200520 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
May 20, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Karen Devolin, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Abbie Boesterd, Emma Dew, Joe
McGuire, Merley Wheaton, Deputy Mayor Beres.
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Town Clerk; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator;
Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer
Regrets: Councillor Chris Rosehart, Larry Scanlan, Roxanne MacMillan
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Joe McGuire
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 20,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Joe McGuire
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 13,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 Communications
6.1.1 Kind Messaging and Working Together
Colleen Pepper provided an overview of this past week’s social media usage and
communications pieces. It was noted that the local content is creating a lot of
attention on social media.
The Province has extended the emergency orders until May 29th. Messaging should
be shared informing the public that gatherings of more than 5 people are not
permitted at this time and that people gathering must be from the same household. It
was suggested that messaging be shared informing the public that these rules are
the law and that fines could be incurred if rules are disobeyed.
A discussion was held regarding the low number of testing occurring through
Southwest Public Health and Province-wide in the recent days. It was suggested
that the public be reminded that even though there are no reported cases locally
does not mean that there are not any active cases going around the local
community.
A motion will be going in front of Council on May 25th to advocate to the Province for
a local testing centre to be established in Tillsonburg. It was noted that the process
for getting a test now in the general public is difficult. The process includes
individuals having to do an online self-assessment, then contact a doctor based on
the results, then the doctor must refer the individual to get the testing done.
It was suggested that messaging be shared reminding people to give back to local
charities. United Way Oxford recently received federal funding that can be
distributed to local charities in need. These charities/agencies are important for
keeping structure in the community thus reducing policing costs.
It was noted that the Lake Lisgar fountain has not been installed yet this year likely
due to the fact that volunteers must set it up and be in close proximity with one
another when doing so. Staff will follow up with the Recreation department to
confirm.
There was a discussion surrounding the matter of wearing of masks. It was noted
that at this time individual stores are receiving guidelines from the Province that
does not require the wearing of masks. Other guidelines such as washing hands,
and physically distancing is very useful to avoid the spread of the virus. It was
suggested that information be shared linking individuals to information on: proper
mask usage, glove wearing, proper hand washing and social distancing protocols.
7. Round Table
8. Next Meeting
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
The topic of recreational activities for children to be added to the next agenda.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Joe McGuire
THAT the May 20, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 9:41 a.m.
Carried