Timmins has reached a "critical juncture" in the pandemic, according to Mayor George Pirie.
With 661 confirmed COVID-19 cases to-date, 111 of which were active as of yesterday, the Porcupine Health Unit region is in the third wave of the pandemic.
The health unit has changed its reporting system and is no longer reporting the status of cases. As such, the number of active cases in the city is not known.
“The hard facts we have to face are that COVID-19 cases in our region are continuing to spread at an alarming rate,” said Pirie during a brief city update today.
In Ontario, there is currently a state of emergency and stay-at-home order that are in place until at least May 20. He said the region is at risk of remaining in lockdown due to the number of positive cases.
This is a key moment in the city's fight against the virus, according to Pirie, who also mentioned the possibility of losing summer to further restrictions.
"We have done this once and we can do it again. Each of us, as individuals, has to choose to stay safe and protect ourselves so that the entire community can move past COVID-19," he said,
"We know how to achieve this. Stay at home as much as possible and only go out for essential items. If you do have to leave the house, wear a mask and stay socially distanced. Get vaccinated as soon as you can. Wash your hands."
According to the health unit, ongoing investigations of recent cases have determined that several are linked to workplaces.
“The Porcupine Health Unit has been vigilant in visiting every large employer from Kidd Creek to Newmont, Lakeshore, even our own facilities here within the City of Timmins,” said Pirie.
He said bylaw efforts have been associated with in-store activities and that bylaw officers will be there where appropriate.
“It’s been education, I don’t think there’s been a charge laid so far,” he said, also noting the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act charges that have recently been laid by Timmins Police.
Financially, Pirie said the city's finances are "in good shape".
"The city has done a remarkable job in cooperation obviously with the assistance federal government and the provincial government in providing emergency funding as requested. So the city’s finances are in good shape,” he said.
