Mayor Brian Bigger issued a statement this afternoon on the second day of Ontario's state of emergency.
Bigger first encouraged people to remain calm and to be "vigilant" when it comes to leaving the confines of your home and venturing out in public.
He directed people to the city's website for additional information, and said residents with questions can phone 311 for assistance.
In what has now become a common refrain in cities and towns everywhere COVID-19 has spread, Bigger also reminded people of the importance of hand-washing.
He also applauded those who have been volunteering to help seniors and others who might be house-bound, calling it the "silver lining in this ordeal."
The mayor's complete statement is below:
As we enter our second day of the provincial state of emergency, I just want to appeal to every resident of Greater Sudbury to remain calm but be vigilant in your choices when it comes to being outside of your home, commuting to work or going shopping.
Social distancing is effective, and although difficult at times, it is an important habit we have to adopt in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve of this outbreak. I would encourage you to use online services through our website. If you’re unsure how to do this, our 311 staff is happy to assist.
If you need to be out, please be considerate of others, wash your hands before you leave, the moment your return and support the local businesses that remain open. The local economy is feeling the economic pains of this outbreak already and if you need to shop, get some take out or need anything for your house – please support those in our community who own these businesses in any way you can.
I would also like to thank the many of you who are volunteering to help the many seniors and others in our community who are not able or should not leave their residences. To see the groundswell of people in our community almost naturally springing into action to help others is a silver lining in this ordeal. It reassures me that as northerners and as Sudburians we are kind, considerate and resilient. It is very important that we all follow appropriate hygiene and social distancing procedures while trying to help those seniors and neighbours in need.
I am very happy to have heard that the Federal Government is instituting financial measures to help individuals and businesses. I look forward to more information in the coming days. I would encourage everyone to support our small businesses, where possible, and to order take out and delivery from restaurants to keep the economy going.
I will continue to work with our experts in public health, my fellow members of Council, our provincial and federal leaders and local emergency services and dedicated city staff as we take this one day at a time. We are speaking daily and making measured decisions to stave off the spread of COVID-19 and find our eventual way back to normalcy.
I thank you all for your patience and understanding during this truly exceptional time.
Mayor Brian Bigger
City of Greater Sudbury
