Local MPP on ‘Declaration of Emergency’ by the province

Dear Constituents,

As we continue to experience extraordinary events, we are fortunate to be with family, friends and neighbours in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. Our community has proven we are a resilient one. I see us pulling together and helping one another. I am heartened in knowing that, together, we can help to keep our families and loved ones safe and healthy.

Let me tell you how our Provincial Government has acted to protect Ontarians. Since we first learned of COVID-19 as an emerging public health issue in our country, the Government of Ontario has been diligently monitoring the developing situation to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.

We have taken rapid actions to ensure readiness and response to a range of outbreak scenarios. Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced a Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public.

Regarding the Ontario Government’s Declaration of Emergency

Based on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario has declared a state of emergency. We are taking this extraordinary measure because we must offer our full support and every power possible to help our health sector fight the spread of this virus. The health and well-being of every individual and family must be our number one priority.

The first order under this declaration is the prohibition of organized public events of over 50 people, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship until March 31st.

Secondly, as of March 17^th, the Province has ordered a number of establishments closed effective immediately until March 31st; and, this includes facilities providing indoor recreational programs, all public libraries, all licensed child care centres, all theatres (including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms), cinemas, and all bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery.

Please note that essential services and essential needs such as grocery stores and pharmacies will continue to be available every individual and family.

Our provincial health officials continue to work with partners at every level of government to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians remains the top priority.

Here are the links to the federal and municipal information webpages:

How best to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. For example, in a household, in the workplace, going shopping, visiting a health care centre.

There is no vaccine available at the moment to protect against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

If you feel unwell (cough, fever, breathing difficulties), please contact your health-care provider, the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

If you need emergency medical attention, you should call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

Thank you!

In closing, let me again express appreciation to the residents of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound who are pulling together for the safety and health of our community. Many thanks to those supporting seniors, those at greatest health risk, and neighbours in need. Our individual supportive actions are making a significant collective impact – so thank you!

I want to give special thanks to those health care workers and first responders who are providing essential health support through this challenging time. Thank you to doctors, nurses, personal support workers, all front line workers and volunteers who are assisting those in need, and especially our seniors.

To respect our community’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, my constituency office is closed to walk-in visits, but is still available from 9am to 4pm to assist you. You can reach us by calling 519-371-2421, faxing us at 519-371-0953 or by sending an email to bill.walkerco@pc.ola.org.

Sincerely,

Bill Walker

MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound