bubble as part of our commissioned inquiry.

The Bubble typically goes up after Oct. 15th, so we anticipate beginning the process sometime after Thanksgiving. As always, the set-up process will require Courts 1-7 to be unavailable. We anticipate the Bubble to be up and running within the last 10 to 14 days of October.

General consensus amongst clubs at this time is that league play will not be going forward this year due to uncertainty and varying comfort levels. With this in mind, we are looking into other ways to provide competitive play within the Club.

We are also anticipating that many of snowbirds will not be heading south this year. This means there may be higher-than-usual demand for courts, as well as heightened traffic within the club. We are keen on giving our snowbirds some access to tennis, as we are expecting the enthusiasm from summer to carry on into the fall and winter.

As always, safety is our priority. Further information and details will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, our Club Championships are going forward! Sign-ups are open online, through reception and our tennis professionals. Junior after-school clinics and Junior Club Championships are also running and currently open for sign-up.

Facilities:

With the colder weather, we will eventually have to close our Court 8 patio. We are looking into options to provide indoor dining, including use of the Philpott Room, as well as heated outdoor dining options.

At this time, we are not planning to host any of the big member events that we have in years past.

Athletics:

The pool will remain open and heated until October 31st.

Lifeguards will be attending to the pool all day this year in order to facilitate bookings and sanitation.

Fitness bookings have been expanded to allow up to 6 members in the gym at a time in order to meet high demand.

Our personal trainers are available to book. Members can reach out to the trainer directly, or emailing [email protected].

Starting September 8th, our Group Ex classes will be moving indoors to the studio. As before, there are 9 spots available. However, if you are unable to get a spot in person or do not yet feel comfortable training at the Club indoors, all of our classes (40+) will be broadcasted live and archived. This means members will be able to access their favourite classes at any time. This service is included in their annual group ex membership fee. We are also exploring virtual-only options.

Most of our junior programs will be running this year, including racquet skills, ballet and martial arts. Registration is open by calling reception or emailing [email protected].

Finally, in the event that school is delayed, we are looking into the logistics of back-to-school “boot camps,” which will feature math, reading and writing tutorials for JK to Gr. 2, provided by our registered ECEs.

AGM:

Our Annual General Meeting is going to take place in digital format on September 24th. The official notice, which will include all the details of how to attend the meeting, use the online proxy, and other details, will be sent out shortly. We, like many other clubs, are hosting our AGM through Zoom this year with the safety of the membership in mind.

August 1, 2020

David Main's Financial Update with Michael Pun

Michael Pun is an avid tennis player, he and his family have been TLTC members for over 20 years. Michael worked with RBC Capital Markets for over 30 years and just recently retired. He has been a Board Member since 2018 and currently chairs the Finance Committee.

About the Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is a standing committee and meets multiple times a year with the following goals:

1. Regularly reviews the financial state of the club.
2. Oversees preparation of the Budget for the upcoming year.
3. Reviews the Audited Financial Statements of the Club (for Year End)

It also reviews other financials the Board may want the committee to look at.

Budget Practice and Process:

Management develops and submits a budget to the Finance Committee, and after numerous reviews, the Finance Committee submits this budget to the Board for final approval. The Board-approved Operating Budget and MR&R Budget is used by management as its budget for the following year.

As a non-profit organization, our Operating Budget provides a surplus that is used to fund MR&R (Major Repairs and Replacement Budget) for on-going upkeep of the club.

Entrance Fees from new members are held in a reserve fund for any major significant renovations.

*MR&R is also known as Capital Budget at other clubs.

Pre-COVID 19 Financial Status

Positive financial state for the first two months of 2020, until mid March, with very high engagement with the membership. Revenues were good and expenses were inline with budget.

COVID-19 Decision-Making Pillars

From strictly a financial perspective, decisions were made ensuring the club remained in a healthy financial position overall.

• Protected the financial position of the club.
• Supported Members.
• Protected and supported employees.

2020 Forecast

Current outcomes appear more positive than the worst-case scenarios that were considered a few months ago. The club is in a good financial position, and aided by government subsidy programs, we expect a surplus by year end. With a lot of uncertainties still ahead, the approach is to manage the club’s financials from a conservative perspective.

2021 Budget Planning Impact

2021 Budget Planning will be challenging due to the continued uncertainties of COVID-19 and its effects, however, the planning principles will stay the same. The budget is not expected to be approved until December, in which our fall operations will provide the opportunity to forecast the 2021 budget.

We hope the information shared has been helpful. We will keep the membership updated and look forward to a safe and engaging fall season.

July 29, 2020

David Main's Update About Stage 3 for TLTC

The provincial government announced that it will allow Peel Region and Toronto to enter Stage 3 of its reopening plan this Friday, July 31.

Fitness/Gym:

The Fitness Centre will be open as of Friday, July 31 at 7AM. You can start booking today by going online or calling Reception.

Only four (4) members are allowed to be in the Fitness Centre at any one time.

Members are allowed 3-advance bookings.

Members are allowed to book 30-minute increments, and can book back-to back time slots.

Members can also book "day-of" time slots. Please check with Reception for availability.

Please bring own towels and water bottles.

A fitness staff will be onsite for assistance. Please contact [email protected] to schedule a personal training session with one of the trainers.

Guests are not permitted in the Fitness Centre.

Masks are required upon entering the Fitness Centre. Masks are not required while inside the gym. Please refer to the Fitness Rules online, as well as signage in the gym for complete list of rules.

Group Ex

Indoor Group Exercise will not resume at this time. Outdoor group ex will continue. An update will be sent out as soon as new developments happen in this section.

Lockers & Showers

Women's and Men's locker rooms and showers will be open this Friday at 6AM.

Please observe social distancing while in the locker room.

Towels are available for use in the shower only. Please do not take towels to the tennis courts, pool or fitness centre.

The Steam Room will remain closed at this time.

Masks are required while inside the locker rooms, unless in the shower.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics services will be open on Friday. Please email [email protected] or reception to book your appointments with Luana, Sasha, Sara and/or Caroline.

July 25, 2020

David Main's Update About Club Guests

We are awaiting Doug Ford to announce Stage 3 for the Toronto area. At the Club, this will entail the opening of the fitness center, and the locker rooms and showers. Further details will be shared upon release of the provincial announcement.

Club Opens to Guests on Tuesday, July 28

The membership has embraced and is implementing the club's safety protocols making it possible to safely expand the number of people coming to the club.

We will be opening the Club to Guests guests within your social bubble starting on Tuesday, July 28.

Guests within your social bubble are defined as family and close friends with whom you would feel comfortable to invite into your own home and do not need to observe physical distancing.

Responsibly inviting guests within your social bubble will allow for more rapid contact tracing in the event of a case of COVID-19 in a social bubble.

Please remember that Guests are bound to all of the Club's policies and safety protocols:

• Guest Waiver should be completed and submitted prior to arriving at the Club.
• Guests must wear a mask before entering Club premises.
• Guests should remain with the host member at all times.
• We recommend that members meet their guests at reception, or outside the club to avoid congestion in high volume areas.
• Reciprocal privileges are currently suspended, both for our members and the members of our partner clubs.

This is not a decision the Club has made lightly; the Re-opening Task Force has been in discussion over this topic for the past month taking into consideration and understanding that guests are an important part of our member community.

July 22, 2020

Mid-week Update from Simon Bartram

Court Usage:

Court usage is high, and we’re glad to see many members out playing. With this, please be mindful when you walk on court to start your game

. Ensure that members have safely left their courts. Please remember to prepare to leave 5 minutes before the 60-minute mark in order to avoid congestion.

Lessons:

Tennis lessons are available with all of our Club Pros. Contact Simon at [email protected] to be connected with one of them. All of our pros also have their information available online on the Member Site.

Camps:

Summer camps have been going well. If you’re interested in getting your kids out on court, there are still spots available. Contact reception for more information.

Court Maintenance:

Maintenance will occur sporadically over the next weeks as we patch the courts to prepare for the rest of the summer season.

Club Championships:

We are still hoping to run our Club Championships in some capacity this September. Stay tuned for further updates in the next few weeks.

Tennis World News:

Finally, as other pro sports return to competition, we hope to see the same for tennis. In the mean time, we hope that watching reruns will help keep you and your game inspired.

July 18, 2020

What is the Re-Opening Task Force (ROTF)

A highly collaborative effort between the membership and the management team. Member feedback has been crucial in informing how processes and policies are developed, aligned with provincial guidelines. Input and feedback can always be emailed to David Main at [email protected]. Information will be shared with the ROTF for discussion.

Current Status:

 

The ROTF is aware that members can find it difficult to keep up with rapidly changing policies. The need to stay vigilant around the mandatory use of masks is critical in minimizing risks.

Board member Michael Hartrick shares his personal goal of being empathetic towards others who may have underlying conditions, and does his best to act as responsibly as he can around those he may be interacting with.

Future Planning:

The goal of the ROTF and TLTC is to be proactive and vigilant now so we can go into the winter season, and a potential second wave of the virus, as safely as possible. This includes looking at safety measures in the bubble, indoor dining, as well as re-looking at other areas of the club.

The ROTF is discussing opening the club to all guests towards the end of the month, details will be shared in next Wednesday's GM Update.

We are anticipating and preparing for the new challenges and opportunities for Stage 3.

July 15, 2020

Bistro 44:

We are excited to announce The Bistro's opening this Friday, July 17. Reservations can be made online as of today, July 15, up to 14 days in advance. Bookings are available from Tuesday-Friday 6PM-8:30PM. The button at the end of this message takes you directly to the member site or call Reception to make reservations. We will continue with outdoor dining only at this time.

BBQ Kit:

Perfect for the cottage or your city home bbq! All you need is the grill - The Market's BBQ Kit comes complete with everything you need to rule the barbeque! Order online or speak with a server while at the club.

Stage 3:

As we await Toronto's entry into Stage 3 we anticipate opening of the locker rooms, showers, gym with limited capacity and our aesthetics services. We will follow provincial guidelines in opening these areas of the club. Watch out for updates in the coming week.

Guests:

We are currently allowing same-household guests only at the Club to ensure Members are able to enjoy the facilities. We anticipate opening the Club to all guests towards the end of July.

Masks:

A reminder of our mask policy: Masks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor areas of the club unless participating in a registered activity or sitting on the patio. Please have your mask with you at all times.

Re-Opening Task Force:

Hear from members who are part of the Re-Opening Task Force this coming Saturday.

July 11, 2020

Tennis:

Water bottles are available between the North & South courts. We highly recommend sanitizing your hands before grabbing a bottle for yourself.

Be mindful of the handling of tennis balls, specifically those that land in your court. Some members highly prefer picking up and handling their own tennis balls.

Please continue to follow the 55-minute court time limit and be ready to leave the court with all of your belongings.

All members playing in the Pavilion need to change shoes. There have been instances of having to close courts for cleaning due to too much clay indoors.

Bistro 44

Great news about more outdoor dining! The Bistro will open on Friday, July 17. Online Reservations will open on Wednesday, July 15 at 12PM.

At this time only same household guests are allowed. Waivers must be filled out by all same household guests before their first visit to the club. The appropriate waiver buttons are located below following this message.

Note that the awning may not be ready on July 17, but we are doing our best to have this completed in time for the opening of The Bistro.

Mask Policy while at The Lawn:

Please remember to practice safe distancing while at the club, and be advised that protective masks are mandatory for ALL indoor and outdoor areas of the club, unless sitting at a patio table or participating in a registered activity such as tennis, squash, fitness and pool. This includes walking to and from the parking garage.

Members who cannot wear masks for health reasons need to advise Reception in advance of their visit by emailing [email protected].

Children under 2 years old do not need to wear masks. It is mandatory for all senior and junior members over the age of 2 to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor spaces of the club.

Visits to The Club

All facilities at the Club must be booked in advance, including pool pods, patio tables, and courts. Unscheduled visits, lounging at the Club without advanced reservations, or staying longer than pre-booked appointments are not permitted.

July 8, 2020

Bistro 44:

We will be offering a Bistro menu in the near future. We anticipate opening reservations between July 15th-17th. We will continue with outdoor dining only at this time.

Gym and Group Exercise:

We are working towards opening this section of the club in line with Toronto opening Stage 3, and in accordance with their guidelines that have not been communicated as yet. With that said, we expect bookings will likely be in 30 min slots, with a limited number of members being at the gym at any one time.

Guests:

We are currently allowing same-household guests only at the Club to ensure Members are able to enjoy the facilities. We anticipate opening the Club to all guests towards the end of July.

Masks:

A reminder of our mask policy: Masks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor areas of the club unless participating in a registered activity or sitting on the patio. Please have your mask with you at all times.

Provincial announcement on Stage 3:

We expect any upcoming announcement on Stage 3 of the Provincial Opening Plan to include opening of locker rooms and showers, and use of the gym/indoor fitness classes with reservations and limited capacity. The club will not be opening steam rooms at this time. More information will come when we know more from the City and Province.

Financial Update:

A Zoom interview with myself and Michael Pun, our Treasurer, is forthcoming with a financial update. For members who may have specific questions they would like to be asked during the call, please send an email to [email protected].

June 27, 2020

A successful first day back on the outdoor decks at the club yesterday, we hope to see more of you soon!

3rd Quarter Activity Fees:

This July you will notice further rebates on your statements

• Squash 100% rebate for July and August
• Group Ex 100% rebate for July, August, September
• Tennis 20% rebate for July, August, September

Jessica Litt - Member Services

• Our brand new Online Dining Reservation system is now available at www.torontolawn.com. Log in using your existing credentials and click on the green DINING RESERVATIONS button.
• If you prefer, you can still call Reception at 416-922-1105 ext. 0 and we will be happy to assist you with your reservation.
• Guests are still not permitted at the Club, but we hope to welcome immediate family or household guests sometime in the next month.
• As of Monday, June 29th, masks will be mandatory for ALL indoor and outdoor areas of the Club, unless you are sitting at a patio table or participating in a registered activity such as tennis, squash, fitness and pool.

Simon Bartram - Tennis

• Four household Doubles Tennis is permitted.
• Please bring your own hand sanitizer to the court, and please avoid touching other’s tennis balls with your hands.
• Junior Tennis Clinics will begin on July 6

Andrew Thompson - Athletics Dept.

• Lane Swim Pods and Group Swim Pods are open. Reserve online.
• Outdoor Group Exercise classes began on June 22nd, with one class per day and registration is online.
• Massage therapy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy appointments are available, and can be booked online.
• Squash solo practice and Family household play only at this time.
• We are preparing our Fitness Centre with modified spaces, but are still waiting, as it will be part of the Stage 3 reopening in Ontario.

Martin Szajer- Food & Beverage

• Courtside Cafe Deck and the new Court 8 Deck are now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Advance reservations are required; on your reservation you can include any special requests you may have. Each reservation is 2 hours long and can seat up to a maximum of 6 Members.
• New menu offerings that include new pastas, pizzas, BBQ, and some of our tried and true favourites.
• We have a Host in the Cafe and on Court 8, and you can access the decks from either location.
• Wednesday, July 1st is Canada Day and we are celebrating with a Member Appreciation Day, which includes a complimentary BBQ, a drink, and cake, from 12-8pm. Reservations are required for Canada Day and space is limited.
• Indoor dining is not permitted at this time.
• Washrooms within the locker rooms are now open, but locker rooms remain closed.

June 24, 2020

Welcoming Members Back, Outdoor Dining Opens Friday, June 26 at 8am!

Watch everything we're doing to keep you safe and taken care of, we can't wait to see all of you back at your home away from home.

Please call Reception at (416) 922-1105 ext. 0 to make reservations now. See you soon!

The Pool

• The Pool opens on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30am for Lane Swimming.
• Family and Social Group Pod Swimming opens Wednesday, June 24 at 10am.
• There are 2 lanes dedicated for lane swimming the whole day.
• The whole pool is available for lane swimming only from 630am to 915am, for 5 lanes.
• Families or small groups from the same “social circle” can book pods 2, 3, and 4 for chair use and swimming starting at 10am until 9pm daily except, for Sundays when we close at 8pm. Five people maximum permitted per pod. Pod 2 will have access to the deep end of the pool, Pod 3 is in the middle of the pool and Pod 4 is in the shallow end.
• More than one member may use a lane if they are from the same household to a maximum of 4 people.
• Lessons will be available on the first week of July.
• Lounging only will continue on pods 1, 5 & 6.
• Members must bring their own towels.
• They can change in the lower level family change rooms by the lower level pool entrance.
• Washrooms can be used also by the lower level pool entrance.
• No glass of any kind on the deck.

Group Ex

Outdoor Group Exercises Classes have started on the Upper Deck.

• One Yoga, Pilates or “Essentrics” class is offered daily so far with plans to add additional classes in the future.
• Only 9 spaces are available for each class.
• Members must sign-up for classes in advance online under the Adult Programs tab. No drop-ins are permitted.
• Please bring your own mat or towel.

Wellness

Massage, Physiotherapy or Chiropractic services available daily, 7 days a week.

Contact [email protected] to book an appointment or call the club at 416-922-1105 and dial x285 or speak to reception to book your session in today!

June 20,2020

We are anticipating the provincial government to include the Toronto area in Phase 2 re-openings next Friday, June 26th.

Highlights:

Once approved, below areas will re-open:

• Pool: We will be able to open the pool for reserved lane swim, and reserved same- household swims.
• Full doubles tennis will be open.

We are also looking forward to the long-awaited opening of our patio! Anticipated opening is Friday, June 26th and will be BY RESERVATION ONLY.

• More details about how to book and ways we have been preparing to make a delicious and safe re-opening will be sent out on Wednesday, June 24th.
• Last summer's successful bbq offering "The Market at The Lawn" is back for pick-up beginning Friday, June 26th . This BBQ kit comes safely packed and includes everything you need to enjoy a summer's night dining al fresco, at home or at the cottage.
• Take the work out of prepping and clean up with "The Lawn Fa-mealy Food Box". Includes your mains and sides so you can have more time to spend with the family!

The latest programs opened this past week:

• Kids Klub is now open. Please send an email to [email protected] to book up to 2-hr spots. Remember to be back at Kids Klub 5 minutes before your booked time is up so that the staff can do sanitizing procedures.
• We are now offering same-household singles squash.

Please remember to practice safe distancing while at the Club, and be advised that protective masks are mandatory while moving through the clubhouse. Members will need to bring their own masks that cover their noses and mouths while walking through the interior of the clubhouse. It is still strongly recommended that members wear a mask at all times while on club property, particularly if safe distancing is a concern (walking the path to the courts or by the courts).

June 18, 2020

Alecia and Shelby are so excited to welcome parents and kids back to the new Kids Klub!

The club has developed a safe opening and operating protocol that will be in place to ensure the safety of our members. Hours of operation for the Kids Klub will be 9am to 6pm, Monday through Sunday. Staff have been busy organizing, cleaning and following all COVID-19 protocols for everyone's safety.

How we are making safety a priority:

• No Drop-ins at this time.
• Members need to pre-book space by:
  1. calling the Kids Klub at (416)922-1105 ext. 252
  2. emailing [email protected]
  3. Booking your next session with a Kids Klub staff at pick-up.
  4. The room will be divided into 2 areas which will have 1 staff per 3 kids on time blocks of up to 2 hours.
  5. Toys, activities and crafts will be pre-selected for 2 hr. blocks.
  6. All staff will be screened daily, will be wearing masks at all times and will have frequent hand washing breaks.
  7. Screening protocol will be strictly followed at each visit to the Kids Klub which include declaration of exposure to COVID-19, presence of symptoms like cough or runny nose, fever as outlined in provincial government health guidelines.
  8. The Waiver & Declaration Form will need be submitted prior to coming to the club; parent/s to complete the form for their children.

With the opening of Kids Klub, we are eager and ready to open other areas of the club, including outdoor dining, doubles tennis from different households and doubles squash. We await the provincial government's next update about these areas and will inform all of you as soon as this happens.

June 13, 2020

Andrew and Alecia share details about more programs being available in the next two weeks to members as outlined by Stage 2 Guidelines by the provincial government.

Highlights:

Kids Klub will re-open on FRIDAY, JUNE 19 at 10AM. It will be open 7 days a week, 9AM-6PM.

The week leading up to opening day will be spent preparing, organizing, cleaning and following all COVID-19 protocols for everyone's safety.

How we are making safety a priority:

• No Drop-ins at this time.
• Members need to pre-book space by:
  1. calling the Kids Klub at (416)922-1105 ext. 252
  2. emailing [email protected]
  3. Booking your next session with a Kids Klub staff at pick-up.
  4. The room will be divided into 2 areas which will have 1 staff per 3 kids on time blocks of up to 2 hours.
  5. Toys, activities and crafts will be pre-selected for 2 hr. blocks.
  6. All staff will be screened daily, will be wearing masks at all times and will have frequent hand washing breaks.
  7. Screening protocol will be strictly followed at each visit to the Kids Klub which include declaration of exposure to COVID-19, presence of symptoms like cough or runny nose, fever as outlined in provincial government health guidelines.
  8. The Waiver & Declaration Form will need be submitted prior to coming to the club; parent/s to complete the form for their children.

Camps are not cancelled! Registration for Tennis, Squash and Racquet camps will be on Wednesday, June 17 at 10AM. Camps will begin the week of July 6. Day camps will have a slightly different format with smaller group sizes. There will be no All Day Camps and will run on 2 time periods instead. Please see all details on Memberlife @ Home coming into your inbox on Sunday, June 14!

We anticipate details about the following areas in the next provincial announcement scheduled to come out in the next 10 days.

• Doubles with players from four separate households.
• The Pool opening for lane swimming and casual swimming.
• Outdoor patio dining.

June 6, 2020

The Club has come a long way from being on “sleep mode” to what we have today!

Highlights:

Key Dates:

• March 23 – started Memberlife at Home, Contractor Prepaid Services, Courtside to Yourside and Courtside Concierge
• May 19 – opened courts 8, 10, 12, 13, and 14 for singles play
• May 25 – opened squash courts 1-3 for solo hitting
• May 25 – began curbside pickup/takeout for Courtside to Yourside
• May 28 – opened squash doubles court for solo hitting only
• May 30 – all tennis courts were open and available for singles play and The Pool Pods were opened for lounging and relaxation on the pool deck area
• June 3 – opened family doubles, wellness services available by appointment, outdoor fitness have started and virtual kids’ camps have been offered

We are currently awaiting direction from the provincial government regarding the following:

• Full doubles tennis
• Indoor fitness areas
• Use of the pool
• Food and beverage

We are anticipating that Food and Beverage services will be announced to re-open soon, particularly outdoor dining areas like patios. We are expanding our outdoor deck space by converting Court 8 into a dining area, which will almost double the current deck capacity. Using Court 8 this way also addresses the important factor of managing traffic inside the club by minimizing the need to go into the building.

With more sections being open, the Re-Opening Task Force has decided that as of Friday, June 12, wearing masks will be mandatory for all members while inside the club. This includes stairwells, hallways, reception area and other indoor spaces. We highly recommend wearing masks while dining on the outdoor deck or when moving through courts.

As far as we have come, these are still uneasy and uncomfortable times, especially with things changing rapidly. The Club, which was the place of reprieve from the outside, is also uneasy and uncomfortable. Things are different at the club these days, with new rules to follow. Hopefully, the discomfort and unease are short lived, and there will be a “new normal” that we are working towards.

What do we do now? What’s up ahead? It may be a helpful first step to have the understanding that we are all feeling this discomfort. We are all dealing with it differently and it is important that we don’t judge each other, that we show empathy, and that we understand we may have differences of opinions in how we deal with these challenging times.

May 30, 2020

Through rain and even when things get a little shaky, Simon brings good news!

Highlights:
- as of May 30th all Indoor and Outdoor courts are open, weather permitting.
- Two household doubles to start on June 3rd. Example, one couple on one side from one house v two from another.
- Junior Camps in its traditional format will shift to one that follows social distancing protocols. Program structure is in development to roll out at the end of June and continue into July and August. Details will be announced soon.
- 55 min reminder to be ready to leave your court with all your belongings so that other members are not waiting.
- Reminder to be mindful of narrow walkways on the way to the courts. To help alleviate congestion as courts changeover, consider entering court 8 and/or court 1 and walk on the courts to access or leave courts.
- Wellness Services will start very soon! Watch out for a detailed announcement shortly.

We would like to thank all members for being mindful while at the club and maintaining appropriate distance for everyone's safety.

<p class="=" date"="">May 29, 2020

We are pleased to announce that the pool deck may now be booked for tanning, relaxing, reading, lounging in 50-minute increments and opens this Saturday morning from 810am onwards.

Members may book up to two booking periods in a row. Members will not be able to enter the pool area without having booked their pool chaise at least 2 hours in advance.

No swimming in the pool is permitted at this time.

About The Pool Pods:

• The pool deck will be divided into 8 “pods”.
• Each pod will contain 3 chaise lounge chairs and 1 umbrella.
• Only members of the same household may use the same pod.
• No guests are permitted at this time.
• Members may bring their own non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are in plastic or metal containers.
• Glass is strictly prohibited on the pool deck.
• No food is allowed though small snacks may be consumed.
• Members are asked to bring their own towels.
• Members are asked to please bring all their items with them when they leave.
• Chaise cushions will be available for member use at their own discretion and located adjacent to their chaises within their pod.
• Each pod will be disinfected after each use and in the morning before opening and evening at closing each day by our staff.
• Members are asked to remain in their pods throughout their time on the pool deck.
• A bathroom on the lower level will be available for use.

May 27, 2020

GM David Main is back with Simon and Andrew sharing more areas of The Club to be open in the coming weeks.

The Food & Bev team delivered the last installment of its shift to Take Out / Pick Up services yesterday with the launch of Courtside to Yourside Pick Up program. The Minibar, our grocery service Courtside Concierge and Courtside to Yourside Pick Up are all active and can be found on the website on Member Central with quick link buttons and About The Club (pull down menu). All buttons for quick ordering are also available at the bottom of this message.

The AGM scheduled for this Thursday, May 28th has been postponed until late summer or early fall. All efforts are being made to conduct the AGM safely in the traditional way. In the meantime, a shortened AGM Report will be available digitally this week for all members. The full AGM Report with notice of meeting will come later this week. Stay tuned for more details.

Zoom Video Highlights:

Simon’s Update:

• Courts 1-6 likely to open by Friday, May 29th at some point during the day. Check online for court times.
• Pavilion Court 16 will be open this Saturday, May 30th.
• Work on the lights for night time tennis has been completed and ready for use tonight.
• We will keep to SINGLES PLAY ONLY at this time.
• Doubles play within families: still in discussion as we determine how the increased number of members will flow through the club safely. We expect to communicate more information about this very soon.
• Please observe 55-minute court time. Be ready to leave the court before the 60-minute mark to avoid wait times for other members.
• Please remember to take everything with you when you leave your court, including water bottles, towels, cans of balls and tennis balls.
• Our Tennis Pros are back! Book your time with them, get on the court, “get the rust out” and enjoy!
• Summer Camps in its conventional format will not be offered this summer but we are working on programs for our kids.
• Reminder to parents that viewing is not permitted at this time. Parents cannot stay at The Club while their children are in lessons.

​

Andrew’s Updates:

• Squash Solo Hitting opened successfully and safely this week!
• Doubles Squash Court will be open for Solo Hitting Thursday, May 28 (tomorrow) for squash members to get used to hitting the doubles squash ball and get used to the court again!
• Virtual Camps Registration now open.
  • includes Power Soccer FC, Garfield’s classes and programs by Mitch Levitt who specializes in training programs for our teen members.
  • Learn To Draw program
  • $65 a week, open to 20 kids per week.
• Lounging and relaxing on the pool deck will be permitted starting this Saturday, May 30th. Those belonging in the same household are allowed to stay in one zone (pod). The Pool itself will remain closed.
  • Pool deck area will be divided into zones ( "Pool Pods") in observance of social distancing protocols.
  • 50-min bookings, members can book 2 50-min bookings in a row.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting practices will be done after each booking window.
  • Take everything brought to the pool area with you when you leave your pod.
  • Light snacks and your own water bottles allowed.
  • No alcohol, no glass drinkware allowed in the pool area.
  • No towel service at this time, please bring your own.
  • Same family household members only within the same pod, NO GUESTS allowed at this time.

The Pool gives us an opportunity to open more areas of the club at a very measured and paced way, giving members another opportunity to enjoy the club safely.

Please be reminded that we highly encourage you to wear masks at all times while at the club, as well as to have your own hand sanitizer with you. ​

We want to thank all of you for the support and patience thus far as we try to add a little bit more each week for members to return to the club safely. Thank you for observing all measures we have put in place to maintain the safety of all members and staff. We look forward to opening more areas of the club in the coming weeks.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected]

May 23, 2020

Highlights:

• Pavilion courts 15 and 17 are open for members, court 18 will be reserved for lessons with pros. Outdoor courts 8-12 are open while courts 13 and 14 are reserved for lessons.
• Squash Solo Practice Hitting will be permitted starting Monday, May 25th. Court booking opens at 12noon today. Please complete and submit the Declaration Waiver if you have not already done so. Juniors' Declaration form to be completed by parents.
• Andrew shares new ideas about Summer Camps and Outdoor Fitness programs!
• Courtside to Yourside's new PICK-UP & TAKEOUT format starts next week. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner food fare will be available and we highly recommend ordering it online, by phone or at the order desk in the club lobby before you get on court so it's ready for you after your game. Wait? Did he say PIZZA?!

All efforts are being done to provide a safe environment for for members and staff. Please continue to practice social distancing, which can be easy to forget during our excitement in seeing familiar faces, and quite simply, being open again. We highly encourage wearing masks at all times while at the club, as well as carrying your own hand sanitizer with you.

We thank you for your continued patience as we figure out the best way to maintain safe flow of traffic with the addition of more activities, and for your support as we work on opening more areas of the club in the coming weeks and months.

May 14, 2020

Hello TLTC members,

As of today's announcement from the provincial government, we are well within regulation of opening The Lawn as outlined in our Phase 1 Plan.  Phase 1 is made up of several stages that reflect announcements and recommendations from the Provincial Government and health authorities.  We have adjusted our operations, rules and polices as deemed necessary and safe to do so to be open for play this Tuesday, May 19, 2020. 

Please read through the following two documents which outline our Phase 1 operations and temporary policies in detail.  It will be imperative that members continue to abide by physical distancing and other safety requirements stated in the following documents.

Phase 1 Operating Policies

Re-opening Phase 1 Quick Reference Guide

With the Provincial Government's approval of  Phase 1 of our Re-opening plan, as of May 15th at 12pm you may start booking your courts in advance. Every booking will come with a mandatory completion of the COVID 19 Declaration of Health and Compliance Form that each member will be required to complete PRIOR to coming to the Club for their first visit.

HOW TO BOOK A COURT: Outdoor Tennis Courts 

1. Registered Summer Tennis members are permitted to book the outdoor tennis courts. 

a. Only ONE advance booking in each 6-day period will be permitted, plus one same day booking. 

b. other members (not registered for Summer Tennis) may access the courts at no charge, twice a month, booking same day available courts. 

c. Contact Reception as they will assist with any questions on booking policy. 

2. All courts MUST be pre-booked for play, NO drop-in tennis is allowed. 

a. Please log-in using your existing username and password.

LOGIN

b. And then click on ONLINE BOOKINGS to book your tennis court. 

c. Please call Reception if you have trouble logging in at (416) 922 1105 x0.

3. Court times will be from 7am to 8pm.

a. Courts 8, 10, 12 will be booked on the half hour.

b. Courts 13 & 14 will be booked on the hour. Opening of Court 7 will be announced as soon as it is ready for play.

4. A booking confirmation email will include a link to the COVID 19 Declaration of Health and Operational Compliance Form. Reception will be assisting members by calling them 24 hrs ahead of their first booking to review the operational policy and answer member’s questions.

THE WAIVER MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE COMING TO THE CLUB.

We will continue our Member Life @Home Fitness programs, Junior Programs, as well as our Grocery and Food/Wine Delivery programs through Phase 1.  Please reference the member’s side of the website for more information on these services available to all members. 

If you have any membership questions please contact our Membership Director Linda Nabus at [email protected] or contact me at [email protected] with any questions or feedback you may have.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we manage our way through this.  We look forward to seeing members energizing the magic that is the Toronto Lawn very soon.

May 9, 2020

 

Hello TLTC members,

As of today we have still not heard from the Provincial Government regarding a loosening of regulations that would allow any part of TLTC opening to our members.  With that said, the Re-opening Task Force has been hard at work determining what multiple phases of re-opening would look like.  I would like to thank the entire task force, who will stay involved with our re-opening planning over the next several months. Staff: Alecia Letman, Antek Jerzy, Simon Bartram, Mark Porter and Jessica Litt, as well as Members: Eleanor O’Gorman, Michael Hartrick, Gavin McCulloch and Alison Thompson.  We have had access to multiple examples of other Club’s Covid 19 protocols, National Association recommendations including Tennis Canada, and Regional Health Organizations to assist us in planning to re-open.

We have outlined what our plan is for Phase 1 of several phases.  We will continue to closely monitor the announcements and recommendations from the Provincial Government and health authorities and will adjust our operations, rules and polices as is deemed necessary and safe to do so.  As we know more we will roll out future Phase details to the membership.

Please read through the following two documents which outline our Phase 1 operations and temporary policies in detail.  It will be imperative that members continue to abide by physical distancing and other safety requirements stated in the following documents.

Phase 1 Operating Policies

Re-opening Phase 1 Quick Reference Guide

Soon after the Provincial Government approves our ability to introduce Phase 1 of our Re-opening plan we will open up access to booking the outdoor courts, and will provide access to the COVID 19 Declaration of Health and Compliance Form that each member will be required to complete prior to coming to the Club for their first visit.

We will continue our Member Life @Home Fitness programs, Junior Programs, as well as our Grocery and Food/Wine Delivery programs through Phase 1.  Please reference the member’s side of the website for more information on these services available to all members.  If you have any membership questions please contact our Membership Director Linda Nabus at [email protected] or contact me at [email protected] with any questions or feedback you may have.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we manage our way through this.  We look forward to seeing members energizing the magic that is the Toronto Lawn very soon.

 

Be well and stay safe,

David Main
General Manager
Re-Opening Task Force Chair

April 25, 2020

 

April 18, 2020

April 11, 2020

 

April 4, 2020

March 28, 2020

March 19, 2020

Dear Members,

Earlier this week we alluded to a program from our contractors that would enable members to help alleviate the cash flow stress that many contractors may be going through as a result of business shut down as a result of Covid-19.

We are introducing the "Prepaid Services" program. Members can purchase services that they would otherwise avail of during the course of the season. This program will bridge the income flow swiftly from the time the Club is in sleep mode, to the time we transition in opening again.

The process is easy! The link below will take you to the "Contractor Prepaid Services" page where you can quickly select the services with Tennis or Squash Pros, Personal Trainers, RMT's and Aestheticians you would normally book with. You can also purchase this prepaid service for the Pro Shop for re-stringing services or products. Submitting the form acts as your confirmation for the Accounting Team to bill your account.

If you have any questions, please email Reception at [email protected] or call (416) 922-1105 ext. 0.

We thank you in advance for your support.

March 18, 2020

Hello TLTC Members,

As we continue to be closed I wanted to update you on our progress. We have put the club in "sleep mode" safely. Chef and his team have done a fabulous job of preserving the food we have in inventory. The court and maintenance team have cleaned the club, turned off most of the lighting and turned down the temperatures in all areas, including the bubble in an effort to reduce our utility bills. A few staff are on sight during the weekdays to ensure all equipment is functioning and answering the phones. We are all socially distanced, using technology to assist us with management meetings.

Yesterday we communicated with our staff and contractors to update them on programs we have to assist them financially through this stressful time. Our staff is being paid through March 29th, and decisions will be made in the coming week about extending this coverage. When this coverage ends, we will assist staff in applying for the government's EI programs that were recently announced to assist employees during their time of isolation. We will also have a top-up plan for the EI program that only provides 55% of their wage (or maximum of $573/week), up to 95% of their wage. For our Professional contractors (e.g. Wellness/Fitness, Tennis/Squash, Proshop), we will be announcing a Gift Card program to enable members to support their favourite professional TLTC contractor. Members will be able to easily purchase a Gift Card that will immediately provide financial support to our contractors, and when we reopen, they can receive the professional service.

Several things we are evaluating while we are closed:

• Possible take-out food service for members
• Seasonal cleaning of pavilion and garage
• Painting of several areas of the Club
• Ladies Locker Room previously scheduled repairs to lighting and wet areas
• Scheduled Capital projects that can be advanced
• Staff training both in small groups or using technology such as ‘go-to meetings’

Note: these are only in the planning stage, and will only be implemented if we are assured of staff safety.

We spent the last few days ensuring that the Club is in "sleep mode" in a safe manner and keeping our staff and contractors informed by consistently communicating with them. We will soon turn our attention to what options will look like when it comes time to have members return.

Thank you for your patience during this challenging time. We, like you, have many questions that we expect will be addressed in the coming week. The reality is, it could take many weeks, if not months to return to anything that looks like our normal operations. We will continue to keep you informed when we know more. For now, be rest assured that the Club is safe, our staff family is secure and with your help we can support our contractor family. Together we will get through this.

Be well, be safe and look forward to seeing us all get through this.

March 15, 2020

The Toronto Lawn Tennis Club will be closed from March 16 - March 30, 2020 as part of its Covid-19 Preparedness Plan.

We will evaluate the situation and will keep all of you informed frequently.

Watch the video for GM David Main's latest update.

Read below for the written copy GM David Main's latest message.

Dear Members,

We are in challenging times. I am not sure we can fully appreciate the gravity of the situation that is currently confronting us. As you know, we continue to closely monitor the unfolding situation around the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and follow the updates provided from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Toronto Public Health (TPH).

After much consideration and with the support of the Board of Directors, we have made the difficult decision to close the Club as of 7:00 pm Sunday, March 15, for two weeks. As we have expressed over the last few weeks, the safety of our Members and Staff remains our top priority. In light of the challenges we are facing due to the COVID-19 virus, we trust this is the best decision at this time.

Our reality at the Club and around the City is changing by the hour. This is not the time to be open for business and not the time to be evaluating the risk of staying open. This is the time to be with our families and take a pause from non-essential activities; hopefully get a more complete picture in the coming weeks as to what our new reality will look like. As always, our priority is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our Members and Staff as well as the wider community in which we operate.

The COVID-19 health crisis is forcing each of us to make sacrifices and changes none of us wants to make. In the end, however, it is not about us. It’s about our responsibility to our fellow human beings.

• If you need to retrieve personal belongings from your locker, please contact Reception ahead of time by sending an email to [email protected]. Items can be arranged to be picked up between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday during this two week shutdown.
• It is our full intention to assist our Staff through the next two weeks and if there is further impact we will be doing our best to limit their financial challenges.
• There are many questions we need to still answer as one can never be prepared enough for this.
• When we open again, initially we expect it will be with restrictions and reduced services.
• We are not aware of any Covid-19 exposure at the Club to date.

We understand the closure will have a significant impact on our community and you will have many questions. Mitigating this crisis must be a community-wide effort. We kindly ask for your patience as we endeavour to answer these questions. Please email Jessica at [email protected] or myself at [email protected] questions or concerns.

We will continue to monitor new information and will regularly communicate with you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times.

Sincerely,

David Main, General Manager

Raymond Mo, President

 

March 12, 2020

 

After careful consideration with our Covid 19 Response Team and the Board of Directors, the following next steps have been taken to ensure member and staff safety. We recognize that preventing an outbreak at the Club is virtually impossible, but we can implement best practices to mitigate the spread of the virus. We ask for your patience in the coming weeks as we implement the following:

We have now entered the CONTROL PHASE of our Preparedness Plan. The Management team and the Board have taken a proactive stance to further protect our members and staff.

Effective Friday March 13th at 6AM, the following steps will be implemented in an effort to keep our Club open and safe for our members and staff:

• No Guest Access: As of Friday, March 13th at 6AM, guests will not be allowed access into the Club unless they are an Immediate household family, as well as Caregivers currently registered with the Club. Reciprocal club membership privileges have been cancelled until further notice.
• Mandatory Member Sign-In: Members and their immediate household family will need to sign-in and complete declaration forms at every visit. Sign in will be in the lobby of reception.
• Travel Declaration:*
  • 14 Day Restriction from access to the Club:
    No access to the Club for members and immediate household family who traveled to or through an airport of locations listed with "Active Travel Health Notices" which include China, Iran. Italy, Japan and South Korea. This also includes all those who traveled on cruise ships. (This list will be updated consistently and will reflect the information from the Government of Canada's Covid 19 Travel Advisory).
  • 7 Day Restriction from access to the Club:
    No access to the Club for members and immediate household family if you are returning to Toronto from outside Ontario on mass transit at any stage. (includes bus, airplane, rail)
  *Travel restriction guideline will apply to members who have had household family travel even if they personally did not travel.
• Health and Contact Declaration:
  No access to the Club if you are exhibiting the following symptoms:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Consistent sneezing/ coughing
  • No Contact: declaration that you do not have knowledge of being exposed to individuals diagnosed with Covid 19/Coronavirus.

These may appear to be extreme measures to some as the City of Toronto risk assessment is still considered LOW by Toronto Public Health.

We are implementing these measures for the continued health and safety of our staff and members and our effort to keep the Club safely open for as long as possible.

We also ask that you continue to monitor your health and not come to the Club if you have any of the characteristic signs of the virus, particularly if you are at a vulnerable age or have current bronchial issues. We ask that all members practice appropriate "respiratory etiquette" while at the Club.

We will continue our enhanced cleaning practice throughout the Club, which was initiated early on as one of our efforts to help minimize the spread of the virus.

The Covid 19 Response Team and Management will continue to meet regularly to share information in real-time, consider changes in its approach and set plans in motion for a wide variety of contingencies.

March 9, 2020

We are aware of the situation at Whitney Public School in Rosedale. Toronto's Medical Officer of Health stated that the risk to staff and students is considered LOW, however has urged to monitor for symptoms and to call ahead if they need to seek medical treatment. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/students-at-toronto-elementary-school-may-have-been-exposed-to-covid-19-1.4844658

We are sending this information as we are aware that a few members have connections with Whitney Public School. However, we are not aware of any case of Covid-19 in the Club. Our immediate risk remains LOW and we will continue our 'enhanced cleaning' practice throughout the Club,which we initiated last week as one of our efforts to help minimize the spread of the virus.

We also ask that you continue to monitor your health and not come to the Club if you have any of the characteristic signs of the virus. We ask that all members practice appropriate "respiratory etiquette" while at the Club.

The senior management team continues to meet regularly to share information in real-time, consider changes in its approach and set plans in motion for a wide variety of contingencies.

March 4, 2020

Dear Members,

This email provides an update on The Toronto Lawn Tennis Club’s ongoing efforts and preparedness for the Covid-19/Coronavirus.

In recent days, you have likely heard intensifying reports about the Coronavirus. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada.

We are writing today to provide a general update, as well as outline specific and active measures the Club has taken to prevent and minimize contracting the Coronavirus while in Club premises. We all play a part in keeping the risk of contracting the virus at the Club as low as possible; this communication also contains suggestions for your daily routine to minimize contracting the virus.

• The Club has hired staff dedicated to keeping surfaces such as tables, handrails, doorknobs, etc. disinfected and clean. We will keep this practice for the next weeks and will assess further as new information becomes available.
• Increased alcohol-based sanitizers in all rooms and will continue for as long as we have access to the product.
• Carefully follow and stay in contact with the city’s Health Regulators. We will adhere to their professional advice and expertise to further prevent and protect the membership from the virus.
• Senior Managers are meeting on Wednesday to discuss the next steps of action should a facility shutdown become necessary.

The best preventive steps for any communicable disease include simple but important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, but especially during flu season:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.

When coughing or sneezing:

• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs.
• Immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.

We expect the Covid-19/Coronavirus to affect the delivery of services at the club in the near future. There are several concerns at this time, not in the least is the safety of the membership.

Please be rest assured that Management is taking all necessary precautions and preparing as best we can to handle different scenarios that may happen in the wake of this virus. We remain committed to keeping the membership informed about the club’s actions and the best way to stay safe as events develop.

Thank you to everyone who is working together to keep the club safe and healthy.

Regards,
David Main

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Explaining Coronavirus Video

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Resources

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Links

Public Health Canada Official Website Update

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Active Travel Health Notices

Distantly.ca: crowdfunding support site for businesses affected by Covid-19

 

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About COVID-19

1. What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Some transmit easily from person to person while others do not. COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans.

China determined that a novel coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) is responsible for the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan. Authorities in China and worldwide are conducting further investigations to better understand where the disease came from, how it is spread and the clinical severity of illness in humans.

2. What are the symptoms?

Those with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19.

Symptoms have included:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• pneumonia in both lungs

In severe cases, infection can lead to death.

3. What are the risks of getting COVID-19?

The public health risk associated with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, is low for Canada and for Canadian travellers.

Canada has no direct flights from Wuhan and the volume of travellers arriving indirectly from Wuhan is low. However, at this time, the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid non-essential travel to China due to an outbreak of COVID-19.

Canada also recommends that Canadians avoid all travel to the province of Hubei, including the cities of:

• Ezhou
• Wuhan
• Huanggang

This recommendation is due to the heavy travel restrictions by Chinese authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

4. Is there a vaccine to protect against COVID-19?

No, there is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.

5. Will this year's flu vaccine protect me from COVID-19?

No, the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.

6. What is the treatment for COVID-19?

For now, there is no specific treatments for most people with COVID-19. Most people with common coronavirus illness will recover on their own. At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19. Your health care provider may recommend steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

Consult your health care provider as soon as possible if:

• you are concerned about your symptoms or
• you have a travel history to a region where severe coronaviruses are known to occur

The sooner you consult your health care provider, the better your chances are for recovery.

7. How does COVID-19 spread?

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets that are spread when you cough or sneeze
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

8. What is the incubation period of COVID-19?

Current information indicates that symptoms may present themselves up to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19.

9. How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?

You can stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:

• washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands; and
• staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

10. Should the general population in Canada wear masks to protect themselves from COVID-19?

If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not necessary.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms of an illness that spreads through the air, wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the infection to others. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading around you when you cough or sneeze. Your health provider may recommend you wear a mask while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures that are put in place so that people with an infectious respiratory illness do not transmit the infection to others.

If you are caring for a sick person or you are in direct contact with an ill person, wearing a mask can help protect you from catching COVID-19, but it will not fully eliminate the risk of illness.

When wearing a mask, make sure to:

• properly cover your mouth and nose
• avoid touching the mask once it’s on your face
• properly discard the mask after each use
• wash your hands after removing the mask

It is not recommended that healthy people or people who have not travelled to a COVID-19-affected area (e.g. Hubei Province and mainland China) wear masks. Wearing a mask when you are not ill and are not at high risk for developing symptoms may give a false sense of security. Masks can easily become contaminated and need to be changed frequently and fitted properly for them to provide adequate protection.

You can stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:

• washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands
• staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others

11. Are Canadians at risk for contracting COVID-19 if they receive a package or products shipped from China?

There is no known risk of coronaviruses entering Canada on parcels or packages coming from affected regions in China.

Although there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and how it spreads, we can use the information from 2 other coronaviruses (SARS and MERS) to guide us.

In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is considered to be a very low risk of spread from products or packaging that is shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.

Studies on the SARS coronavirus showed that the virus did not survive on dry surfaces such as paper. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread by respiratory droplets.

Currently there is no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods.

There have not been any cases of COVID-19 in Canada associated with imported goods from China.

12. Where can I find the most up-to-date information about COVID-19?

For the latest and most up-to-date information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's web page on COVID-19. You can also follow Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter at @CPHO_Canada.

Canadians travelling abroad are encouraged to consult the Travel Health Notice for China on travel.gc.ca.

13. Can COVID-19 be transmitted when a person is not showing symptoms?

This question is under investigation at this time. Studies to answer this question are being conducted now.

While experts believe that spread from a person who is asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms) is possible, this is considered to be rare.

What we do know for certain is that COVID-19 is most often being spread through close contact with a person who is showing symptoms (symptomatic cases).

So based on the latest available data, the main driver of the COVID-19 outbreak is symptomatic cases.

That means the primary focus for containing the COVID-19 outbreak is to prevent exposure through direct and close contact.

The most effective way to control this type of spread is through good hygiene measures in community settings (handwashing, cough etiquette and staying home if sick) and strict infection prevention and control measures in health settings to prevent spread in hospital settings.

14. Is there a risk of contracting COVID-19 if I touch a surface that was potentially contaminated?

In general, coronaviruses have poor survivability on surfaces, and are generally thought to be spread by respiratory droplets left behind after someone coughs or sneezes.

For COVID-19, researchers are actively investigating to learn more about the ways that COVID-19 is transmitted.

In the meantime, the best way to prevent respiratory and other illnesses is to:

• avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
• consistently use good hand hygiene measures, which include frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• maintain good respiratory etiquette, such as covering your mouth and nose with your arm or sleeve when coughing and sneezing, disposing of any used tissues as soon as possible, and following with handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers where soap and water are not available;
• regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that people touch frequently such as toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).

COVID-19 and animals

15. Can I get this virus from animals when travelling to other countries?

Although the current spread and growth of the COVID-19 outbreak is primarily associated with spread from person to person, experts agree that the virus likely originated from bats and likely passed through an intermediary animal source (currently unknown) in China before being transmitted to humans.

As the virus that causes COVID-19 and other coronaviruses (such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) originated in animals, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends travellers, and especially those who travel to an affected country or region, avoid contact with animals and animal products (including wild meat and wet markets).

If you are considering travel, check the latest travel health notices for the most up-to-date travel advice prior to travelling.

16. Can I get this virus from animals in Canada?

No, there is currently no evidence to suggest that any animal native to Canada (wild, livestock or pets) harbours the virus that causes COVID-19. Therefore, animals in Canada do not pose a risk of infecting people with this virus.

17. Can my pet or other animals get sick from this virus?

While a recent study suggests that the virus that causes COVID-19 may have the potential to infect some types of animals, similar to what is known for SARS-CoV, there is currently no evidence that pets or other domestic animals can be infected with COVID-19 virus or can be a source of infection to people. There are still many unknowns about this newly emerged coronavirus and this is an area that remains to be studied and understood.

Until we know more, similar to the recommendations for reducing the risk of infection to other people, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animals:

• avoid close contact with them
  • do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed
• practise good cough etiquette
  • avoid coughing and sneezing on your pet or other animal
• wash your hands before touching or feeding your pet or other animals
• limit your pet's or other animal's contact with other people and animals

These recommendations will be updated as more information becomes available.

Travellers

18. I am planning travel to China, what is the current advice?

The Government of Canada is continuing to recommend that Canadians avoid non-essential travel to China and avoid all travel to Hubei province.

Canadians travelling abroad are encouraged to consult the Travel Health Notice for China for more information.

Always consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before you travel.

When travelling to places near Hubei province, China:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available
  • it is a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel
• eat and drink safely abroad by staying away from raw or undercooked food and meat
• avoid high-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets and areas where animals may be slaughtered
• avoid close contact with people who may be sick, especially if they have difficulty breathing or have a fever or cough
• avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), including pigs, chickens, ducks and wild birds, and items contaminated with their body fluids

19. I am a returning traveller from the Hubei province in China, what do I need to do?

If you have travelled to Hubei province in the last 14 days, limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days from the date that you left Hubei. This means self-isolate and stay at home. In addition, contact the local public health authority in your province or territory within 24 hours of arriving in Canada.

All travellers from mainland China are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and to contact the local public health authority in their province or territory if they feel sick.

Even if you have not been to mainland China, should a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or any other symptom arise within 14 days after returning to Canada, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your health care provider or local health authority about symptoms and travel history.

During your return to Canada

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 before you are scheduled to leave, do not get on board any form of public transportation. Seek medical attention.

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 during a flight, tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you enter the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who will assess your symptoms.

If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to a source of COVID-19, report this information to a Canada border services agent on arrival in Canada. This is required under the Quarantine Act. The Canada border services agent will provide instructions for you to follow.

We have put messaging on arrivals screens at international airports that will help guide travellers who have travelled to the province of Hubei, China. The screens tell travellers to inform a border services officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

In addition, pamphlets with additional information on what symptoms to identify and how to contact local health authorities will be provided to travellers.

During the 14 days after your return

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your appropriate public health authority immediately.

Describe your symptoms and document your travel history. Your health care professional or health authority will provide instructions for you to follow, including appropriate arrangements for your medical assessment.

If you are not already isolated, self-quarantine yourself in your home. Help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

20. Why are travellers returning from Hubei being asked to limit contact with others for 14 days following their arrival in Canada?

As we receive the latest data and science on COVID-19, health authorities across Canada are recommending that travellers who have been in Hubei limit their social contact for a total of 14 days from the date they left Hubei province. In addition, contact the local public health authority in your province or territory within 24 hours of arriving in Canada.

This supports the global public health objective to contain the outbreak in China and prevent further spread to Canada.

21. I have recently returned from a trip outside of Canada. What do I need to do?

It is important for all travellers to monitor their health when they return to Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada asks that you monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada. If you have these symptoms, call the public health authority in the province or territory you are in to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do.

22. I have winter travel plans (not to Asia); how can I reduce my risk of infection?

No matter where Canadians plan to travel, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that they consult travel.gc.ca, which is the Government of Canada's official source of destination‑specific travel information. It provides important advice to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely while abroad.

Canadians should always tell their health care providers about their travel if they become ill after returning to Canada.

23. I am a Canadian travelling abroad and I am experiencing symptoms. What should I do?

Many Canadians become ill and require medical assistance when they are outside Canada. If you get sick when you are travelling, here's how to get help:

• Most major tourist hotels have in-house doctors who can provide medical care. Hotels can also arrange appointments with local physicians.
• If you have travel insurance, contact the local number you may have been given or the assistance centre in Canada, and ask for a referral.
• If you need urgent care, the best option is often the nearest hospital. In some countries, ambulances may not be common. Use whatever form of transportation you have to get to a hospital.
• If you have a medical emergency while abroad, consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can help.

Find out more on what to do if you experience sickness or an injury while travelling abroad.

24. The Travel Health Notice says it is a Level 3. What does that mean?

A Level 3 signifies that it is recommended that Canadian travellers avoid non-essential travel in order to protect the health of Canadian travellers and the Canadian public.

The notice outlines specific precautions to take when visiting the region and what to do if you become ill during or after travel.

A notice at this level is often issued during a large-scale outbreak in a large geographic area, or if there is increased risk to the traveller and an increased risk of spreading disease to other groups including the Canadian public.

Learn more about the different risk levels associated with travel health notices.

25. Why has the health advice for passengers who were on the MS Westerdam cruise ship and who enter into Canada changed from self-isolation to monitoring for symptoms?

Based on recent evidence, and what we know about the health of the passengers from the MS Westerdam cruise ship, there is no indication that individuals on the ship were exposed to COVID-19.

As a result, the Government of Canada is requesting that passengers self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough and difficulty breathing) and contact their local public health authority if they develop symptoms.

Government of Canada actions

26. What actions are being taken at Canadian airports and borders to stop COVID-19 from entering Canada?

New measures have been implemented at the 10 Canadian airports. Measures help to:

• identify any travellers returning to Canada who may be ill
• raise awareness among travellers about what they should do if they become sick

Any travellers coming to Canada who may have been in the province of Hubei would typically enter Canada through 1 of 3 international airports: Vancouver, Toronto, or Montréal.

Travellers going through these airports will see additional signage in French, English and Simplified Chinese, asking them to alert a border services officer should they have any flu-like symptoms.

Travellers will need to respond to a screening question that has been added to electronic kiosks for all international travellers at these airports. This question is available in 15 different languages.

Travellers who do not show signs or symptoms of illness will receive a handout advising them to follow up with their health care provider and provide:

• their symptoms
• their travel history
• any high-risk exposure history (such as contact with animals or close contact with a sick person) if they develop symptoms

These measures complement routine traveller screening procedures already in place to prepare for, detect and respond to the spread of serious infectious diseases into and within Canada.

27. In which 10 airports have the additional screening measures been implemented?

Additional screening measures were put in place at the Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal international airports on January 22, 2020. As of February 1, 2020, the additional measures are also in place at the following airports:

• Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
• Ottawa International Airport
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport

28. Will Canada close its borders or start banning flights from China?

No. The Government of Canada and the provinces and territories have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in Canada.

We are also aware that China has taken extraordinary measures including conducting exit screenings, and have closed all the flights and transportation from Wuhan and some other affected cities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been engaged and is actively monitoring the situation. With the information currently available for COVID-19, the WHO advises that measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented, without unnecessary restrictions of international traffic.