Counties maintaining critical services; working closely with the Tri-County Health Unit, Police, and Fire officials
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is maintaining all of its critical services, is reporting good staffing and supply levels, and is closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its residents. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 15 in the tri-county area.
“Declaring an emergency doesn’t give us any additional powers that we require right now,” Warden Sayeau said. “We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely and are working with the Leeds-Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and our other frontline partners.”
His comments followed the second Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) meeting Monday with updates from the Health Unit’s Dr. Paula Stewart, Leeds and Grenville OPP officials, Fire Service, Counties Paramedic Service, Community and Social Services, Finance, Public Works departments, and Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Dr. Stewart said the confirmed cases, some with “significant symptoms,” are spread throughout the Lanark, Leeds-Grenville catchment area. Four cases were identified at a Lanark County long-term facility.
Leeds Grenville Chief Administrative Officer Andy Brown said Counties staff have worked to adjust programming and services where needed while following provincial and federal guidelines. New programs and services are being developed in response to the pandemic, he noted.
“We have been able to maintain and deliver the critical services our residents and businesses need,” Brown said.
Emergency daycare centres will be opening within a week at locations in Brockville and Kemptville for frontline healthcare workers and emergency first responders, including paramedic, police, and fire service workers.
The Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, a critical service provided by the Counties, is reminding residents of the importance of only calling 911 in true emergencies.
Paramedic Service Chief Jeff Carss said area residents are understandably concerned. Some may feel they have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking more information. However, calling 911 is only advised if you have severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing.
