What does it mean for Burlington to be in a state of emergency?
- Craig Clark
- 23 Mar 2020
Burlington mayor Marianne Meed Ward declared a state of emergency for the city on Saturday in an effort to keep residents in their homes.
During the spread of COVID-19, public officials have made decisions that they never thought they would have to make. Sometimes these decisions also put residents in an unfamiliar position in their community.
With the support of my #BurlON Council colleagues, senior @cityburlington staff, our Emergency Control Group, and senior staff at @Jo_Brant Hospital, I have decided it is time to declare a State of Emergency for Burlington. My full statement: https://t.co/TdkGk7Dssh #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/D9DyZX700n
— Marianne Meed Ward (@MariannMeedWard) March 21, 2020
So, what does it mean for Burlington to declare a state of emergency?
The first thing Mayor Meed Ward wanted to make clear was that it is incredibly important for Burlington residents to stay home as much as they can during a period of social distancing.
After a Milton man died from contracting the coronavirus and dozens of people returning from March Break vacation, it is a critical time for the city in trying to flatten the curve.
Announcing a state of emergency is sending a message to the community about the seriousness of the situation after it has been analyzed by council, senior staff, the city’s emergency control group and senior staff at Joseph Brant Hospital.
“By declaring a state of emergency, we want to send the strongest possible message to our community to stay home,” said Meed Ward. “With the end of March break, many people are returning home over the next few days and may need to restock their shelves. I urge these residents to self-isolate in your homes for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to safely drop off supplies for you.”
Meed Ward also recommended the closure of all non-essential stores and services such as malls and retail stores. However, until the municipal, provincial, or federal government makes a mandate to officially close non-essential stores and services Meed Ward’s message was only a recommendation.
Earlier today I declared a State of Emergency for our city. We all need to do our part to keep each other safe and healthy. 🙏 #COVIDー19 @cityburlington pic.twitter.com/hkLmAtzr9E
— Marianne Meed Ward (@MariannMeedWard) March 21, 2020
But, this leads to one of the most important parts of being in a state of emergency. For a government to be in this position means that they have the power to perform actions or impose policies they might not usually consider.
So, being in a state of emergency for the city of Burlington means the local government can make decisions and impose policies at any time that they think would help the situation during an emergency or pandemic. They also won’t have to go through the usual procedures in making big decisions that could affect the city.
At this time, the message is loud and clear from Mayor Meed Ward for residents to start taking the instruction to practice social distancing and staying home seriously.
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