Big decisions over which services to suspend face Thunder Bay’s mayor in the face of the COVID-19 virus.
During a conversation with Acadia Broadcasting’s John Ongaro Tuesday morning, Bill Mauro admitted sewer services and the water treatment plant cannot close, yet while maintaining social distancing among city staff.
“Where you pretty much don’t have a choice to do what you can to ensure those services continue to operate. So you put in place as best you’re able protocols that enhance the safety and security of the people,” pointed out the Mayor.
In response to another question people ask him, Bill Mauro adds it’s not in his authority to close restaurants and bars. That rests with medical authorities.
On yet another issue, he understands some people wonder why city transit is not completely shut down in the face of COVID-19. Mauro added he’s aware riding the bus is in close quarters, which in contrary to the social distancing message preached to fight the virus.
“At the same time, that’s a service people absolutely need to rely on, if they need to get to a medical appointment, or they need to get to work. We struggle with some of those decisions, and understand there are consequences when closing some of those things,” says Mauro.
The Mayor adds the list of places that could close down, such as day cares, is expected to keep growing.
