Latest updates and resources for COVID-19 - March 18th 2020

In these difficult times, we must stand together. The Projet Montréal team will be making an effort to keep you informed of the latest measures taken by the Ville de Montréal and to share lists of credible, reliable resources with you to help you make sense of all the information that is circulating at the moment. 

Latest updates from the Ville de Montréal 

Yesterday afternoon, Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal, summarized the most recent measures implemented by the municipal government to continue its prevention effort during the coronavirus pandemic. 

  • Accès Montréal offices will be closed as of tomorrow. Services will continue to be provided for all requests that can be handled over the phone or the internet. You can still contact 311 with any questions. 
  • In order to increase precautions for employees and users of the bus system, the STM is now suggesting that passengers enter buses by the back door. In addition, to protect bus drivers, users must obey the signs instructing them not to cross the yellow line at the front.  
  • The Montréal City Council meeting on Monday will be a closed-door session, but you can send questions electronically. 
  • The Ville de Montréal is already working hard to identify the best ways to deploy its resources in order to keep services available in a way that is safe for everyone. 
  • It is working hand in hand with organizations that assist vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. It also wants to support the food banks, both in terms of human resources and logistical assistance. 
  • The Ville de Montréal is in contact with Montréal’s businesspeople and merchants, who are experiencing a great deal of uncertainty at this time, in order to assess the situation and outline an action plan to support them. More details will be coming this week. 

Finally, the Mayor thanks all Montrealers, all community volunteers and all municipal employees for their valued contributions. 

 

Where can I find credible, reliable information?

Like us, you may be overwhelmed with information about COVID-19. Here is a list of trustworthy sources providing the latest information on the pandemic:  

 

Where should I look for help if I need it? 

Several resources were quickly established to help those in need. Here is a non-exhaustive list of several telephone and online resources that are available to you for free.

  • Government of Québec coronavirus information line: dial 1 877 644-4545
    • You can call this number if you are worried about COVID-19 or if you have symptoms like a cough or a fever.
  • Support service on Greater Montréal community resources: dial 211 or go to https://www.211qc.ca/ 
    • This multilingual service will help you find social and community services in Montréal.
  • Accès Montréal offices: dial 311
    • This information line provides information on the facilities and services offered by the Ville de Montréal.  
  • Temporary assistance program for workers: dial 1 877 644-4545
  • Info-Aidant caregiver support service: dial 1 855 852-7784
    • This caregiver support service offers free, confidential professional consultation, information and referrals. It is for caregivers of older adults, those who provide them with services, and healthcare workers. 
  • COVID-19 telephone legal clinic: dial 1 855 561-4402
    • NOVAlex, a new law firm, is providing a free hotline offering pro bono legal advice to low-income individuals, non-profit organizations and start-ups. The service will be available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March 17 to 31, 2020. 
  • Recommendations for employers and workers: go to crha.li/covid-19 (French only)
    • The Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréées has published a series of recommendations online to help employers and workers prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

 

If I am able to offer help, what can I do? 

One thing has been made clear by this crisis: Quebecers are generous beyond measure. Many have expressed a wish to help their neighbours, while of course taking the necessary precautions. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the ways you can help, if you are able: 

  • Government of Québec “Je Contribue” form: jecontribuecovid19.gouv.qc.ca. (French only)
    • You can fill out this form if you have training or experience in healthcare or social services and wish to help during the current situation. 
  • Héma-Québec blood donation 
    • Héma-Québec reminds everyone that blood donation needs must still be filled every day, despite the crisis that Quebec is currently experiencing. You can get more information on how to donate blood by clicking here. 

 

What should I do at home? 

The best way to prevent propagation of the coronavirus is to engage in social distancing and stay at home as much as possible. But for many of us, that will require some reorganization, and, above all, some creativity! Here are some online resources that will help make this time more pleasant: 

We hope you find this information useful! Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments. 

In solidarity, 

The Projet Montréal team 

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