Essex MP Chris Lewis Statement About House Recesses & COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 14, 2020
ESSEX, ON – House recesses for five weeks to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19
Deepest thanks to frontline healthcare workers for their dedication
Out of an abundance of caution the House of Commons, by the consent of all parties has recessed until April 20th.
Public Health experts have advised that the most effective way to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to limit social interaction. In response, travel has been restricted, borders are closing, schools and daycares are closed, events are being cancelled.
As Parliamentarians, we meet with many constituents, officials and delegations every day in Ottawa and in our ridings. MPs are also frequent travellers. To protect the well-being of our constituents, which is our highest priority, we have decided to greatly reduce our own potential exposure so as to do our part to slow the spread. We did not make this decision lightly, but with great prudence.
In the riding, I am taking every precaution necessary to keep my constituents safe. To that end, my office will be closed for in-person interactions for the foreseeable future. In the same vein, I will also limit my attendance at public events.
My staff and I will, however, continue to serve the people of Essex, and will deliver all services over the phone, electronically, by mail.
I want to encourage everyone to remain calm. By being proactive now, the hope is we will be able to slow, even arrest the spread of this virus.
The people of Essex represent the ideal “ neighbour” found in the story of the Good Samaritan. We look out for one another. I know you will rise to the challenge. I ask you to be especially mindful of our seniors.
I want to also take a moment to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to our frontline health care professionals. While the rest of us prudently limit our social interaction, they will remain at their posts attending to those entrusted to their care.
In the days ahead, to maintain the integrity of our health care system, each of us may be asked to make sacrifices to ensure that the spread of this virus is slowed.
Before recessing, Parliament authorized the federal government to do all that is necessary to ensure that hardships faced by Canadians will be met with compassion and tangible support. We will monitor these support efforts closely.
Canada has been and will continue to be a strong and resilient country. United, we will get through this together. Rest assured we will leave the world a better place than we found it.
May God bless and protect our nation and our people, our friends and our neighbours. And may God Bless Canada.
For further information please visit www.canada.ca.