JOINT NEWS RELEASE
TERRY SHEEHAN, MP SAULT STE. MARIE
ROSS ROMANO, MPP SAULT STE. MARIE
MAYOR CHRISTIAN PROVENZANO
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For months we have been doing everything in our power to combat COVID-19. Collectively, we have been working tirelessly and have made great sacrifices in the effort to flatten the curve so that we can overcome this pandemic. Our three levels of government have come together to protect the health and safety of the citizens of the Sault Ste. Marie area, Ontario and Canada.
We have taken countless proactive measures in addition to the initial emergency declaration. This has included mandatory testing of all staff and residents in every long- term care (LTC) home across Ontario. As a result of this proactive testing, we have learned that we have three positive test cases at Extendicare Maple View. While some tests are still pending, we know that we have no confirmed cases at any other LTC home in Sault Ste. Marie.
“Throughout this unprecedented health crisis, the prime minister, cabinet ministers and our members of parliament have, and continue to, take swift action to support vulnerable individuals, seniors, frontline workers, families, and businesses in our communities,” said MP Sheehan. “The infection prevention work of the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) in protecting Canada's healthcare workers and our vulnerable populations from COVID-19 infection is critical. Locally, we have been working successfully with all levels of government to make sure the people we represent come first. I want to thank all our local health care professionals and frontline workers from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for your service."
“I have contacted Dr. Merilee Fullerton, our minister of Long Term Care as well as our Premier, Doug Ford and advised them of the three positive tests at Maple View. We are actively monitoring the situation,” said MPP Romano. “The premier has noted the importance of more testing, to ensure we can stay ahead of COVID-19. Now more than ever, we need to take every measure to protect our most vulnerable citizens and our frontline workers.”
“We all have a role to play in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Provenzano. “I have been impressed by the effort, care, and kindness shown across our community and I am confident in our collective ability to keep focused on the immediate goal. Let’s stay committed and continue to follow our public health professionals’ advice: self-isolate if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home as much as you can, practice social distancing, wash your hands and avoid touching your face.”
We all want you to know that Algoma Public Health has assured us that they have been taking precautions for this type of scenario and that appropriate safety and staffing measures will be taken to protect our most vulnerable and our frontline healthcare workers.
The spread of COVID-19 into our community and long-term care homes is a sobering reminder that the fight continues. As your local members of parliament, provincial parliament and mayor, we want you to know that our priority has been, is and will always be the health and safety of every member of our community and we will spare no expense and leave no stone unturned to ensure we win this fight.
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