Mayor Jim Harrison, with the support of Council and the City’s Emergency Control Group, has officially declared a State of Emergency in the City of Quinte West. This declaration supports Hastings County and the Province of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and ongoing measures to flatten the curve.

The decision comes after careful consideration and monitoring of the situation with COVID-19 in the City and across the province. This action provides the municipality with the flexibility needed to manage this rapidly evolving emergency situation. The decision was made after consultation with Warden Rick Phillips from Hastings County and Mayor Steve Ferguson of Prince Edward County, partners in the provision of critical services across the region.

“Now more than ever, is the time for residents to take social distancing seriously,” says Quinte West Mayor, Jim Harrison. “Strong measures now will allow us to get ahead of this issue and flatten the curve.”

“Recognizing this is an unprecedented situation, we need to ensure we have access to any and all resources that may be available to us. We are making this declaration to reinforce to residents the urgency of this situation and the continued threat that COVID-19 poses to Quinte West,” states Quinte West Fire Chief, John Whalen.

Residents are encouraged to continue to look to health officials for information about COVID-19. Locally, this is www.hpepublichealth.ca. Precautionary measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 include: