The City of Merritt declared a local statement of emergency around COVID-19 on Monday (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

COVID-19

City of Merritt declares local state of emergency over COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 23, 2020 | 7:54 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — With the COVID-19 outbreak growing daily throughout the Interior, the City of Merritt has taken action and declared a local state of emergency.

Mayor Linda Brown says the city is in complete support of the measures the province is taking to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. She’s hoping Merritt can do its part, and this state of emergency gives the city greater ability to take action.

“We on Council have heard many fair and genuine questions from our citizens regarding what their local government is doing to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Brown. “We are a small community, but our team has worked hard to be at the forefront of the curve, making difficult decisions to close our city facilities and playground structures, days before these measures were commonplace.”

Merritt announced on Friday it would be closing all its playgrounds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But Brown says there is more work that needs to be done to keep residents safe during this global pandemic.

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“We have heard your concerns about groups of people congregating, tour busses stopping in town, and the continued closure of bathrooms. We are working directly with businesses to ensure that they are implementing appropriate social distancing and cleaning measures,” she noted. “While we aren’t sure why tour busses are still operating, we are in the process of taking action to ensure that during this crisis, tour busses will not be stopping in our town except for fuel. If necessary, we will use emergency powers to do so.

Merritt CAO Scott Hildebrand says the city is providing essential services like fire and police, as well as water, sewer and garbage collection.

Brown, meantime, has one last message for her residents during this difficult time.

“I know that people are scared. You are scared for your health, your family and friends, your jobs, and the economy. So long as we support each other, we will get through this.”