Timmins declares state of emergency as COVID-19 case numbers surge

Timmins MayorGeorge Piriehas declared a state of emergency for the northeastern Ontario citybecause of the rapid and unchecked spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

"I want to send a very clear and strong message that COVID-19 is a threat to residents in the city of Timmins," Pirie told a news conference Monday.

"We are seeing a dramatic rise in cases in our region as we continue to battle COVID-19. We have declared a state of emergency to insure that we can act fast to further protect our residents and local businesses."

There are 250 active cases in the Porcupine catchment area.The Timmins and DistrictHospital reported 10 COVID-19-positive patients averaging age 42.

We are asking residents to put their arms forward. There are hundreds of spaces going empty.- George Pirie, mayor of Timmins, Ont.

The hospital in the city, which has a population of about41,000,also saidpatients on ventilators are being transported from its facility, asemergency medical services are overextended and their emergency response is threatened.

"Probably almost a doubling of our emerg visits since a year ago. Sicker people and definitely whole families coming in sick," saidDr. Doug Arnold, the hospital's assistant chief of staff.

"There's definitely been a change in the last few months."

Arnold says he and other hospital staff are already worn out after a year treating COVID patients, but he still has "great faith" in them.

"Working on the frontlines, it is becoming very tiring. They are seeing similar cases, over and over and over again," he said.

The Porcupine Health Unit reported workplace transmission of COVID-19 remains an ongoing source of exposure.

Small businesses say they fear business failure if they'reunable to reopen once Ontario's stay-at-home order is lifted, currently targeted for early June.

Timmins asked to be deemed a hot spot

The health unitis taking steps to encourageeligible individuals, those 12 and over, to book a Pfizer-BioNTechvaccination appointment.

The health unit is asking thegovernment to recognize Timmins as a provincial hot spotto ensure vaccines and supplies are readily available for the community, to enhance capacity for testing, and get support for a community isolation centre.

Pirieencourage people to getvaccinated, as hundreds ofspots at clinics are empty.

"We are asking residents to put their arms forward. There are hundreds of spaces going empty."

He also said it's urgent for residents to adhere to public health measures.

"Each community member must stay home immediately if they have any symptomseven mild and call to get tested; wear a mask properly, distance from anyone you do not live with, and treat every interaction in the community as a potential exposure," the mayor said.

"Vaccinations will get us there, but we need time for immunity, so these actions remain critical."

Listen to Mayor George Pirie in conversation with Up North host Jonathan Pinto.