The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group is urging residents to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The mayors of Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne are "strongly urging" residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, banking, or prescriptions - and the practice physical distancing when out, limiting social gatherings to no more than five people.
They note this is "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill from the COVID-19 virus, which would put a strain on the supply of ventilators, personal protective equipment, physicians, and health care professionals", emphasizing staying home and reducing visitors is "especially critical to ensure the safety of our aging population and those with health challenges who may be at greater risk should they become infected".
Residents are reminded municipal playgrounds, sportsfields, and community centres are closed while outdoor fires are currently banned, and recommend limiting grocery and convenience store visits to once a week - with one person designated for all shopping - further emphasizing anyone who travelled recently must stay home during their isolation period.