NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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Today, Mayor Jeff Lehman has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Barrie after receiving advice based on the most recent information from the Medical Officer of Health. This decision is supported by the City’s Emergency Control Group.
The Community transmittal of COVID-19 is now present in our community and we have reached as the Medical Officer of Health described as a “critical juncture” in the progression of COVID-19.
The declaration of a municipal emergency is part of the City's ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and will ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead.
“By declaring an emergency, we are sending the strongest possible message to our residents to stay home and to change their behaviour," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. “While our staffing remains solid at this point, we believe the time is now to ensure the entire City and all of our combined resources are focused on flattening the curve. Please help fight COVID-19. Please share and support our brave health care workers and everyone working to fight this virus.”
Declaring an emergency provides the City of Barrie with additional powers and resources to protect the health and safety of Barrie residents and streamlines the decision-making process for expediency through the City’s Emergency Control Group. This declaration aligns with the Government of Ontario’s Declaration of Emergency made March 17, 2020.
The City will continually update its website at barrie.ca/stayhome as the situation changes. For updates and information on COVID-19, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/.
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