ISWO STATEMENT ON COVID-19
Toronto, ON – Wednesday, March 11, 2020 — ISWO understands that families and communities are feeling anxious and are worried about the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario and abroad; the situation may be particularly more concerning for remote Indigenous communities and populations. While we cannot guarantee that COVID-19 will not spread further, we would like to reassure you that the health and safety of our youth and communities is always ISWO’s first priority.
Given the rapidly changing situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario, the ISWO Board of Directors held an emergency board meeting at 11:30 a.m. today and made some important decisions regarding the potential impact of COVID-19. In an abundance of caution and care for our staff, participants and communities, all upcoming ISWO events have been cancelled for the month of March. This includes events that ISWO is participating in as a third party or a partner organization. ISWO will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will advise if there are any changes to that decision as we near the end of March. Communications regarding specific program cancellations will be sent to all participants and registration fees paid for ISWO events taking place in March, will be refunded.
The situation regarding COVID-19 is evolving at a rapid pace and we would encourage all members of the public to access the following verified Public Health websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information, or alternatively, to check-in with your local public health authority:
- Ontario Public Health
- Canada Public Health
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization
These verified public health websites provide information on how to practice measures to keep yourself safe and as well, what to do in case you develop symptoms or are returning from travel abroad, specifically from areas affected by COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date information regarding the status of upcoming ISWO events and any potential cancellations, we recommend following us on social media, visiting our website, or subscribing to our newsletter and e-blasts.
