The City of Barrie has declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The declaration of a municipal emergency ensures the local government can continue acting and responding quickly to the pandemic, providing cities like Barrie with additional powers and resources to protect the health and safety of its residents. The declaration allows for the streamlining of the decision-making process, it does not restrict a resident’s rights.

Effective immediately, and on the advice of our Emergency Control Group and health officials, I have declared a State of Emergency in the City of Barrie. We need everyone to do their part by staying home and staying away. Details and updates below. https://t.co/mUFusFzjO6 — Jeff Lehman (@Mayor_Jeff) March 23, 2020

“By declaring an emergency, we are sending the strongest possible message to our residents to stay home and to change their behavior, said Mayor Jeff Lehman. “While our staffing remains solid at this point, we believe the time is now to ensure the entire City and all of our combined resources are focused on flattening the curve. Please help fight COVID-19. Please share and support our brave health care workers and everyone working to fight this virus.”

This declaration comes following the provincial Declaration of Emergency made on March 17th. It comes as neighbouring municipalities like Orillia and Oro-Medonte.