Given new statistics that are showing more than half of COVID-19 cases are now the result of locally spread transmission, the Town of Oakville is joining the Province of Ontario and Halton Region in declaring a State of Emergency to support Public Health officials' efforts to "flatten the curve" and slow the spread of COVID-19.
The declaration states that "The outbreak of a communicable disease namely COVID-19 coronavirus constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons".
Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, "The Head of Council may declare an emergency exists in the municipality and may take such actions and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area."
"Council and I are committed to ensuring we provide every support necessary to our community, our staff, and our regional public health officials during this very challenging time," said Mayor Rob Burton. "Declaring a state of emergency is meant to emphasize to our community the serious challenge we are facing, and to encourage them to stay home and stay safe. We are continuing to work closely with our regional, provincial and federal partners and are following their lead on the precautions necessary to ensure containment and the safety and support of our residents."
Over the last two weeks, the town has taken specific actions to ensure the safety of residents, staff and the community including activating its Emergency Operations Plan, closing municipal parks and facilities, and cancelling programs. The town's business continuity plans were also activated to ensure essential town services continue to be delivered. ServiceOakville remains open to respond to general inquiries and requests for essential public safety service requests by phone at 905-845-6601, by email at [email protected] or online.
The town also recognizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local business community and a Mayor's Economic Task Force has been established to identify actions to support business and the local economy during and after the pandemic. Visit the Invest Oakville website to review the resources available to business.
"To our residents, the town is here for you but we need your help if we are going to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed," said Mayor Burton. "Covid-19 is a serious issue. Everyone needs to do their part, to take care of themselves and think about others. Stay home, stop getting together with friends in local parks. They are closed for a reason - to keep you safe. Together, we will get through this."
For more information on the actions the Town of Oakville is taking to address COVID-19 and a detailed list of the essential services we are currently providing, please visit COVID-19 Information page.
Town of Oakville | 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville | oakville.ca | 905-845-6601
