As our physical distancing and staying home continues over the weeks, Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu understands people may want to break the rules.
But, Hajdu says it’s in everyone’s best interest to stay the course and do the right thing.
“The less people that contract COVID the better, and if we just stop moving for two weeks believe it or not this virus would die. It relies on its host to keep moving and that is all of us,” Hajdu said.
Hajdu again reminds the public you can enjoy the outdoors just do it away from crowds of people and keep physical distance between you and others.
The federal health minister says she’s been talking with her Ontario counterpart and the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital about potential surges at Ontario hospitals.
Hajdu notes the federal government can help with surges noting they’ve already done so in southern Ontario by providing more beds, and in some instances renting our hotel rooms for those who are not in critical care but who have the virus.
Thunder Bay’s Mayor has also reached out to Minister of Health Christine Elliot’s Office to express his concerns about regional capacity at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and in particular what the demand could mean at the facility.
“We need to continue to strategize with our Health Units, Hospitals and the Ministry of Health on the critical issue of regional capacity for assisting the critically ill,” Bill Mauro said.
Wednesday, the federal government announced an app that can help track the symptoms of COVID-19 across the country. Hajdu says the app will help them predict where an outbreak may occur. The app is voluntary and you can give them your postal code and what symptoms you are experiencing.
