FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020
Further Covid-19 Measures Taking Place in Stratford
As the situation with Covid-19 continues to change daily, Stratford’s council and staff are continuing to maintain and provide essential services which ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff.
Earlier this week, the Town closed all municipal playground structures following the guidelines and direction of the Chief Medial Health Office. “While the playgrounds are closed until further notice, the greenspaces and trails around them remain open and are safe to use, provided residents practice social distancing while doing so,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “We know that it is important for residents of all ages to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, but we also have the responsibility to keep them safe. We know that touching surfaces can lead to the further spread of Covid-19 and it is simply not possible to keep these structures cleaned.”
The closure of municipal playground structures follows previous measures which include the Town closing all recreation and community facilities as well as the Town office. “Town staff are continuing to work from home as much as possible,” added Mayor Ogden. “Those working from the office or within the community are practicing social distancing helping to ensure that our team remains healthy during this pandemic. Staff and Council members are responding to residents through email or telephone and finding ways to still work, just differently than what we are used to doing.”
Updates are being continually being made on the Town’s website as well, including the addition of a Covid-19 Community Resources page. This page will help residents to find out what essential businesses and services are available to them. Town staff are requesting the public’s help with keeping the information up to date as it is changing frequently but see the need for information to be made available in one location.
The Town of Stratford has also added new programs to help residents during this time. Any resident who would like to have a phone call can reach out and the Mayor or a member of Council will call them for a social conversation. This program helps to connect people to each other during an otherwise sometimes lonely and difficult time. Residents who would like to request a phone call for themselves or for someone else in the community can provide the relevant name and telephone number to (902) 569-6921 or
[email protected].
The Stratford Youth Centre has also been creative in trying to keep their youth members virtually active in the community. A program launched this week called “Letters for Seniors” is requesting residents to provide them with an email address or mailing address for seniors, with youth in our community in turn writing them a letter. Further information can be obtained by reaching out to Duane Pineau at
[email protected].
Another new initiative of the Town of Stratford is the recent creation of a group on Facebook where residents have a place to come together and connect. The group is a designed to have residents share links to the amazing variety of groups, activities and classes happening all around us - virtually. The group is looking for events and activities available to residents of all ages, adults, youth, children and families, in a time when we all need to find new ways to connect, be entertained, learn and grow.
“We are proud of our community and the many people in it who are stepping up to help their neighbours, to offer a free fitness class to residents online or to fill their windows with their kids artwork, among many other things,” added Mayor Ogden. “There are so many people doing little and big things every day and we thank them all for doing their part.”
As a reminder, the Town of Stratford will be holding a virtual Special Council Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12 noon to present the 2020/21 budget. Residents will be able to view the meeting through a live stream on the Town's Facebook page as they will not be able to attend the meeting in person. This meeting is necessary for the ongoing work of the Town to continue and as required under the Municipal Government Act.
The Town reminds those in our community who may not have the support of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance to contact the Town to identify their needs. Staff will help them access the required services or goods as best they can. To make your needs known to the Town, please reach out through email at
[email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995. A new provincial phone number was announced on Tuesday as well for Islanders who are in social isolation and have no one that can deliver necessary supplies like food, medication and pet supplies. The number is 1-833-533-9333.
For the latest updates from the Town of Stratford please visit www.townofstratford.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-1995
E:
[email protected]
Printable version:
Media Release - Further Covid-19 Measures Taking Place in Stratford (March 25 2020)