Rumours that our region might move into Phase1 of COVID-19 recovery tomorrow after all have been quashed by Timmins Mayor George Pirie.
In a late morning statement, Pirie supports keeping the emergency brake on, in light of the current rate of infection and the spread of the Delta variant.
The mayor adds that this is not the time to give in, it’s the time to persevere.
FULL TEXT OF MAYOR PIRIE’S STATEMENT:
As the rest of Ontario heads into Step 1 of the province’s reopening plan, the City of Timmins and the greater region of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) will keep restrictions in place to address COVID-19. This is a tough situation to face, but with the current rate of infection and spread of the delta variant, the province and PHU must do what is absolutely best for our residents and businesses. The City of Timmins will support any and all decisions that will protect the safety of our citizens and move us forward towards reopening.
Our current situation should not come as a surprise. On April 1, I stated that variants were here, that this was an urgent situation, and that we needed to take it seriously. On May 6, I implored all residents to stay at home and get vaccinated. I was clear when I said that our City was at risk of remaining in lockdown far beyond other regions because of the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Just over a week later, the City of Timmins had no choice but to declare a State of Emergency as COVID-19 threatened our regional hospital and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). I was clear that the declaration had four priorities: to mobilize resources for the region; increase access to vaccine and supplies; enhance capacity for testing; and, coordinate community isolation centres to further stop the spread of COVID-19.
Every single priority has been met since the State of Emergency was put in place. The PHU and EMS have worked tirelessly to launch drop-in and mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) now offers increased testing and community testing clinics. The province has stepped up and provided us with additional vaccines and resources, logistical help, and medical personnel to meet the strain placed on the region. Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts for community isolation centres and reducing barriers so that every resident can get vaccinated.
This has been a collaborative effort that has been tactical, strategic, and focused on safety and the goal of reopening our City and region so that our local businesses can get back to work.
Our fight is not over. We need everyone to get vaccinated. All individuals 16 and over can now get a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The PHU has prioritized second doses in our region so that we can move as quickly as possible towards reopening.
Please, get your vaccine.
Get your vaccine now so we can open up our patios. So we can shop in-person and support our local businesses. So we can visit friends and gather together.
My message has been clear and it has never changed. This is not the time to give in: this is our time to persevere. I ask once again for your patience and commitment as we follow all public health measures necessary to move forward from this pandemic.
Mayor George Pirie