Greater Napanee declares State Of Emergency due to COVID-19

At 1:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020, Mayor Marg Isbester declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Greater Napanee. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of residents. The declaration of a State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

The declaration of an emergency under s 4(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the Town of Greater Napanee with all options available to protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in the Town of Greater Napanee.

The town has worked with the County of Lennox & Addington and the other three lower-tier municipalities (Townships of Addington Highlands and Stone Mills and Loyalist Township) and community partners since the County activated the joint Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on Friday, March 13th.

This team has met daily to ensure a coordinated approach in dealing with COVID-19. The Town of Greater Napanee has also been holding internal daily meetings to ensure the community can react to this evolving situation.
With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region, it has been determined an emergency exists within the County that places residents at risk. “We must act now to address this serious public health threat.” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “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.”

“During this difficult time, we are asking everyone in the community to take physical distancing seriously, especially around vulnerable populations” stated Mayor Isbester. “And please, please stay at home to reduce the likelihood of further transmission.”

Precautions to prevent transmission include self-isolation, maintaining at least 2 metre distance from others, avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing your hands often, and regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces in your home. At this time the Town’s parks and playgrounds have also been closed to be public.

The Town says it will continue to take action to help contain the spread of the virus. Although municipal offices are closed to the public, essential services will continue to be provided. Mayor Isbester added, “By acting decisively as a community, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our residents is maintained.”