In light of a notice of motion to ask the province to end the pandemic lockdown in Chatham-Kent, council is taking a slightly different approach.
Chatham-Kent council has approved a motion to ask the province for additional assistance for local businesses and mental health supports, due to provincial lockdowns designed to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
However, council voted down a motion asking the province to review lockdowns and apply them on a regional basis considering local COVID numbers.
West Kent Coun. Mark Authier, who brought forward the two motions, said COVID is real and is a threat, but the lockdown restrictions are hurting small businesses and the mental health of residents.
“The lockdowns have made people lose their jobs, their businesses and their residences,” Authier says. “If lockdowns truly work, why were we locked down in February and again a month later?”
Most councillors agree lockdown regulations were needed to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“Like everyone else I’m so tired of this pandemic, we’re all tired,” Wallaceburg councillor Carmen McGregor says. “But we need to stay strong and we need to do what we’re doing and stay behind this as a community.”
