Sarnia's mayor thinks it's wise the province has extended COVID-19 emergency orders again.
The orders, which keep non-essential businesses, recreational facilities and playgrounds closed until May 6, were originally set to expire Thursday.
Mayor Mike Bradley said it's good to take the public forward incrementally, assessing the situation as cases go up or down.
"That's the same strategy that the city's primary control group has done," said Bradley. "For example, we will reassess the fire ban in May and look at some of the other issues that have developed that we've had actions on."
Mayor Bradley hopes restrictions are lifted sooner rather than later.
"The question I get every day, by the hour, is 'when do you think this will be open or that will be open.' The province will decide when the so-called non-essential group will be allowed to function again, but I think one has to be realistic looking at the number of deaths, the number of cases, that it's going to be some time away."
Bradley said we are making progress when dealing with the virus.
"That's pretty critical. Solve the health crisis then we can start really working hard on the economic crisis."
While the orders are in place, restaurants and bars are only allowed to provide curbside or delivery services, social gatherings of more than five people are banned, and staff at long-term care and retirement homes are only allowed to work at one facility.
Other measures that will remain in place until May 6 include off-peak electricity pricing, anti-price gouging controls, and empowering police to enforce the emergency orders.
