Municipality of Sioux Lookout declares State of Emergency

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout has declared a State of Emergency to, “assist with measures to address COVID-19 public health crisis.”
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance declared the State of Emergency on March 30.
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout explained through a media release, “There are many considerations when deciding to declare an emergency, including:
providing heightened awareness to our community of the current public health situation (the COVID-19 pandemic), and to remind residents that it is essential for everyone to continue practising social distancing and self-isolation, along with all other measures recommended by public health officials (see the Northwestern Health Unit for such advice and information: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19/Pages/home.aspx);
accessing special provincial funding to help offset the costs of responding to the pandemic, should such funding become available;
enhancing the Municipality’s flexibility to act quickly and appropriately as the emergent public health crisis evolves, including frequent consultation with and following the advice and recommendations of the Northwestern Health Unit and other public health officials.”
“It is critical for the public to understand that the declaration of an Emergency at this time is intended to provide reassurance to the community that the Municipality is doing everything in its power, in conjunction with our partners, and in accordance with the advice of public health experts, to ensure the safety and health of our residents,” Lawrance explained, adding, “and to maintain the ongoing provision of essential services, as well as continuity of Municipal business operations.”
Lawrance said the Municipality is, “convening and participating on regular teleconference meetings among both local and area organizations, agencies, and communities to ensure and benefit from enhanced communications and coordination. Our role as a hub for healthcare, services, travel, and employment factors into our considerations.”
The Municipality is urging residents to continue to follow the advice of public health experts.
“If you have COVID-19 symptoms, self-monitor and self-isolate. You can use the online self-assessment tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0. If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. If you have travelled outside of Canada recently, you must self-isolate for 14 days – it’s the law. Additionally, you are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, and to practice social distancing if you absolutely need to leave your home, as well as maintaining excellent hygiene, including frequent handwashing.”
The Municipality shared that is has created a page on its website for additional COVID-19 information, referencing credible sources of information, and updates on local initiatives to address the public health crisis: https://www.siouxlookout.ca/en/living-here/covid-19-pandemic-information-and-resources.asp.