Mayor Jim Watson released the following statement for the residents of Ottawa in follow-up to Ontario Premier Ford’s 28-day ‘Stay At Home’ order.
Mayor Watson stated, “Today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario to impose a 28-day Stay-At-Home Order was undoubtedly a difficult, yet necessary decision to protect all residents from the continued rapid spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
I was pleased to see that stricter regulations will be imposed on big box stores, limiting their sales to grocery and essential products to avoid the massive gatherings we witnessed over the Easter weekend. This move also levels the playing field for small essential retail stores that were put at a disadvantage under past sets of measures.
Following several conversations with provincial officials, I am confident that the City of Ottawa will receive its fair share of vaccines, and that the distribution will be steady and predictable moving forward.
I can confirm that the City’s By-Law & Regulatory Services will ensure the new rules are enforced, and I urge all residents to adhere to the new lockdown orders. I am asking residents to comply with these new rules in an effort to give us a fighting chance against the virus, with the hope of a more normal summer and fall ahead of us.”
Mayor Watson will be available for further comments during a media availability on Thursday, April 8 at 3:30 pm. Residents will be able to watch on the City’s YouTube channel, rogerstv.com or RogersTV Cable 22.