NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
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Today, March 23, 2020, at 3 p.m. Mayor Harry Hughes declared a State of Emergency for the Township of Oro-Medonte in response to the COVID-19 virus.
Mayor Harry Hughes commented that “the Township of Oro-Medonte holds the health and safety of our residents, visitors and staff as a top priority. We are in unprecedented times that most of us have never experienced in our lifetime.
"It is very important to understand that declaring a state of emergency is not done to incite panic or elevate concern, and is consistent with the Province of Ontario and the County of Simcoe’s decisions," said Hughes. "This decision allows the Township to dedicate resources and be in a better position to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus, while demonstrating the necessity of meaningful action by everyone.”
On Friday, March 13, 2020, Township of Oro-Medonte Council by resolution, authorized the CAO to implement appropriate plans and if necessary, undertake emergency measures to deal with business continuity impacts from the COVID-19 virus.
Declaring an emergency provides the Township with additional authority and access to resources, and streamlines the decision-making process to continue to provide municipal services under the Township’s Continuity of Operations Plan.
Mayor Hughes emphasizes the most important thing right now is to listen to the advice of our doctors and scientists in public health, being diligent about social distancing, ensuring proper and enhanced hand-washing, and limiting exposure among groups.
"Thank you to all of our residents who have taken personal responsibility by following the mandated hygienic practices laid out by public health officials to ‘flatten the curve’ and lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus," said Hughes.
A special meeting of council will be held later this week where council will address relief measures for residents and businesses. Information and updates regarding the COVID-19 virus can be found by visiting oromedonte.ca/community/covid-19-information.
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