Mayors from Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are sending a message of calm as we deal with COVID-19 fears, and a looming tourism season.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero and Mayor Jim Diodati issuing a joint statement saying they are looking forward to welcoming millions of visitors from all over the world, and both communities are taking precautionary steps to ensure public safety in the wake of the coronavirus.
The statement says with the high volume of public transit use in Niagara Falls, City staff are investigating long-lasting microbial treatments, as well as the implementation of proper signage, notification tactics and training for employees.
The Mayors say town and city staff have been actively reviewing emergency procedures and business continuity plans to ensure that, should the situation change, continued, safe and seamless service will remain available to residents and the public.
Additionally, staff and emergency services departments are working closely with Public Health to follow their plan for prevention and communication.
Here is the statement:
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A Joint Message from Lord Mayor Betty Disero and Mayor Jim Diodati
-March 10, 2020- With the weather warming, the flu period will soon be behind us. The busy tourism season is just over the horizon and Niagara looks forward to welcoming millions of visitors from all over the world. That knowledge, teamed with ongoing news of Coronavirus, may understandably cause increased interest among residents and businesses as to potential local impacts.
As the biggest attractors of visitors to the region, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the City of Niagara Falls are teaming up to send a message of calm – the situation is being continually monitored and remains under control.
With the high volume of public transit use in Niagara Falls, City staff are investigating long-lasting microbial treatments, as well as the implementation of proper signage, notification tactics and training for employees. Town and City staff have been actively reviewing emergency procedures and business continuity plans to ensure that, should the situation change, continued, safe and seamless service will remain available to residents and the public.
Additionally, our respective staff and emergency services departments are working closely with Public Health to follow their plan for prevention and communication. We have been in touch with those organizations in our areas who typically draw visitors and have ensured that they have their own protocols and procedures in place as well. We are being proactive as communities.
The risk to Niagara residents remains low and, at this time, there are currently no confirmed cases in Niagara. As the situation changes, the public will be notified immediately.
In the meantime, please continue to adhere to the prevention guidelines laid out by Niagara Region Public Health:
You can also stay up to date using the following resources:
https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
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Lord Mayor Betty Disero Mayor Jim Diodati