A ‘State of Emergency’ in Durham was yesterday declared by John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of Durham.
“Today, based on information collected over the last few days and in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Emergency Control Group, Regional Medical Officer of Health and Durham Emergency Management, I am declaring a State of Emergency in the Region of Durham,” he announced in a media statement.
Henry pointed out that this is a critical time in efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19. Cases are climbing across Durham Region. “We must all do everything we can to keep our community safe and flatten the curve.”
He said in making today’s declaration, this is a message to the entire community: stay home, stay safe and follow the advice of public health professionals.
“This is not a step we took lightly. It reflects the seriousness of our response to Covid-19 and the tremendous co-ordination and communication that is required from all levels of government.
Still some complacency in our community
“While I thank our many residents and businesses who are taking every precaution to protect themselves and others, there is still some complacency in our community. I am urging you to do your part: to self-isolate, practise social distancing, and only go outside for essentials. If you are returning from travel, self-isolate in your home for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to drop off supplies for you,” Henry said.
“This is an incredibly tough time in our history, and there will be more difficult days ahead. But we must not lose sight of why we are doing this and why such extreme measures are needed. Only by working together over the coming days and weeks can we change the course of this virus and protect the health and safety of everyone in Durham. I know we can do this. Please help us by doing your part,” he added.
What does this mean
In follow up to the State of Emergency declaration in the Region of Durham, residents are asked to note the following information about this declaration:
- It is made in accordance with the Emergency Management By-law.
- It demonstrates to residents that the municipality is taking the current situation seriously; using every step possible to protect our community from this threat.
- It has no impact or influence over the March 23 direction from the Province of Ontario; or their direction around their classification of essential and non-essential services.
- It does not provide access to any funding programs to assist with extraordinary costs of emergency.
The region continues to evaluate the services and staffing that need to be in place to effectively respond to Covid-19 on behalf of Durham Regional Council.
Pickering declares ‘State of Emergency’
In support of Ontario’s and Region of Durham’s efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, Deputy Mayor, Kevin Ashe has declared a ‘State of Emergency’ in the City of Pickering to ensure that the municipal government continues to be agile and responsive in managing this rapidly evolving crisis.
Over the past ten days, the city has:
- Closed all of its facilities to the public
- Suspended all city-run programs, events, and meetings
- Activated its Emergency Operations Centre
- Waived property tax penalties and interest charges for 60 days; and
- Closed all municipal playgrounds and play structures
While not open to the public, Pickering City Hall and the Operations Centre remain minimally staffed to ensure the continued delivery of essential and critical services. The Customer Care Centre is still operating Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and can be reached at 905.683.7575, customercare@pickering.ca, or through live chat at pickering.ca/livechat.
“We have declared a state of emergency to send the strongest message possible to residents and businesses that everyone must align their attitudes and actions if we are to be successful in flattening the curve and protecting our healthcare system. Members of Council and staff have been working around the clock to manage this emergency, and we need everyone to do their part by staying at home,” said Deputy Mayor Ashe.