COVID-19 is spreading across Canada.

Chief Administrative Officer Malcolm Morris made a statement on the town of Smiths Falls’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the March 16 council meeting. 

Town staff met with Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville District Health Unit on the morning of March 16 to decide next steps.

“We decided to play an active role in eliminating the spread of the virus and close facilities to the public as of tomorrow,” Morris said. 

All town facilities will close as of Tuesday, March 17 including the town hall, community centre, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, the Heritage House Museum, the Smiths Falls Public Library and the seniors’ centre. 

The child development centre on Thurber Street will be closed starting Wednesday, March 18 until further notice.

“We want people to think about using a different form of interacting with the town,” Morris said. 

Smiths Falls council will continue processing applications for town developments.

“We don’t want to grind everything to a halt,” Morris said.

Councillors encourage residents to take the necessary precautions in keeping themselves and others safe.

“There are a lot of low-income folks in town who won’t be taking home a pay cheque,” Councillor Peter McKenna said. “I encourage everyone to help out one another where they can and consider donating to the food bank.”

Article by Emilie Must