Wainfleet Moves Joins Stage 2 Re-opening in Niagara
For Immediate Release – June 15, 2020
Wainfleet, ON – Wainfleet welcomed the announcement from the Premier of Ontario that municipalities in Niagara Region would be moving to stage 2 of the phased provincial reopening plan, as of 12:01am on Saturday, June 20, 2020. This move allows many businesses and public facilities to begin reopening as part of Ontario’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
The decision to move to stage 2 was made in consultation with the Region’s Medical Officer of Health based on Niagara’s public health data which suggests that the spread of COVID-19 has been slowed to the point where some normal activities may resume. A gradual approach is intended to allow the safe resumption of business without overwhelming our health care sector’s ability to respond to any issues that arise.
“I’m very proud of the considerable sacrifices people in Wainfleet and across the region have made to flatten the curve and keep themselves and the community safe,” said Mayor Kevin Gibson, speaking of the stress of social isolation from friends and family experienced by many during the pandemic. “The important thing is that these measures have been working, which is why we are able to move forward today.”
The Mayor encouraged residents to continue to be extra careful as they expand their activities to support local businesses and retailers, stressing that these businesses and the essential workers that have provided crucial goods and services since the beginning of the pandemic are the lifeblood of the community.
Mayor Gibson also suggested that as we resume more familiar activities, people should continue to do so as safely as possible. “This is by no means over and we need to be respectful of the challenges and sacrifices of last few months. This has been a huge adjustment for everyone and we need to make sure we don’t go back to square one.”
Wainfleet Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Morgan Alcock, also reinforced the message from Public Health, urging vigilance and caution as a first line of defence. “Regardless of what stage of reopening is in place, as long as the pandemic continues, the very best approach to safety is to follow the advice of our public health officials, maintain two metre physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and remember to wear a face covering when keeping a two-metre distance is not possible. Continue to stay home if you are not feeling well and get tested should you feel it is appropriate for you,” he said.
Businesses and government at all levels across Niagara have spent the last several months preparing for this reopening and taking all possible steps to ensure they can deliver goods and services as safely and efficiently as possible.
“I’m pleased to see us progressing and I am confident that if we continue to do what we need to do over the coming months, we will be able to move forward again, together, as a community – please be safe,” said Mayor Gibson.
For more information, contact:
Mayor Kevin Gibson 905-899-3463 ext. 227
Township of Wainfleet
Morgan Alcock 905-899-3463 ext. 274
Fire Chief/CEMC
Township of Wainfleet