COVID-19: Guelph, Wellington County to End States of Emergency on December 31 | The Canadian News

Both the City of Guelph and Wellington County have announced plans to end their states of emergency on December 31 after they were declared at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that’s only if cases and hospitalizations continue to decline and vaccines are available for children under the age of 12.

Both the city and the county said the decision was made in consultation with the health practitioner, Dr. Nicola Mercer.

Wellington County declared its state of emergency on March 23, 2020, and Guelph did the same three days later.

The statement gave Mayor Cam Guthrie and Warden Kelly Linton the ability to take action and issue orders that would be deemed necessary to protect the property, health, safety and well-being of city residents.

It also delegated some authority to the Administrative Director in the city and county and allowed some employees to be transferred to different roles, workplaces and union groups to meet needs related to the pandemic.

In a statement, Guthrie said the state of emergency will no longer be necessary by the end of the year.

“But that does not mean that we are crossing the finish line in our continued response to COVID-19, and it does not mean that we can lower our guard,” he said.

“This is an administrative change that will be largely invisible to the public. But it is another milestone in our community’s journey toward recovering from the pandemic. “

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As of Wednesday, Guelph had a vaccination rate of about 90 percent, while nearly 80 percent of eligible Wellington County residents consider themselves fully vaccinated.

“Now is the time to start planning a return to something more normal for all of us,” said Dr. Mercer.

“Like many, I am eager to begin the careful reduction of restrictions guided by the best science and the best available data. As we work to get back to normal, each of us must continue to follow public health guidelines so that as we get closer to easing restrictions, we are as safe and ready as we can be. “