Thunder Bay – COVID-19 – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is actively investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 associated with Valard Construction’s, East-West Tie Project camp located outside of Marathon. This is being done in close collaboration with Valard Construction management.
Five individuals with COVID-19 have been identified in recent days.
All close contacts of these cases that have been identified to date are currently self-isolating.
Working with Valard Construction, TBDHU continues to assess the exposure risk to other workers as well as identifying and following up on any contacts outside of the site. Valard Construction has already undertaken many measures to reduce any spread of the virus at the site and further measures will be taken as needed to manage this situation.
Individuals identified as close contacts will be contacted directly by a public health nurse and provided instructions about what they need to do. At this time, anyone who is not specifically contacted by public health, would be considered at low risk. If as the investigation unfolds additional close contacts are identified they will be contacted directly by a public health nurse.
Comments from Red Rock Indian Band Chief Hardy
Chief Marcus Hardy, Red Rock Indian Band in an update states, “I would like to take this opportunity to address the rumour that there is a positive Covid case at the NIPIGON Valard camp”.
“These rumours are FALSE. There is NO case at the NIPIGON camp”.
“There are however, a few workers on a crew that are being isolated, as they may have had contact with the positive case at the MARATHON camp.
“Please rest assured that I have been in constant contact with Valard senior management and they are keeping me updated to any and all situations in real time as they happen. The health and safety of all Red Rock Band members, community members and their families is my first priority”.
“I want to assure everyone that if any situations should arise, such as a positive COVID-19 case in the camp, I will provide you with a clear, and accurate update. If there is any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or a member of council”.
