HORNEPAYNE—March 21 was a day that marked the Ford government announcing a new phase of reopening for Ontario, by lifting its mask mandate.
Gail Jeremy CAO/Clerk, and Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the municipality of Hornepayne, shared a letter with residents outlining her views and concerns about this new phase.
Jeremy reminded residents that the Porcupine Health Unit District, currently has one of the top three transmission rates of Ontario. She stated that, “This is typical of what we have seen throughout the pandemic-our region lags behind and is one of the ones to be hit”.
Even with the mask mandate lifted, Ontarians have been given the freedom of choice. Many will choose to continue wearing masks. Individual businesses and organizations can still maintain mask mandates at their own discretion. Jeremy asked that residents respect the rules in place by businesses to do so, as these decisions were not made without what she, in her opinion believes were, “not made lightly”.
Jeremy asked that all residents, “Continue using caution and to be mindful that those around you may be particularly vulnerable to infection”. She outlined a simple personal risk assessment that she encourages everyone to use before venturing outdoors. That risk assessment is as follows, and includes the following questions:
- How am I feeling?
- Who will I come into contact with?
- What will my surroundings be? indoor? outdoor? small space? large space?
- Do I need to change my behavior under the circumstances?
She continued by asking that the municipality also remember to take into consideration hospital and its capacity to deal with a sudden influx of patients should the need arise. In her view, making smart decisions will help keep the health system functioning well.
Her sentiments have been echoed by so many other communities, organizations, and health units around the region, as all Ontarians continue to face a pandemic that still exists among us.
Access to the full transcript of Jeremy’s letter can be found at: www.townshipofhornepayne.ca