Clarington April 1, 2020 -  The Municipality of Clarington has declared a local state of emergency as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our message to residents: stay home, maintain physical distancing, do your part to protect your family, friends, neighbours and the community.

“The health and safety of our residents is our number one priority. As we enter week three of the crisis, we cannot let our guard down. We continue to see residents ignoring physical distancing. This is no longer an ask—you must comply with physical distancing; it’s the only way to flatten the curve and stop this virus in its tracks,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Along with the local emergency declaration, Clarington is extending the closure of its buildings and facilities indefinitely.

Clarington’s declaration comes just days after the Province extended its emergency declaration on March 30. In that declaration, Ontario enacted several emergency measures closing all non-essential workplaces, prohibiting social gatherings of more than five people, and closing all outdoor recreational amenities, sports fields and playgrounds.

Clarington is working with Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) on enforcement. People caught violating any emergency measure could face fines ranging from $750 to $100,000 depending on the severity of the infraction. Residents can report violations to DRPS at www.drps.ca under Online Services - Community Concerns or by calling 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5802.

“We are working alongside the Region and the Province to protect our community. The decision to declare a local emergency was not made lightly. Clarington continues to follow public health guidelines,” said Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir.

In making this decision, the Municipality followed guidelines set out in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. When declaring an emergency, the Municipality assesses a situation based on a list of key criteria focused on whether the event poses a risk to life, a strain on essential services and a threat to social order.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a global emergency. We are facing an invisible enemy. If we don’t practise physical distancing, we are risking an increase in COVID-19 cases among our residents and prolonging this crisis. We are in this together, and if we make the right choices, we’ll get through it together,” added Mayor Foster.