HURON COUNTY – Huron County has declared its state of emergency is over.
Warden Glen McNeil made the announcement to council at the April 6 meeting.
“In the last two years our staff, combined with our partners, the hospital, OPP, Huron Perth Public Health, and others, have worked tirelessly and have (gone) above and beyond to keep all residents of Huron County safe,” McNeil said.
McNeil thanked them for their commitment, dedication, and sacrifices.
“To that end, I have signed a declaration that will end the emergency declaration in Huron County,” McNeil stated. “Effective today, the sixth day of April, 2022, and it will take effect at 3 p.m. this afternoon.”
Later in the day, Huron County issued a media release with further information.
The state of emergency was declared on March 24, 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Municipalities may declare a state of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The 2020 state of emergency was declared for the following reasons:
- to allow the County of Huron to act on measures that fall under its authority and are considered necessary to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of residents;
- to raise public awareness regarding the gravity of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation;
- to protect volunteers that may be called to assist;
- to preserve the rights of the county for future compensation should it become available; and
- to ensure the organization can quickly respond to other unforeseen events, should they arise.
“While recent announcements from the Province of Ontario and public health officials are encouraging and certainly welcome, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community,” said McNeil. “Ending the state of the emergency in Huron is an important step toward returning to usual operations at the county. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of staff and residents, adapting when required.”
Added McNeil, “I thank every person in the Huron County community, especially our healthcare agencies and front-line workers, for their unprecedented efforts over the past two years to keep us safe and well. The county continues to value these important contributions as we enter the next phase in our community’s response and recovery.”
As local and provincial restrictions begin to ease, county services and operations will continue to adjust to the latest recommendations of health authorities.
The County of Huron asks the community to continue respecting all public health guidelines in response to COVID-19. Stay informed on the COVID-19 situation in Huron County by visiting www.HPPH.ca.
