City of Stratford Declares State of Emergency Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

To reinforce the serious nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential threat it poses to the community, Mayor Dan Mathieson has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Stratford.  

“This declaration recognizes that the health, safety and welfare of Stratford residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Mathieson, “and we want to ensure that we can dedicate all available resources to protecting ourselves against this virus.”

The declaration of a State of Emergency is available to municipalities under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and gives them additional flexibility to respond to an emergency, as well as access to funding if it becomes available. The Act requires that each municipality develop, implement and maintain an emergency management program and plan.

Stratford’s emergency declaration was made:

• to help raise public awareness of the urgency of the COVID-19 situation
• to recognize the danger of community transmission of the coronavirus
• in co-operation with our neighbouring municipalities, with whom we share essential and emergency services

The County of Perth, the Townships of Perth South and Perth East and the Municipality of West Perth have also declared a State of Emergency today. The Town of St. Marys made its emergency declaration March 19.

The State of Emergency declaration represents the next step in the City of Stratford’s carefully considered response to the COVID-19 outbreak. That response has included the closure of all City buildings and facilities to the public, and the reduction of some municipal services in order to limit the spread of the virus.

The City’s Emergency Control Group was activated on Monday, March 16, 2020 and has met regularly by teleconference since that date to keep members informed and updated on local emergency planning.

The City continues to encourage residents to stay informed about COVID-19 and follow the guidance of health professionals, including Huron Perth Public Health (www.hpph.ca), to reduce the risk of infection.