FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2021— We understand that restrictions are causing frustration as
the COVID-19 crisis continues. We also understand the impact this is having on lives and livelihoods
and mental health. Businesses, individuals and families are hurting. When our community is hurting,
we all feel it.
The continuation of this crisis, the need for increasing restrictions and lockdowns all comes down to one
thing--not having a steady and adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government.
The Federal Government needs to step up and ensure our province and all of Canada receives the
vaccines we need now before more lives are lost and even greater damage is done.
After returning from Ottawa on Friday, we received an update on the modelling released by the province
which shows a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases across Ontario, a sharp upward trend in hospital
admissions and heightened risk in our communities.
The numbers are sobering. The spread of the variants is outpacing the supply of vaccines.
As a result, the province has made the difficult decision to extend the current stay at home order for an
additional two weeks and tighten restrictions on all of us.
As of midnight tonight, outdoor gatherings are strictly prohibited across the province.
Considering the new restrictions and troubling modeling numbers, we are appealing to residents of
Barrie-Innisfil and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte to use extreme discretion or re-consider attending
events or public gatherings that have been planned.
We are appealing to all residents: Please heed the sincere advice being offered and don’t risk catching
or spreading COVID-19 which will further burden our hospitals and put our community and your
neighbours at increased risk.
We again sincerely want you to thank of our frontline healthcare workers, first-responders, and essential
workers for helping and protecting our community from the start of this crisis.
Finally, we ask that you consider the need to protect the health of your family and the families of front-
line workers during this most critical time.