Thunder Bay – COVID-19 Update: The City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met Thursday with community partners as part of its ongoing management of the COVID-19 situation. The group reports they discussed ongoing efforts to manage the virus and anticipate Thunder Bay may see additional restrictions as early as Monday if Thunder Bay moves into the Province’s Orange Restrict (intermediate measures) category.
The Orange category of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework is outlined by the Province as “enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcement, avoiding any closures.”
“The time is now for residents to take this very seriously – to stay home when they can and follow all restrictions in public space,” says Mayor Mauro. “We continue to move in the wrong direction and we must do all we can to bring our situation under control. If we don’t, we can expect further restrictions in the weeks to come.”
Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, wants to remind all individuals, business and employers in all sectors to do their part. “COVID can be anywhere,” reports Dr. DeMille. “Every time you leave the house to go to the grocery store or the workplace, you have to assume that anyone you come into contact with may have COVID. So it’s important to stay home or outside as much as possible, to stay at least two metres away from anyone not in your household and to wear a mask when you can’t.”
If Thunder Bay moves into Orange, the City will issue an advisory regarding impacts on services, which would largely include additional restrictions at recreation facilities.
If residents have concerns about businesses and individuals who are not following Ontario’s COVID-19 related orders can phone (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1 (888) 294-6630 to report any instances of non-compliance. This phone line will be monitored between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9 am and 1 pm Saturday and Sunday. This includes residents gathering in large groups.
Those in attendance represented the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Superior North EMS, tbaytel, Thunder Bay Airport, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Aurora Borealis Catholic District School Board Lakehead Public Schools, and the Catholic District School Board.
