South Frontenac declares State Of Emergency due to COVID-19
With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region, the Township of South Frontenac has declared a State Of Emergency. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of its residents. This decision was made in consultation with the Township’s Emergency Control Group, KFL&A Public Health, and other Mayors in the region. This declaration of a State Of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
The Township previously activated its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on Friday, March 13th and the EOC team has met daily to ensure a coordinated approach in dealing with COVID-19.
“Our Township has been a leader in the response to COVID-19 and we are taking further action to help contain the spread of this virus”, said Mayor Vandewal, “As of 1:00pm on March 26, 2020, I have declared a state of emergency within the Township of South Frontenac. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of our residents. This declaration of a State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.”
“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 time, the Township 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 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.
Although Township offices are closed to the public, essential services will continue to be provided. The declaration of an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the Township of South Frontenac with all options available to protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in the community, including access to provincial funding should it become available.