COVID-19 Media Release #2

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA RELEASE DATED MARCH 20, 2020

March 20, 2020 (4:00 p.m.) Update from Mayor Burrow regarding COVID-19

Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Ontario

The Township’s Emergency Control Group met again today to discuss the COVID-19 (coronavirus) health event, the Township’s implemented responses to date and any further actions needed in our efforts to keep the community and staff safe. In addition to response measures announced on March 17, 2020, the Township has since:

• posted warning signage recommending that playground equipment not be used to avoid the spread of COVID-19 (as play structures are not cleaned or disinfected) and;
• updated the Township’s telephone message system and the Township’s COVID-19 website page (www.ektwp.ca) to offer added/updated information, including mental health resource information.

While all municipal buildings and libraries remain closed to the public, emails and telephone calls are still being accepted by staff.  Staff are working with the public to provide necessary services.   The public is advised that as staff are focused on addressing the growing COVID-19 concern, this may impact their ability to respond in a timely manner to other inquiries.

The Township is appreciative of the noticed understanding and cooperation from members of the public to the Township’s responses and measures taken to date.  The Township also acknowledges the efforts of health and emergency responders, and local businesses, during this unprecedented time.

To summarize, the following Township responses remain in place at this time:

1. All municipal buildings are closed to the public. Email and telephone inquiries are still being accepted;
2. All Council and Committee meetings are cancelled;
3. The tax due date for the first installment is postponed to April 24, 2020;
4. Waste Site Operations are modified, in that only recyclables and bagged garbage is being accepted (curb side pick-up throughout the north end of the Township, geographic Kitley, remains operational);
5. Signage has been posted at parks with playground equipment warning that equipment is not cleaned or disinfected;
6. The Township’s website at www.ektwp.ca offers updated COVID-19 information and links to reliable sources of information.

The public is also reminded that Township road maintenance and Fire and Emergency Services also remain operational. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of concern related to COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing) are again reminded to reach out to the local Health Unit at 613-345-5683 or call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.  Please do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

To reiterate the latest directives of health officials, please reduce the spread of germs by:

• washing your hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer;
• not touching your face with your hands;
• covering any your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your arm (not into your hands);
• practicing social distancing (now at a distance of 2 m) and staying home as much as possible.

Our Emergency Control Group will continue to meet as needed to review and adjust the various measures we are putting in place to respond to COVID-19.  As always, our aim is to take a cautious but level-headed approach. 

Residents should look to trusted sources for accurate information and guidance, and should resist the urge to circulate unsubstantiated opinions.  Please limit your exposure to COVID-19 by vigilantly practicing social distancing, so that our region may capitalize on its fleeting opportunity to mitigate the impacts of this unprecedented pandemic event.