BRANTFORD — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has extended the provincial state of emergency by two weeks as his government prepares to fight a rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The province confirmed 351 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the provincial tally to 1,706 — the largest single-day increase since the outbreak began. Provincial health officials also announced 10 more deaths on Monday afternoon, bringing the total to 33.
In comparison, as part of the City of Brantford’s ongoing response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and current provincial directives mandating no social gatherings of 5 people or more.
On Monday, Mayor Kevin Davis, as Head of Council, signed an Order under a section of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that prohibits the use of amenities such as playground equipment, picnic tables, benches, shelters, exercise equipment, pads, and courts, located in any municipal park or on property owned or operated by The Corporation of the City of Brantford.
This Order also effectively closes all municipally-owned or operated golf courses and sports fields for play. Walking or jogging at any sports fields, while maintaining the provincially-mandated social distancing, is permitted, subject to applicable by-laws and rules with respect to those fields.
This temporary closure is effective immediately.
“The City is taking this extraordinary step on the recommendation of The City’s Emergency Operations Centre to further protect our residents”, said Mayor Davis. “As this pandemic continues to be a rapidly evolving situation, we appreciate the public’s cooperation in respecting and adhering to all of the restrictions that have been put in place to protect residents of Brantford.”
“Schools, restaurants, faith-based institutions, community centres, libraries and arenas remain closed to help reduce the risk of community transmission,” said Mayor Davis. “Today’s order to prohibit use of non-sanitized outdoor amenities is the appropriate next step to further reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19 and protect public health,” he added.
