A state of emergency has been declared in Timmins.
It's the second state of emergency since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timmins Mayor George Pirie declared the emergency at the request of the Timmins and District Hospital, Porcupine Health Unit and Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services, according to a city news release.
A state of emergency declaration takes place under Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which promotes the public good by protecting the health, safety and welfare of people in times of emergencies.
“I want to send a very clear and strong message that COVID-19 is a threat to residents in the City of Timmins,” said Pirie in a news release.
“We are seeing a dramatic rise in cases in our region as we continue to battle COVID-19. We know that our regional hospital is currently experiencing a surge in patients requiring medical care and that the cases are affecting a younger population. We have declared a State of Emergency to insure that we can act fast to further protect our residents and local businesses. Our Municipal Emergency Control Group is taking the best course of action at this time and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
To date, there have been 881 confirmed cases in the health unit region. Of those, 605 are recovered and 26 people have died. There are 250 known active cases, 217 being in Timmins.
There are 10 people with the virus admitted to Timmins and District Hospital, and local paramedic resources "overextended and that its emergency response is threatened."
According to the city, the health unit has called on the province to recognize the Timmins as a COVID-19 hotspot. That would ensure vaccines and supplies are available for the community, enhance testing capacity and support a community isolation centre.
There is a provincial shutdown and stay-at-home order in effect until at least June 2.
