Lennox and Addington County Declares State of Emergency due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Written by Lindsey on March 26, 2020
Press Release: Lennox and Addington County Declares State of Emergency due to COVID-19 Pandemic
At 1:00 pm on March 26, 2020 Warden Marg Isbester declared a State of Emergency for the County of Lennox and Addington. This declaration implements the emergency plan of the municipality and will help protect the health, safety, well-being and property of residents. This declaration of a State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
The declaration of an emergency under s 4 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the County of Lennox and Addington with all options available to protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in Lennox and Addington.
Working with the four lower-tier municipalities (Addington Highlands, Loyalist Township, Greater Napanee, Stone Mills) and community partners, the County of Lennox and Addington has been pragmatic in managing the COVID-19 situation. The County activated the joint Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in conjunction with the lower-tier municipalities on Friday, March 13th. This team has met daily to ensure a coordinated approach in dealing with COVID-19.
With evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in the KFL&A region, it has been determined an emergency exists within the County that places residents at risk. "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 difficult time, we are asking everyone in the community to take physical distancing seriously, especially around vulnerable populations" stated Warden Isbester. "And please, please stay at home to reduce the likelihood of further transmission."
Precautions to prevent transmission include 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.
The County has been proactive in its response to COVID-19 and will continue to take action to help contain the spread of this virus. Although municipal offices are closed to the public, essential services will continue to be provided. Warden Isbester added, "By acting decisively as a community, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our residents is maintained."
For more information about the County's response to COVID-19 please visit our website. www.lennox-addington.on.ca/covid-19
For ongoing COVID-19 updates and ways to best protect you and your family visit www.kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
Click here for State of Emergency FAQs
Connor Dorey, Emergency Information Officer
County of Lennox & Addington
Telephone: 613-354-4883 ext. 2203
Email: info@lennox-addington.on.ca
Back to News Listings