Mayors endorse stepping up enforcement of COVID-19 measures

By Ron Giofu

Mayors from Windsor-Essex County gathered on a Zoom call last Wednesday to not only talk about staying safe from COVID-19 but to enforce rules surrounding the ongoing pandemic.

The virtual meeting was streamed on Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens’ Facebook page, with all mayors from Essex County included on the call. Dilkens said most people in Windsor-Essex County are following the rules “and for that I’m truly grateful” but said everyone needs to keep following the rules and obeying the restrictions set down by upper levels of government.

“We know this is an unprecedented pandemic. We know what it’s done to our community, our economy, our businesses and our families,” said Dilkens. “We know what it’s done to people’s mental health, our social connections and the incredible impact it has had on our schools and families.”

Dilkens emphasized the entire region needs to work together to combat the spread of COVID-19 and said that, in Windsor, tougher enforcement measures are on the horizon.

“The time for education is over,” he said. “It’s time to educate bank accounts.”

Warden Gary McNamara, also the mayor of Tecumseh, said there were fears the coronavirus could surge when cooler temperatures arrived.

“Unfortunately, our worst fears are coming true,” he said.

McNamara urged residents to continue washing their hands, staying two metres apart, keep wearing masks, not attending large social gatherings and adhering to any and all health guidelines.

“As a region, we need to stop the spread of COVID-19 and not overburden our healthcare system and our long-term care homes,” he said.

All municipalities need to be on the same page as it relates to enforcing the rules, McNamara said, as he doesn’t want to see instances where people could go to another part of the area knowing they would only get a warning instead of a fine for flouting the rules.

“If you break the rules, there should be consequences,” he stated. “It’s important for us to be as tough as we can when we have to be.”

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, said the second wave of the virus is spreading around the world, including this region but believed Windsor-Essex County is faring better than some areas.

“The biggest difference is early intervention,” said Ahmed.

Ahmed believed people are getting “careless” and called for them to limit social gatherings to only those in their households.

“The time for education is over,” he said. “It’s time for action and we all need to act together.”

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald indicated the she and Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos met with provincial officials about workers in the agri-farm sector. She said things have progressed since the spring and the agri-farm community and everyone involved believes they can’t be as hesitant as they were and recognize the need to mobilize when ready.

“Right now, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic,” said MacDonald. “I do feel we’re in a good spot.”

Santos added he thanks all of the user groups in his community and urged everyone to be safe. Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said the town supports the restrictions and the enforcement thereof. “To all who are following the rules, thank you,” said DiCarlo.

To those not following the rules, DiCarlo urged them to do so by stating “please follow the restrictions and that will get us through this a lot faster.”

Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain said his municipality is “100 per cent” behind the following of the rules and praised Dr. Ahmed for his efforts. He urged people to follow all the public health guidelines.

“The message today is don’t let your guard down,” said Bain.

LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy added his municipality will be enforcing the COVID-19 rules and said while there may be those who claim they don’t want to wear masks, businesses have the right to protect their employees. Essex Mayor Larry Snively thanked frontline healthcare workers, noting there was an outbreak in his town, and also urged people to wear masks and play by the rules.

“It’s so important. We have to stop the spread,” said Snively.