FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020
Town of Stratford Responds to Covid-19 with Ongoing Measures
The ongoing Covid-19 situation continues to change hour by hour, day by day. Town of Stratford council and staff wish to advise residents of what the Town is doing to maintain essential services and ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff.
This past weekend, the Town’s recreation facilities were closed to the public until further notice. This includes the gymnasium, walking track and fitness area, as well as all meeting rooms at Stratford Town Centre, Gertrude Cotton Centre and Robert Cotton Centre, including the Stratford Youth Center and Mayflower Seniors Club. All Town programming and events, as well those booked privately by organizations and individuals, are also cancelled until further notice. As of noon on March 18, 2020, the Town offices are closed to the public until further notice. Town staff will continue to work between the office and their homes, with contact from residents available by telephone and email.
“We are working together to ensure that Town business continues to move forward in these times,” stated Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “Residents needing to contact the Town of Stratford can do so by email or telephone but should be aware that in some instances the response time may be longer than usual, but staff will get back to them when and as they are able to.”
The Town recently implemented its pandemic plan to try and limit the spread of the virus while maintaining operations. It includes measures such as identifying staff alternates and no longer permitting them to be in the same location at the same time to ensure that if one becomes ill, the other does not. The Town will ensure that residents continue to have safe drinking water, and that they are provided with wastewater treatment services, fire protection, policing and emergency services, our main priority being to protect the health, safety and security of all Stratford residents.
“As the pandemic continues we urge our residents to follow the advice provided by PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer,” added Mayor Ogden. “The Town remains in contact with provincial representatives at various levels and departments to ensure that we are ready to step in as and when needed, and to maintain an open dialogue to keep our staff, council and residents informed.”
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.
“Stratford is a caring and supportive community, where residents help each other in times of need,” concluded Mayor Ogden. “We will get through this together and come out even stronger on the other side.” Those who may not have the supports of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance should contact the Town to identify their needs. Staff will help them access the required services or goods as best they can. The Town can be reached through email at
[email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995.
The Town’s website is being updated as new information is available to residents from the Town. Please visit www.townofstratford.ca to find out more.
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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 - Town of Stratford Responds to Covid-19 With Ongoing Measures (March 19 2020)