Do not expect Thunder Bay’s full lockdown to change soon.
Even though the region’s medical officer of health wants to see schools and the district open, Janet DeMille points out the expected provincial extension into June, including for the Thunder Bay region, may still be the smart move.
“While our number might be low, we know it’s elevated in other parts of the province. Unfortunately, even though we are isolated in some ways, we are not completely. So what happens elsewhere does put us at risk,” says DeMille.
She adds areas close to Thunder Bay, including Manitoba, have seen massive spikes in cases.
DeMille is also pushing for vaccinations as key to lifting restrictions.
She acknowledges as areas around North America are reopening, conversations continue between Ontario and municipal health officials. “We see in other jurisdictions open up when they reach a higher vaccination rate than we currently have, which we are moving toward. But it does give us opportunity as we increase our vaccination rate to safely reopen.”
DeMille points out while our case count is currently low, outbreaks in other municipalities can pose a threat to us locally.
