What is a public State of Emergency?
A State of Emergency is a situation in which a government is empowered to perform actions or initiate policies to protect the health and safety of residents.

Is the County of Lennox & Addington in a State of Emergency?
On Thursday, March 26th, 2020 at 1pm, Warden Marg Isbester declared a State of Emergency for the County of Lennox & Addington to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

What are the reasons for declaring a State of Emergency?
A State of Emergency is declared when a government is encountering an emergency that requires prompt action to prevent harm or damage to the safety, livelihood, health or welfare of its residents. Declaring an emergency is a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents is maintained

Will a declared State of Emergency assist Lennox and Addington with accessing funding?
Declaring a State of Emergency allows us to receive emergency financial support from the provincial or federal governments if required.

Will a declared State of Emergency assist Lennox and Addington with accessing important resources?
Declaring a State of Emergency assists Lennox and Addington in procuring important medical supplies to support our health care workers and residents. 

Will a declared State of Emergency assist Lennox and Addington with managing our personnel?
Declaring a State of Emergency allows Lennox and Addington to redeploy our non-essential workforce to support the needs of the community in this challenging time.

Will a declared State of Emergency assist with the potential long term economic effects of the pandemic?
The declaration will better position the County to respond to economic losses and to access stimulus funding from the provincial and federal governments.

What does this State of Emergency mean for residents of Lennox & Addington?
Residents are not required to take action as a result of the declaration, but are encouraged to practice social distancing and follow recommended measures from local health officials to help control the spread of the virus. These measures include:

  • Practicing self-isolation
  • Maintaining at least 2 metre distance from others
  • Avoiding all unnecessary travel
  • Washing your hands often
  • Regularly disinfecting high touch zones in shared spaces in your home

You can find the Province of Ontario’s emergency orders here.

How long will the state of emergency last?
The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.