By: Mike Anderson
Mayor Margaret Quirk has issued a declaration of emergency in response to COVID-19.
“There is no need to panic, but we do need to take strong action as a community in stopping the transmission of COVID-19,” said Mayor Quirk in a media release.
“This emergency declaration reinforces the importance of social distancing and self-isolation,” Mayor Quirk added.
“This is an unprecedented global pandemic and our role in helping to manage the spread of COVID-19 is critical.”
The Town has activated its Emergency Operations Centre, which will focus its response to COVID-19.
This follows an earlier decision to close most of the Town’s facilities to the public, including public libraries, recreational centres and municipal buildings.
However, essential services, like recycling and garbage pick-up, will continue.
The Mayor’s emergency declaration aligns the municipality with the province, which declared a state of emergency on Monday.
The declaration will grant the Mayor authority to implement the Town’s emergency plan, and the ability to protect volunteer emergency workers.
Georgina Council will also consider ways to relieve the financial pressure that many residents are facing due to COVID-19, according to the release.
These measures may include a property tax deferral, waving the penalty and interest charges for April, and adjustments to due dates for water/sewer billings.
The Town will also make significant changes to its parking regulations.
Overnight parking enforcement and the three-hour time limit on all streets has been suspended — but will be in place if there is a snow event.
However, daytime parking enforcement is still active.
For more Town information related to COVID-19, visit georgina.ca/COVID-19.
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