A Woodstock councillor and board of health member has resigned from the board following the announcement of her recent travel outside of Canada.
In a statement on Friday, Sandra Talbot said she was in quarantine after vacationing out of the country. Following the news, Talbot faced backlash over her decision from fellow councillors and board members.
"As stated last week, historically Ms. Talbot has been a valuable, engaged member of our board of health, fulfilling her responsibilities, and acting in the best interests of the public and community health," said Larry Martin, Board Chair for Southwestern Public Health Board of Health. "She acknowledges, however, that her recent decision to travel outside of the country betrayed the trust placed in her, in her role on the Board of Southwestern Public Health."
Martin went on to say that there was no further international travel by any other board members or senior staff since the pandemic was declared.
Talbot's now vacant position will be filled by appointment determined by Oxford County council. Martin said the board is ready to move past the situation.
"Despite this change at the board of health level, board and staff at Southwestern Public Health are steadfast in their work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and planning for the roll out of the much anticipated COVID-19 vaccination to our community."