County terminates COVID-19 emergency declaration

In response to the province’s gradual easing of COVID-19 public health measures, County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell joined other jurisdictions in ending the county’s emergency declaration on Wednesday.

“Throughout the pandemic, the situation evolved and changed greatly, and the emergency declaration enabled us to adapt and respond quickly to the dynamic nature of COVID-19,” said Cornell. “While the pandemic is not over, thankfully the emergency declaration is no longer required to manage our response and maintain our service levels.”

Cornell declared a State of Emergency on March 18, 2020. The emergency declaration enabled the County to leverage resources and engage with partners to provide essential services and vital support for those impacted by COVID-19, including regional emergency management support, social and community services, long-term care and seniors services, paramedic services, economic development and tourism support, coordination of emergency children’s services, LINX transit, landfill and waste collection services, road and plowing operations and other important programs that were maintained and gradually reopened during the pandemic.

Due to the nature of its regional services and programs, the county maintained the emergency declaration until this time.

“The county thanks the public for their support, our partners (municipalities, emergency services, health care system, and in particular, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit), as well as our valued staff for their continued support, coordination and dedication,” says county staff.

“Please remember to follow all public health guidelines, as well as those implemented by organizations and businesses in an effort to keep staff and patrons safe and healthy.”