The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is ordering several closures due to COVID-19.
Chatham-Kent's Medical Officer's of Health, Dr. David Colby is declaring a local emergency and says the measure allows for the redeployment of staff to assist where and when necessary.
"I would like to be very clear that declaring a local emergency is in no way meant to induce panic, and residents should not interpret it as such" stated Colby, "Rather, it allows us flexibility to use an "all-hands-on-deck" approach as we take the necessary preventative measures across our community.
Dr. Colby is issuing the following orders for Chatham-Kent:
- All public and private schools to be closed from March 14th-April 5th
- All licensed childcare facilities to be closed from March 14th-April 5th (at this time, this does not apply to home-based childcare settings)
- A ban of all mass gatherings of 250+ people (included in that maximum is the number of staff in place to support the event)
- Anyone aged 0-17 years who has travelled internationally, including to the United States, will self-isolate for 14 days upon their return, and NO INDIVIDUALS returning home from international travel will be able to attend school or childcare for 14 days
- Adults who travel internationally, including the United States, will be asked to self-monitor upon their return and isolate if they become ill
A list of community based measures to lessen the spread of the disease:
- Limiting the distance between yourselves and another individual by at least one metre
- Limit social interactions by avoiding large gatherings such as celebrations, sporting and entertainment events, religious services and entertainment venues.
- Working remotely when and if possible
- Minimizing direct contact with people such as handshaking