City, Brant mayors urge people to maintain social distancing
Article content
Keep your distance.
That’s the message from Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and Brant Mayor David Bailey as the number of local COVID-19 cases continue to grow.
As of Tuesday morning, there were 14 laboratory confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Brantford and Brant County.
“The more the coronavirus spreads, the faster it spreads and that’s what makes social distancing so important,” Davis said in a recent interview. “When we talk about flattening the curve, we’re talking about slowing down the spread and social distancing is a big part of that.
“We all have to do our part and the best way is to slow the spread is to stay home as much as possible.”
Davis said people who do leave their homes should keep at least two metres from other people.
Slowing the spread of the coronavirus is vital in protecting those who are most vulnerable and Brantford General Hospital from becoming overwhelmed by patients stricken with COVID-19.
“Slowing the growth buys us and the health-care system the time it needs to manage patients,” Davis said. “We really can’t emphasize this enough – stay home if at all possible.”
The city has introduced a number of measures to implement social distancing, including modifying access to city buses. Rider are now entering and departing buses through the rear door to help protect drivers. As well, measures are in place to keep riders a safe distance from each other.
The city is encouraging residents to use transit for essential travel only.
Although many residents appear to be adapting to the new reality imposed by the pandemic, Davis said he has seen examples of too many people not adhering to social distancing directives.
Bailey, meanwhile, said now is not that time to ease up on social distancing.
“The situation is unnerving,” he said. “I think we’re doing a good job locally and across the province.
“But we’re very close to the United States and we really have to be mindful of what’s happening there.”
Vball@postmedia.com
twitter.com/EXPVBall
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.