Maintaining the Bonds of Friendship Across the Globe Amid COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard for us not to feel isolated from each other, and our families, friends and colleagues. That's why it's important for us to take every opportunity we can to safely connect virtually by phone, Zoom/FaceTime/Skype, or even a simple email.Earlier this month, I sent a letter to Mayor Takeshi Sakamoto of our sister city Itabashi, Japan to let him and the residents there know that the City of Burlington is thinking of them during this difficult time and sending our thoughts and support.Here is a copy of the letter we emailed: Burlington Mayor Meed Ward's Letter to Mayor Sakamoto and the City of Itabashi, Japan.
I was delighted to receive a message of support back from Mayor Sakamoto telling me that he and the residents of Itabashi were also thinking of Burlington and wishing us a safe and healthy resolution to this global pandemic.Here is a copy of the letter we received: Itabashi Mayor Sakamoto's Letter to Mayor Meed Ward and the City of Burlington.It's so important to maintain the bonds of friendship during this time, even across the globe, to let others know that as much as we may feel sometimes that we're alone, we're truly in this together and there will be a time when we overcome this pandemic and we can gather together again.-- Mayor Marianne Meed WardRELATED LINK:
—PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page — bit.ly/COVID19BurlingtonFAQ that are updated as new information becomes available.A Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency — updates will be provided at burlington.ca/COVID19taskforce.To report an incident of non-compliance with provincial emergency orders, please contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.We’ve also created a dedicated page to feature the local organizations and businesses that have inspired us during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking action to support our community in new and creative ways — head to bit.ly/covidwallofinspiration.HELPFUL RESOURCES & RELATED LINKS:
- Community questions and requests regarding City of Burlington services can be directed to Service Burlington by phone at 903-335-7777, by email at city@burlington.ca or online.
- For further COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public Health halton.ca/coronavirus
- Residents can stay informed at burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
- Questions about the cancellation of Recreation programs can be directed to rentals@burlington.ca or liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738
- City of Burlington: www.burlington.ca/coronavirus
- Resources for Residents & Non-Profit Organizations: www.burlington.ca/covid19resources.
- Halton Region: www.halton.ca/coronavirus
- Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
- Provincial Emergency Orders: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200052
- Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
- World Health Organization: www.who.int
- Joseph Brant Hospital: josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
- Team Burlington Business Supports: burlingtonchamber.com/team-burl-supporting-burl-business-during-covid-19/
- Burlington Food Bank: call 905-637-CARE (2273), or visit burlingtonfoodbank.ca
- Food for Life: call 905-635-1106 and press 7, or visit foodforlife.ca
- Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Branch: call 289-291-5396, or visit halton.cmha.ca