Chatham

Wardens of Huron, Grey, Bruce and Wellington react to 'unreality' of COVID-19 outbreak

"Together we will get through this" are the words of inspiration from Grey County Warden and Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen.

McQueen admitted there's an air of unreality around the COVID 19 virus crisis. He asked a week ago who would have believed all the measures being taken to control the outbreak? McQueen said the main thing now is to follow the advice of health officials and all levels of government.

"It's so important that we do our part to keep ourselves, our family and everybody healthy and doing what they're telling us to do. Together we will get through this and I think it's important that we keep the positive part of moving forward," said McQueen.

McQueen said people should stay informed through news outlets and credible social media links.

For lists of local government-related cancellations and event cancellations, click here.

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The warden of Huron County said the announcement of a state of emergency for the entire province won't mean significant changes for Huron County residents.

Jim Ginn said most of the measures announced were previously already recommendations and the only difference is now they're being mandated.

“Most of the details in the state of emergency were previously recommendations and they're now mandating it. So, things like libraries, rec centres, daycares. We had already closed them, to my knowledge, all of them in Huron County.”

Ginn pointed out, in addition to libraries, rec centres and daycares being closed, even before that, meetings of more than 50 people were being discouraged and theatre and bars and restaurants were closing.

“No more meetings of more than fifty people, theatres, restaurants, those types of things. So, you know, I think we've taken the steps necessary, so complying with this state of emergency shouldn't be a problem in Huron County.”

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Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan said council and staff are continuing to work hard and solve problems during the pandemic.

Twolan said as citizens, we have to try to contain the virus and do our part to stop the spread.

He added the county has been taking steps to mitigate the problem by closing county buildings to the public and postponing meetings.

Twolan said he is reminding the public they can still contact the county through phone or email with any questions or concerns.

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Wellington County officials are working closely with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to respond to the pandemic.

As more information becomes available, the County of Wellington is making additional changes to slow the spread of COVID-19.

County Administration Centre and County Social Services Offices are closed to the public. Residents needing social assistance are asked to call 519.837.6274

County Garages are closed to the public.

County Re-Use Centres are also closed to the public. County Waste Facilities will remain open but residents are encouraged to use the Curbside Collection Programme as a preferred alternative to bringing the waste to County Waste Facilities. The changes are effective at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

“At this time, all essential services will be provided and we will continue to operate and support our residents as best we can,” said Warden Kelly Linton. “The health and safety of our residents and our staff continues to remain our top priority as we navigate through this rapidly changing situation. The County of Wellington will continue to monitor the situation closely and we will be making all appropriate changes as necessary.”

-With files from Kirk Scott, Bob Montgomery, Janice MacKay and Fiona Robertson

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