Even with a new vaccination policy coming into effect for Chatham-Kent council, it will be some time yet before municipal representatives get back to meeting face-to-face.
CAO Don Shropshire says with the continued spread of the Delta variant, in-person meetings aren’t being considered at this point.
“Where we could provide an opportunity for council to be in the same room together, in chambers together, and have that be done safely and respecting public health guidelines, where we have a challenge is when there’s an opportunity for deputations and there’s really no way to confirm or limit the people who want to come and make a deputation.”
Municipal official have been holding virtual meetings since the pandemic was declared in March, 2020.
Shropshire says for now, the Civic Centre remains largely closed to the public other than areas where services are delivered, and council members say they’re able to fulfil their responsibilities through virtual means.