Thunder Bay is joining other communities and closing recreation facilities and community centres to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
The shut-downs include all community centres, the Canada Games Complex, pools, arenas, Kinsmen Youth Centre, 55 Plus Centre and West Arthur Community Centre, and the Baggage Building Arts Centre and Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur’s Landing.
City transit is still running, but city officials are asking you to limit your trips. City Manager Norm Gale explains you should also be prepared for more changes in what he calls a “fluid situation.”
“We are working very fast, responding to very fast-changing circumstances. People who rely on municipal services need to be prepared for change, and ought to be making alternate arrangements now,” Gale says.
Mayor Bill Mauro says he has been in contact with Minister of Health Patty Hajdu about what the city-run facilities should do in light of the spread of the disease.
Mauro says we are all in this together, adding the decisions the city makes have an impact on others, so they are being cautious.
You will see more signs at city facilities for handwashing and screening, and staff are ramping up cleaning. More cleaning and disinfection of buses is also underway, with a focus on “high-touch” areas like handles and buttons. The city is asking you to avoid transit if you have travelled outside Canada in the past two weeks, or are feeling unwell.
Gale is also asking you to contact the City by phone or online wherever possible, but they can still offer services like bill-paying in person if necessary.
The Harry Kirk Archives and Records Centre will be closed to the public and staff will be available by phone and by appointment for research inquiries. No tours will be conducted in any City facilities until further notice.
The Spring Family Skate in support of PRO Kids on March 20, at the Fort William Gardens has been cancelled, as the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends suspending events and public gatherings over 250 people. The province of Ontario is also recommending avoiding gatherings over 50 people.
There are some new restrictions at Pioneer Ridge. Visitation has been suspended unless your loved one is very ill or at the end of life. Large programs have all been cancelled, in favour of small groups and individual programming. Staff will also be doing enhanced cleaning.
All Child Care Centres housed in Lakehead Public Schools including Ogden and Woodcrest Child Care Centres will be closed during the period of March 14 to April 5, while schools are closed. The city says Grace Remus and Algoma Child Care Centres and City-delivered licensed private home child care will continue to operate, but families should plan for alternatives in case circumstances change.The province has recommended all day care centres be closed until further notice.
The school crossing guard program is suspended during the school closure.
Thunder Bay & District, Provincial Offences courtrooms are closed until April 3, 2020. All matters will be rescheduled to a later date once courts resume. The public is not to attend court for any court appearances during this time period. The POA administration office will remain open for counter service. POA court fine payments will continue to be accepted at the counters, or can also be paid by mail, by credit card over the phone, or online at: www.paytickets.ca More information is available at www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
