Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke is urging citizens to continue to heed public health guidelines as the third wave of COVID-19 has the city and the province in a "dire" situation.
In a video message to the community, the mayor says there's "no sugar coating" things. He notes the number of new cases is soaring as is the rate of people requiring hospitalization and, worse, needing the care of an ICU.
"It's hard to hear and it isn't where we want to to be," said the mayor, noting that even though Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital recently opened up 24 new beds, the hospital has almost always operated at capacity in recent weeks.
That's why "its incredibly important that we stay at home as much as possible and only go out for essential reasons," he said.
It's also why the city has shut down recreation and cultural facilities since the stay-at-home orders came into effect. While city parks and trails are open, the mayor urged people to enjoy them safely.
He also asked citizens to be patient and kind and to check in with vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.
"I know you may be feeling defeated, overwhelmed, anxious and, frankly, tired of the pandemic, but the risks are too high and the consequences too deadly," said Clarke. "We cannot become complacent."
He urged those who are eligible to sign up for a COVID vaccine and applauded the "amazing collaborative approach" underway at the community clinic operating at Rotary Place. Click here to make an appointment.
