East Gwillimbury council declares state of emergency due to coronavirus

Mayor Virginia Hackson said the move keeps it aligned with neighbouring municipalities

Yorkregion.com
March 23, 2020
Simon Martin

East Gwillimbury council declared a state of emergency March 19. Mayor Virginia Hackson, on behalf of Town Council has declared a State of Emergency for the Town of East Gwillimbury.

The move follows the province’s decision to declare an emergency March 17 to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. The town’s declaration ensures the it remains aligned with the province and our neighbouring municipalities, Hackson said in a statement.

“The Town of East Gwillimbury remains committed to the health and safety of our residents and has established a COVID-19 Control Group,” Hackson said. “This group is working daily to respond to this emerging situation and is in constant communications with myself and members of council.”

At this time, Hackson aid the town facilities are closed, and programs have been cancelled to align with the Provincial School Board closure. Staff deployment has been adjusted to ensure the continued provision of services, while ensuring the health and safety of employees.

“These are difficult and extraordinary times for all of us. On behalf of council and town staff, I want to continue to assure everyone in our community that we are working hard to help flatten the curve of COVID-19,” she said. “We are hopeful that we will return to normalized operations in the near future and will continue to monitor and respond to this evolving challenge.”