Today, based on all of the information collected over the last few days from Durham Region, Regional Emergency Control Group, Regional Medical Officer of Health, Durham Emergency Management and in consultation with the Townships Chief Administrative Officer and Fire Chief who is also the head of Emergency Management for the Township, I am declaring a State of Emergency in the Township of Brock.

This is a critical time in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cases continue to climb. We must all do everything we can to keep our community safe and flatten the curve.

In making today’s declaration, this is a message to our entire community: stay home, stay safe and follow the advice of our public health professionals.

I am also ensuring that we, as your Municipal Government, can continue to act and respond quickly to the situation we face today, and to any other events that arise in the weeks ahead.

This is not a step we took lightly. It reflects the seriousness of our response to COVID-19 and the tremendous co-ordination and communication that is required from all levels of government.

While I thank our many residents and businesses who are taking every precaution to protect themselves and others, there is still some complacency in our community. I am urging you to do your part: to self-isolate, practice social distancing, and only go outside for essentials. If you are returning from travel, self-isolate in your home for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to drop off supplies for you. This afternoon we are also taking a further step and will be closing all Township playgrounds until further notice.

We are all in this together. The Township of Brock is here for you. The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority. We are and will continue to work to maintain the essential services in the Township.

This is an incredibly tough time in our history, and there will be more difficult days ahead. But we must not lose sight of why we are doing this and why such extreme measures are needed. Only by working together over the coming days and weeks can we change the course of this virus and protect the health and safety of everyone in Brock Township. I know we can do this. Please help us by doing your part.

All the best,

Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden