Thunder Bay city officials say they are monitoring COVID-19, but not declaring an emergency.
However, they say the situation could change at any time.
Mayor Bill Mauro says he’s spoken with the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille, who has moved from considering “if the pandemic will impact us here, to when it will come here.”
On Dr. DeMille’s advice, Mauro says Thunder Bay is not taking any “immediate action” to close facilities or cancel programs, including daycare centres. Ogden and Woodcrest daycares are closed due to the local school closures.
“COVID-19 is not, and has not yet been identified at this point, in the city, but obviously all of us are aware that that can change at any point. This is a rapidly-changing and evolving situatin,” Mauro explains.
As health officials emphasize “social distancing,” Mauro says they have considered whether City meetings pose a risk.
“Monday night’s Council meeting, should we close it to the public? Should we close City Hall, should we still have Ward meetings? At this point, we ‘re moving forward without any changes, but again that could change in short order,” he notes.
City Manager Norm Gale says they are ready to respond. After the SARS outbreak in 2003, he explains the city made sure to stockpile items like protective face masks.
“The City of Thunder Bay does have stores and reserves of personal protective equipment. These apply to emergency responders and healthcare workers, and other specific small areas,” Gale says, adding they have continually used up and replaced that supply so workers are not using old equipment.
City officials say the city is in a good position to deal with the pandemic because of its “geographic isolation,” which they say has given them time to prepare for any outbreak here.
Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care and Senior Services & Jasper Place Support Services Program
· Active screening by staff is taking place at the facility entrances. If visitors exhibit symptoms or have travelled to affected areas, they cannot visit at this time.
· Visitation hours have been reduced, limited to between 9 am to 6 pm.
· Visitation is limited to one visitor at a time and it is recommended that they only visit their own loved one.
· Some programs have been cancelled including intergenerational programs.
· Enhanced environmental cleaning and assessment protocols are in place.
Ogden and Woodcrest Daycare Centres
· All Child Care Centres housed in Lakehead Public Schools will be closed during the period of March 14 – April 5. This is in accordance with the Provincial Ministerial Order to close schools during this time.
Other:
· Postponing tours of the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant effective immediately until further notice.
· No crossing guard services in conjunction with school closures.
Unaffected City Services:
The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janet DeMille, has not recommended the City take immediate action to close City facilities or cancel programming. Should circumstances change, notice will be provided. The City will be in ongoing communications with the Medical Officer of Health to get her latest recommendations.
