Media Release - Update # 37– Response to COVID-19 - West Lincoln Lowers Flags to Honour COVID-19

TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release March 10, 2021
Update # 37– Response to COVID-19 - West Lincoln Lowers Flags to Honour COVID-19 Victims

West Lincoln, Ont. – March 10, 2021  

The Government of Canada has designated March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance to commemorate the people who lost their lives and the significant impacts we have all felt because of COVID-19. The Township of West Lincoln will be lowering the flags to half mast, from Thursday, March 11^th to Sunday, March 14^th to honour the people who have died of COVID-19 over the past year. West Lincoln will join neighbouring municipalities in a region-wide acknowledgement of the losses. These dates coincide with the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in the local community. The first death in the region was reported on March 24, 2020 and to date has claimed the lives of 369 residents in the region. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and caregivers.

 As we reflect on the year, we thank the West Lincoln Community for their patience and support as we navigated the unchartered territory of responding to a global pandemic. We know that everyone’s experiences through this pandemic were very personal. There have been those who have struggled with feelings of the unknown, isolation, depression and stress. COVID-19 has deeply affected our local economy with job losses and business interruption and even closures. To this end, our township has demonstrated its capacity as a kind and patient community.

 As we continue the protocols of physical distancing and mask-wearing, we are now pivoting to the provincial vaccination plan and with four vaccines approved, the implementation plan to roll out the process will begin mid-March.  

MAYOR BYLSMA STATED:

“As we approach this one year mark there are several mixed feelings that congeal together. There is a profound loss for those that have passed. There is also an acknowledgement that our community has fared better than many. We can attest to challenges that were overcome and creativity that enabled us to come together as neighbours. The generosity and mutual wellbeing rose higher than the anxiety and fear. Thank you to all frontline hero’s and dedicated citizens that led us through”.

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