Mayor’s Message on COVID-19 – May 12, 2020
Hello everyone, week eight for my messages.
While it is still far too soon to declare the first wave of this pandemic over, as a country and as a province, the numbers are showing a general trend of decline. Yesterday in Ontario we had 308 new cases, the Ontario total is now at 20,546.
Close to home, Manitoulin now, as of this past Friday, has a confirmed case at the Wikwemikong long term care facility. All of Manitoulin’s long term care facilities are in the process of testing all residents and staff, let’s hope this is an isolated case and we wish for a complete recovery for the infected resident.
The Ontario Premier has announced a gradual re-opening of some things to both start up our economy and provide some opportunities to get outside. With a population of 14.5 million in Ontario and now over 1 million unemployed, a massive rebuilding exercise is ahead of us. This past Friday garden centres and nurseries were allowed to reopen. As of yesterday, all non-essential businesses with a street entrance will be allowed to open for curbside pick-up and delivery. Provincial parks have reopened for day-use only; beaches, camping areas and playgrounds remain closed and no services like washrooms will be available.
It is expected today that the provincial state of emergency will be extended to June 2 as the province waits for at least two weeks of declining numbers of new cases.
Your township emergency control group continues to meet as needed to make required adjustments to our essential service delivery.
Tragically, two anglers lost their lives this past Saturday at the mouth of the Kagawong River. Since 1992 that have been at least four deaths at this location under similar circumstances. Very cold water, current and wave action can all combine to make for a very dangerous situation. I urge everyone to always wear personal floatation devices when on the water or angling next to it. Our sincere condolences to the families of these two young men.
Lastly, a shout out to all our nurses during National Nursing Week. Your daily dedication to your job and professionalism is a true inspiration to us all – we salute you!
Thank you and stay safe,
Ian