Without a doubt, the days of navigating COVID-19 are challenging for everyone. The quick onset and ever-changing status has caused unprecedented stress for members of the community, business owners, staff, and of course, all of those who are in vulnerable or precarious situations. Bloor-Yorkville is a vibrant neighbourhood with a true community feel, and we hope to be able to provide some helpful resources during this difficult time.
Various neighbourhood grocery stores are offering extended hours to accommodate the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. Gyms and fitness studios have begun implementing live classes streamed from various social media channels and are offering free access to workout apps. Advice from nearly every medical professional indicates keeping up with a daily routine that somewhat mimics your usual week. Below, you’ll find helpful lifestyle ideas as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as a list of Bloor-Yorkville retailers with extended shopping hours and online fitness resources.
We wish everybody the best of health during time. We’re all in this together.
Tips for Maintaining Physical and Mental Health During Isolation:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Tips for Parents and Children During Isolation:
- Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
- Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for both educational activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
Online Health & Fitness Resources:
- Barry’s Bootcamp: The “World’s Best Workout” is being offered for free via Instagram Live. Trainers are logging on twice daily to lead viewers through body-weight-only 20-minute workouts. Join here.
- Equinox: Furthermore by Equinox is an online resource (which reads like a health-focused magazine) filled with workouts, recipes, and tips for managing stress and anxiety.
- Many of the studio’s group fitness instructors are now presenting signature classes online. Check out the following Equinox trainers who are posting daily workouts including HIIT, Pilates, yoga, and barre on their Instagram feeds:
- GoodLife: Goodlife’s Facebook page is home to a tonne of helpful workouts. Posting comprehensive videos from short clips to full workouts, you’ll find plenty of ways to get your heart rate up. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gym enthusiast, you’ll find something curated to your level.
- F45: The popular studio has begun filming full length workouts tailored to at-home needs. To find out how to access the classes, please email yorkville@f45training.com.
- Mindset Brain Gym: Taking their entire studio virtual, Mindset Brain Gym is offering everyone a free 7-day trial. Filmed in their studio, the virtual meditations will feature everything from breath work to classic mindfulness meditations. Learn more and sign up here.
- Mindful Movement Centre: As of March 19th, Bloor-Yorkville’s dedicated Pilates studio, Mindful Movement Centre, will be moving classes online. The studio suggests keeping an eye on their social media for more information about how to sign up.
Extended Shopping Hours for Grocery & Pharmacy:
Eataly
55 Bloor Street West
437-374-0250
- Grocery store hours reserved for the elderly and vulnerable populations 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Longos
100 Bloor Street East
416-922-4797
- Grocery store hours reserved for the elderly and vulnerable populations 8:00 am – 9:00 am
McEwan Yonge & Bloor
1 Bloor Street East
416-975-0808
- Senior citizens receive a 10% discount during the first hour of opening each day of the week.
- Online grocery delivery.
Pusateri’s
57 Yorkville Avenue
416-925-0583
- Grocery store hours reserved for the elderly and vulnerable populations 7:00 am – 8:00 am
- Online grocery delivery
Rexall:
Yorkville Village, 55 Avenue Road
(416) 922-5555
Holt Renfrew Centre, 50 Bloor Street East
416-923-0570
- Rexall is dedicating the first hour of the day to senior citizens and vulnerable populations.
- Advantage 55 Program: Canadians over 55 years old receive a 20% discount on regular priced merchandise all day Tuesdays and before 10:00 am the rest of the week.
Whole Foods Market
Yorkville Village, 55 Avenue Road
416-944-0500
- Whole Foods Market will be opening one hour early every day to accommodate shoppers over 60.
- Store hours can be found here.
Shoppers Drug Mart:
Manulife Centre, Lower Level – 55 Bloor Street West
416-925-6949
Hudson’s Bay Centre – 20 Bloor Street East
416-967-7787
728 Yonge Street
416-920-0098
- The first opening hour of all Shoppers Drug Mart locations is dedicated to elderly and vulnerable populations.
Also available:
Kingsway Drugs
114 Cumberland Street
416-962-3544
Markie Pharmacy
1235 Bay Street
416-969-9332
We will continue to update these resources as we learn more.
