The Town of Amherstburg declared a State of Emergency Sunday, joining the County of Essex and its six other local municipalities in the fight against COVID-19.
"We are committed to working collaboratively with all of our partnering municipalities, government officials, first responder agencies and healthcare organizations to ensure we are as best prepared as possible to respond to the needs of our residents," said Mayor Aldo DiCarlo in a news release.
“It is important that the public remain calm. We know this is a time of heightened anxiety and fear but we will get through this together."
The declaration places the town in a perpetual state of readiness and ensures it can quickly take proactive and precautionary measures to protect Amherstburg residents and help slow the spread of COVID-19. It ensures the Town will have the flexibility to mobilize resources as needs arise and ensures it will be eligible for emergency funding should it become available.
DiCarlo signed the declaration at Town Hall Sunday afternoon. Mayors in Essex County’s six other local municipalities did likewise. Warden Gary McNamara declared an Emergency for the County of Essex shortly after noon Sunday. Windsor has also declared a State of Emergency.
The local health unit reported the region’s first positive case of COVID-19 Friday and they confirmed a second positive case on Saturday.
Medical officials are urging everyone to stay at home and avoid crowds to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our health care system is not overwhelmed.
They are urgently asking anyone who is returning from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days, to go straight home and have groceries and essentials delivered instead of going to the store.
Anyone who feels sick should stay at home and use an online assessment tool to determine next steps.
Watch for information and updates on the COVID-19 page on the Town’s website.
The Town has closed all municipal facilities and is recommending against the use of playground equipment as it is not sanitized.
Below are some links to official sites and Twitter accounts, a list compiled by Amherstburg resident Chris Uszynski of local restaurants offering takeout, and graphics on the importance of social distancing.
Amherstburg 'Caremongering' Facebook Page
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit COVID-19 page
Canadian government COVID-19 page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
