Thanks to MPP Steve Clark for arranging a briefing with the Premier and Retired General Hillier today. The 444 Ontario Mayors learned that the roll out of vaccines in Ontario will begin shortly. It is all good news!.
General Hillier explained that the province will be supplied by Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines require two shots, 21 days apart. Distribution will be phased in with the most vulnerable in Phase #1. The general population should receive vaccinations beginning in (approximately) April and continue for 6-9 months.
There will be more information made available to you in the next few weeks from the Ministry of Health. Until then, there is a plan and it will roll out in 2021.
The Community Emergency Control Group met this afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak in Westport. The meeting included a briefing from Dr Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Health Unit.
This outbreak of COVID-19 requires measures to contain community spread and mitigate its impact on the community. One of the strategies is to reduce opportunities for people to gather. With this in mind, the CECG recommended that all municipal buildings in the Village be closed until December 21, 2020. I have issued an Emergency Order to that effect. The municipal buildings closed are Town Hall, library and community centre/arena.
Individuals also have an important job in containing the virus. Everyone needs to follow the basic public health measures including, continue to stay home when possible and wear a mask/face covering when out in public, practise physical distancing of 2 metres and wash your hands frequently.
Westport is a community of people related by kin and friendship who have worked together in the past to achieve our goals. There is no doubt that our common goal is clear – control the spread of the virus. We are stronger together – each of us performing our role to the best of our ability. This is a point in time when we need to believe in our strengths, support each other and remember to be kind.
Upper Canada District School Board Media Release – 06DEC20 @ 6:10 P.M.
Parents/guardians and staff at Rideau Vista Public School received notification today that an individual at the school has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is closely monitoring the situation and has followed up to isolate all students and staff who have had a high-risk exposure. Both the health unit and the school are taking all necessary steps to prevent further spread of the virus in the school and community.
The school remains open and operating on the regular daily schedule.
The health unit encourages parents/guardians to continue to use the COVID-19 School Screening Tool prior to each school day, as well as regular public health recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Testing for COVID-19 is not recommended unless you are experiencing symptoms or have been directed to get tested by public health. If symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate, contact the health unit and get tested at a local assessment centre.
The health unit and the school board do not release details about a COVID-19 case in a school directly to the public. You can find more information about COVID-19 cases in our schools on our COVID-19 Advisory Information page, or on the Government of Ontario website.
Schools report confirmed COVID-19 cases to the provincial government and it is tracked on the provincial website. It can take up to 24 to 48 hours for the information to be posted, based on the timing of reporting.
It is more important for all of us to follow public health measures. Continue to stay home when possible and wear a mask/face covering when out in public, practise physical distancing of 2 metres and wash your hands frequently.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ” Albert Schweitzer
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Ontario continues to rise and it looks like Christmas will be spent close to home. We can do something in Westport that will make a big difference in the lives of our residents, business owners and visitors. From Dec 12 – Jan 2, let’s encourage everyone to light up the streets by adding Christmas lights to their homes and businesses. We can give the Gift of Light this Christmas to our neighbours.
In early November, the Village put out a call for “street captains” to encourage their neighbours, who didn’t put up lights last year, to add something bright this year. The captains now have all of the streets covered with the exception of Concession St. If you want to decorate and would appreciate some support, your Captain may soon be knocking on your door. You can reach out to me and I will let you know who your street captain is.
Councillor Jacky Brady and her Tourism Team are encouraging the businesses downtown to decorate their windows with lights as well.
There is a supply of lights, spots and other decorations at Town Hall. We have received some private donations to cover these costs and last Friday, President Jim Scala presented a $250 cheque from the Westport Lions Club towards the Gift of Light. Les, Bev and the gang at Home Hardware were very generous and helped stretch our dollars. Thank you everyone for your support.
Be the Spark! Give the Gift of Light this Christmas.
Robin, The Mayor 
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