With the extension of the Ontario stay-at-home order for at least another two weeks, Timmins Mayor George Pirie says the announcement is "not surprising".
Today, Premier Doug Ford announced current public health restrictions will be in place until at least June 2. Schools will continue teacher-led remote learning.
Pirie issued a statement this afternoon following the provincial announcement.
"Over the past two days we have seen an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases in our city. It is disheartening for many of us who miss seeing our extended families, who miss dining and shopping at our local businesses, and, who know that our children want to be back in school with their teachers and friends," it reads.
"Today’s provincewide extension of the stay-at-Home Order is not surprising and it’s unlikely that Timmins would have left lockdown at this time regardless of provincial orders. Our situation is serious but our path forward is clear."
To date in the region, there have been 787 confirmed cases of the virus in the region. Of those, 586 are recovered and 26 people have died. There are 175 known active cases.
The weekly case rate is 100.7 cases per 100,000 people.
Pirie said people must continue following public health measures.
"That means during the May long weekend, we need to stay within our household bubble. No parties. No gatherings. No celebrating with anyone outside our immediate families. Yes, this is a sacrifice. This is difficult and it feels frustrating, but now is not the time to give up," he said in the statement.
