Krantz Reflects on one year of COVID19

By: Laura Steiner

It’s been on year since COVID-19 hit the Town of Milton.  Mayor Gord Krantz released a statement on what he called 12 challenging months.

COVID19 has killed over 7,000 Ontarians, including 36 Miltonians.  “All of us have felt their loss.  All of us have seen our lives altered,” Krantz said.  The first case in Milton was confirmed on March 11, 2020.

He credits Miltonians for helping each other through.  “We have seen our business community pivot to address modernizing aspects of their business, or altering service delivery channels, all to meet the public health guidelines and sustain business.”  Local businesses have taken advantage of a digital main street initiative that saw business owners partnered with experts on how to modernize websites, and learn about online tools.

Krantz’s statement moves onto emphasize the public health measures are working  “There is another important number we should keep in mind, especially as we confront the coming months of the pandemic and its variant strains: 3,002.  That is approximately the number of lives you have saved by wearing a mask, limiting in-person gatherings and maintaining social distance,” he said.

The province is looking at a potential third wave because of the variants.  “With gratitude and respect for all the lifesaving sacrifices you have made so far, myself and members of Town Council are asking Miltonians to: Keep wearing masks, limit your social get-togethers and maintain physical distance. Until we know more, we need to keep our guards up.   Choose to be vaccinated when you are eligible,” he said.

Halton Region has organized five vaccine clinics throughout all four municipalities. Milton’s clinic will be at the Milton Centre for the Arts: 1010 Main St. East. They are currently taking appointments for those residents 80 years of age and older through their website.  Recent guidelines include the following five groups:

• Residents in long-term care and retirement homes
• Staff and essential caregivers in these locations that have not yet received a first dose
• Adults 80 years of age or older
• Healthcare workers identified in the highest or very high priority
• Adults receiving chronic home care (through a Local Health Integration Network or Home Care Agency).

“Thank you for the lives you have saved so far and the lives we can all save in the months to come,” Krantz ended the statement.