On the day local health officials announced a two-fold increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in London-Middlesex, the City of London has declared a state of emergency.
The declaration was made by Acting Mayor Jesse Helmer in conjunction with Mayor Ed Holder, who remains in self-isolation after returning from an international trip.
“Recognizing we are in extraordinary times, we need to ensure we have access to any and all resources that may be available to us," Helmer said in a news release issued Friday. "We are making this declaration to reinforce with residents the urgency of this situation and the continued threat that COVID-19 poses to London. We implore each and every Londoner to exercise precautions and take every measure possible to help slow the spread of this virus.”
The declaration will give the city more options to protect Londoners, including access to provincial emergency funding in the event it becomes available.
“This is the right call, at the right time,” said Mayor Holder. “The Acting Mayor has my full and unequivocal support in signing this declaration. We’ve been fortunate in London that many have followed advice to avoid large gatherings, and maintain social distancing. At the same time, this is an emergency and we need to make sure that message is fully understood by all Londoners.”
Residents of London are still being urged to take action to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus. Steps to slow the spread include:
• Avoiding non-essential gatherings and stay home as much as possible.
• Practicing adequate physical and social distancing.
• Washing your hands for 15-20 seconds with soap and use hand sanitizer.
• Coughing or sneezing into your arm.
• If you have any symptoms, self-monitor and self-isolate, and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
• If you have travelled outside Canada recently, ensure you self-isolate for 14 days.
• If you have, or suspect you have COVID-19, visit an assessment centre located at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre or Oakridge Arena, or contact healthcare authorities and do all you can to self-isolate and avoid contact with people.
According to the city, emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulance continue to operate.
