County of Frontenac declares State Of Emergency due to COVID-19
With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region, the County of Frontenac has determined an emergency exists within the municipality that places the community at risk.
The County of Frontenac says it is taking action to help contain the spread of this virus. Announced today, Warden Frances Smith is declaring a state of emergency within the County of Frontenac. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of its residents. This declaration of a state of emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
“We are taking these extreme measures to get the message across to everyone in our region that this is indeed a real emergency. People need to pay attention. People need to stay home and self-isolate. This is not something that is just in the big cities. It’s here and people need to act,” said County of Frontenac Warden Frances Smith.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health said, “We must act now to address thisserious public health threat. This situation clearly illustrates the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of practicing physical distancing and self-isolation in order to control the community spread of the virus,” Dr. Moore said.
The County is asking everyone in the community to take physical distancing seriously, especially around vulnerable populations and to stay at home to reduce the likelihood of further transmission. This includes self-isolation, maintaining at least two-metre distance from others, avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing your hands often, and regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces in your home.
Although the County municipal offices are closed to the public, essential services will continue to be provided. This includes Frontenac Paramedics, Fairmount Home, and the Howe Island County Ferry. The County’s Planning and Economic Development staff remain available to consult with citizens and businesses as do all other County departments.
The declaration of an emergency under s 4 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the County of Frontenac with more options to help protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in Frontenac, including increased procurement and expenditure authority and access to provincial funding should it become available.
Precautions to prevent transmission include self-isolation, maintaining at least two metre distance from others, avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing your hands often, and regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces.