**Updated as of 2:45 p.m. March 23, 2020**
Minto Mayor George Bridge says his municipality is doing its part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Bridge said he and staff are doing what they can to ensure everyone is safe and offer support.
"Our big thing is to make sure that our workers and citizens are as safe as possible. We've been reaching out with our economic development department to try and help businesses, as well, and you can find lots of information on our town website."
With regards to town staff, Bridge said they have been segregated, as well.
"Our staff, we've actually segregated them somewhat, so if we start losing staff we can keep our essential services going like sewer and water."
Bridge said Wellington County is in constant contact with the lower tiers, and they have put in place measures to ensure people aren't going out to their buildings to assemble in large groups, while also maintaining key services.
"With Wellington County, they handle waste management, policing, they handle libraries and museums, which are all closed. So all county buildings are basically closed at this point."
Bridge said his community has really banded together during this difficult time, with hundreds of people telling council and staff via email that they are willing to help deliver food and other services. Many businesses, who Bridge said need help during this time, too, are stepping up to offer help to people in any way they can.
"I just can't say enough about our community, how they're pulling together. When you get a crisis like this, certainly there are a lot of stories and I can't get into all of them, but there certainly are some amazing stories out there of many people stepping up to the plate."
Minto has announced that as of Monday, March 23 at 5 p.m., only essential services will be offered. Essential services such as fire, water, wastewater, road maintenance and minimal building services will be the only departments with staff remaining at the municipal office. The rest of the municipal staff are being required to work from home. Residents are still urged to call the municipal office, follow the appropriate phone prompts and leave a voicemail. Staff will return voicemails when possible. If residents know the email address of the person they need to reach; electronic communication is encouraged.
