EOC Advisory Committee implores local communities to remain vigilant as region moves into Red level

An important message from the Emergency Operations Centre Advisory Committee

With the increasing number of weekly COVID-19 cases, incidents and reproductive rates of transmission, effective Monday March 22, 2021, the City of Brantford and the County of Brant will be designated in the Red-Control level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework until further notice. This means broader-scale measures and restrictions across multiple sectors are now in place to control transmission in our area.

“I certainly understand that as vaccine efforts intensify, residents are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and are eager to have things return to a sense of normalcy, but we are simply not there yet”, said Acting MOH Elizabeth Urbantke. “Based on our current transmission rate, we need to get back to the fundamentals to prevent further spread of COVID-19 locally. This means remaining vigilant by avoiding close contact with those outside your household, wearing face coverings in public, staying home when you are sick with even mild symptoms and good respiratory etiquette that has now become commonplace.”

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee, made up of organizations within The City of Brantford, The County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River, fully supports the MOH’s statements to underscore that residents and businesses play a very vital role in slowing the spread of virus transmission. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of those who continue to follow public health guidelines to keep themselves and their community safe. These efforts remain more important than ever.

With the pandemic now into its second year, the EOC understands that many people are suffering COVID fatigue and are weary of the rules in place. However, the continuing rise in the number of cases locally and provincially are very concerning. Now more than ever it is important to stay home as much as much as possible to stay safe, save lives and reduce the risk of becoming overwhelmed should the local COVID-19 case count rates continue to rise.

Let’s protect each other

✅ avoid contact or interactions with people outside your household
✅ stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild
✅ wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
✅ cover your cough
✅ download the COVID Alert mobile app

Report a COVID-19 Violation in Brantford

To report a violation of a provincial order implemented to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Brantford, citizens can visit brantford.ca/Covid-19violations and use the online reporting form or call the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150. Please note that the Brant County Health Unit is responsible for enforcing Ontario Ministry of Health directives, such as non-compliance related to self-isolation or quarantine. To report a Covid-19 violation to the BCHU, please call 519-753-4937 and press ‘1’. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 is to be used for emergencies only and not for reporting COVID-19 violations.

Report a COVID-19 violation in Brant County

To ask a question or lodge a complaint regarding COVID-19 restrictions, please contact the Joint Enforcement Team which includes collaboration from County of Brant By-law, OPP and the Brant County Health Unit. To report a violation of a provincial order in the County of Brant, please email COVID-19@brant.ca or call the COVID-19 dedicated phone line at 519.761.8391. For issues that occur on weekends, after hours and on statutory/public holidays that require immediate response, please contact the County of Brant 519.442.2241 (after hours number) or the OPP at *OPP or 1.888.310.1122.

About the EOC Advisory Committee

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee is made up of the organizations outlined below, working together to prevent and control community spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in our region.

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Media Contact
Maria Visocchi – Emergency Information Officer
519.751.9900 ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca