THUNDER BAY – Moving forward is the goal for Ontario and for Thunder Bay. Mayor Bill Mauro says, “We are now beginning a period where the Provincial Government is allowing access to more retail establishments and recreational opportunities including golf courses, marinas, public boat launches and other recreational and sporting pursuits. While this transition is very important for our economy and our access to the activities we enjoy, we must continue to be vigilant in terms of ensuring our own safety and the safety of others.”
Mauro adds, “As a city, along with our regional partners, residents have done a tremendous job at practicing physical distancing and effective virus hygiene including hand washing and the wearing of facemasks. We can be proud of our success to date in limiting the spread of the virus, however, we cannot become complacent. I am reminded regularly by the health care professionals how quickly the situation can change.”
As the Province officially entered the first stage of its “Framework for Reopening the Province” this week, the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met today with various community partners as part of its ongoing management of the COVID-19 situation.
Ontario reported 413 new cases of COVID-19, on Thursday, May 22, 2020, which is an increase in the number.
It is an increase from the 390 new cases confirmed on Wednesday and represents the second-highest number of new cases reported in any 24-hour period in nearly two weeks.
So far this week Ontario has seen its rolling five-day average of new cases steadily increase just as the economy partially reopens with the beginning of Phase One of the government’s reopening plan.
“With the focus on reopening, it’s important that individuals stay home if they have any symptoms. Individuals can call the health unit and we can arrange for them to get tested,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “It’s also important that people maintain all the protective public health measures they have become accustomed to including physical distancing, washing hands, and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.”
That appears to be the key, the maintaining social-distancing, and respecting others, and yourself. It is also something that from reports NetNewsLedger is getting from readers still a little hit and miss in the area. Some stores have taken it upon themselves to carefully mark out their stores and to ensure people social distance. However, some people are saying off-record that as there are so few cases in the district they are not seeing this as critical anymore.
Ontario over the past days, as the economy has opened up has seen a steady increase in the number of reported and confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit continues to recommend wearing a face mask when physical distancing is challenging or they are in a small space, which has been reinforced by Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam this week.
Dr. DeMille reminds everyone to take care when wearing a mask that it covers their mouth and nose and that they avoid touching the mask or their face.
Police, Health Unit and By-law Officers continue to take an active role in educating members of the public about the importance of physical distancing.
As some restrictions are lifted, residents who 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 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9 am and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
