Town of Essex Declares State of Emergency
In light of the rapidly evolving response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Essex has declared a state of emergency, effective Sunday, March 22 at 1:00pm.
The move comes shortly after the County of Essex’s declaration earlier today. The state of emergency provides the Town greater flexibility to respond to the impacts of the pandemic while limiting operations to essential services.
“The state of emergency declaration is the next step in what is truly a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “The declaration ensures we can act quickly together and deploy resources where they’re needed most.”
The declaration also formally opens the Town’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), made up of Town administration and Essex Fire & Rescue Services. The EOC will continue to monitor the situation with information from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit, as well as the federal and provincial ministries of health. The EOC will also be in regular communication with neighbouring municipalities and the County of Essex’s emergency operations.
The Town continues to urge residents to limit all non-essential trips and travel, avoid gatherings, and maintain thorough environmental and personal cleaning practices. While Town facilities are closed to the public, the Town continues to operate while limiting in-person contact.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to do what they can to limit the spread of the virus,” Snively added. “Wash your hands, maintain appropriate distance from each other, but remain calm and remember we are in this together.”
For guidance on what individuals can do to reduce their risk of contracting the virus, or what to do if they display symptoms, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 resource page. For local updates, please visit Windsor Essex County Health Unit’s Novel Coronavirus page.
