Town of Greater Napanee returns to a State of Emergency
The Town of Greater Napanee has returned to a State of Emergency, as of Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. Mayor Isbester reinstated the COVID-19 State of Emergency under Section 4(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9.
This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help to protect the health and safety of everyone living and working within Greater Napanee, according to a statement from the town.
The Town of Greater Napanee remains in good standing with its limited number of active COVID-19 cases, though the statement indicates there is evidence of community spread in the KFL&A region as a whole; reinstating the State of Emergency is a proactive approach to ensuring that the Town continues to prioritize the health and safety of the community.
As flu and cold season approaches, Mayor Isbester explains, “The Town’s largest threat currently is limiting Town staff and resources due to contact of not just COVID-19, but the combination of flu and other seasonal ailments. The risk of staff being ill could draw us short to meet minimum maintenance standards in areas such as public works, facilities, emergency services and utilities. Not being able to meet those standards can put the municipality in a position of negligent liability; liability that could tie up human and monetary resources for years.”
According to the statement, although the Town of Greater Napanee is covered by insurance to an extent, other Town deductibles and premiums could climb to a level that could be unaffordable and take away from revenues that could be much more wisely spent.
Mayor Isbester continues, “I believe it is time to reinstate the State of Emergency for the protection of our residents, for the protection of our municipality, and to make sure we do what we [Council] were elected for – to do everything in our power to make sure that the municipality is protected in all ways, including financial. It also will stay in step with the other lower tiers, and our partners in KFL&A as they remain in the original State of Emergency.”
This State of Emergency declaration does not alter the Town of Greater Napanee’s position in the Province’s Reopening Plan. It does allow for the re-establishment of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) under the Town’s Emergency Plan to make timely decisions regarding municipal operations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the statement. The MECG will seek the input of Council on its decisions when possible.
The Town reminds the public to continue to abide by health and safety regulations currently issued by KFL&A Public Health, as well as the Orders implemented by the Province of Ontario to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
For more information about the Town’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.greaternapanee.com.