**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

The Corporation of the City of Timmins and its leadership recognize the concern many citizens are feeling during this uncertain time. We would like to assure citizens there are ZERO cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Timmins, and if we remain calm and work together, we can continue to protect those living in our community. We are working closely with the Porcupine Health Unit and other community partners to prepare and respond should the risk increase.
All citizens are being advised to follow enhanced public health measures, as stated by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Williams stated yesterday: “This is an evolving situation, and your role in helping to manage the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario is critical. It is imperative that we take steps now and take steps together to reduce opportunities for transmission. I am asking for your cooperation in following the advice below as best you can over the coming weeks. By working together, we can make a difference in this outbreak and protect those among us who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.”

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, new cough and difficulty breathing, and these may occur within 14 days of an exposure to another case. He is strongly recommending a further limitation to public gatherings, advising Ontarians to avoid large gatherings of over 50 people. In addition, he is specifically requesting the closure of the following settings as soon as possible: ? All recreational programs and libraries ? All private schools ? All daycares ? All churches and other faith settings ? All bars and restaurants, with the exception of restaurants that can shift to takeout/delivery mechanisms ? Everyone in Ontario should be practicing social distancing to reduce their exposure to other people.

This means that you can carry out daily activities, such as going to work (if you cannot work from home) and doing necessary shopping and appointments ? Everyone in Ontario is being asked to do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families. Close contact includes being within 2 meters of another person
All employers in Ontario are being asked to facilitate virtual work arrangements to enable employees to work from home where possible to enable workers to limit their activities, care for children and to self-isolate. Where this is not possible, those employers are being asked to use their judgement to sustain operations in a manner that maintains social distancing.

All measures are being taken to continue operations and ensure the delivery of services, such as snow removal and other road operations, water and sewer, waste management, and emergency services, while complying with recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health:
– The Golden Manor has suspended non-essential services and visits, in accordance with the recommendations of Ontario’s Medical Officer. Until further notice, the Golden Manor is closed to visitors, with the exception of those visiting residents who are critically ill or requiring end-of-life care. All staff presenting to work, and visitors attending the Home are being asked a series of screening questions upon arrival, before entry is permitted.
– City Hall remains open, but the public is being encouraged to access services from home:
o City employees remain committed to offering centralized services through Service Timmins, providing assistance with: lottery and licensing, by-law enforcement, leisure services, roads and sidewalks, tax, water and sewer, waste management, provincial offences and parking.
Online Citizen Service Centre: service.timmins.ca
Phone: 705-264-1331
After-hours emergencies: 705-264-1201o Tax, water and sewer bills may be paid using the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan program (PAP) which allows for monthly payments on the 15th day of each month, or on the last business day of each month.
Enroll: www.timmins.ca (https://www.timmins.ca/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11976345/File/Doing%20Business/Tax-and-Assessments/Tax-Pre-Authorized-Payment-Plan-form_PAP.pdf)
Taxes, water and sewer, and business licenses can also be paid through online banking or by cheque, mailed to 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, ON, P4N 1B3
o Pay or appeal a parking ticket: https://timmins.ezpayca.com/
o Pay a traffic ticket: https://www.payfines.ca/index.php (705-360-2620)
o Proceed/Follow up with a Provincial Offence: https://www.timmins.ca/cms/one.aspx?pageId=13194290 (705-360-2620)
o Purchase or renew/update a parking permit: https://www.timmins.ca/cms/one.aspx?pageId=13267388
o Apply for a birth or death certificate: https://www.timmins.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=11976429&pageId=13193199
o Apply for a building permit: https://www.timmins.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=11976429&pageId=13193220
– Municipal Facilities that have been closed include all the arenas, the swimming pool, the museum, the library and the H.R. Bieleck Centre

– At the direction of the province large group meetings or bookings at City facilities have been cancelled until the end of April

– City staff is continuing to ensure increased sanitizing practices on all common touchpoints and public spaces at City facilities and public transit

– Public Health signage focusing on hand-washing and cough etiquette has been placed in high-traffic locations
Concerned residents are encouraged to monitor the Porcupine Health Unit website and Facebook page for regular local updates.

Corporation of the City of Timmins
220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, ON P4N 1B3
Phone: (705) 264-1331

There are important actions EVERYONE should be taking every day to protect their health: ? wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer ? sneeze and cough into your sleeve ? avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth ? avoid contact with people who are sick ? stay at home if you are sick. In particular, do not visit a long-term care, retirement home or other congregate living situation.

Filed under: Local News