The province has unveiled a lockdown for Thunder Bay amid rising COVID-19 cases.
The measures are set to kick in at 12:01am Monday.
It means we are in the Grey-Lockdown in the provincial framework but there is no stay-at-home order for the district.
Some harsh words from the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce to the news of a lockdown in Thunder Bay.
Charla Robinson says this lockdown will be “devastating for many small businesses.”
“Unfortunately, like so many others who have been impacted by COVID-19, the small business owners I’ve spoken with have been discouraged by a cycle of promised help that doesn’t come,” notes Robinson.
The chamber president says leaders have pleaded with the province for urgent support for our homeless population and now the worst fears are being realized.
The numeric breakdown
- 349 – the active case count with 60 new cases on Friday
- 316 new cases in the last seven days with 135 cases have been resolved
- Three deaths from Wednesday through Friday
Supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and other grocery retailers can operate at 50 per cent capacity while other retailers can operate at 25 per cent capacity.
The surge in cases wasn’t lost on Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams, who expressed concern Thursday about the numbers, which are higher per 100,000 than the city of Toronto.
Local officials also expressed concern that some in the community weren’t COVID-19 guidelines.
The municipality earlier in the week expressed that talks are ongoing but the official process to set up a field hospital and call in military help is an option when all others have been exhausted.
What doesn’t change in Grey
- Harry Kirk Archives and Records Centre closed to the public
- Council meetings provided virtually, no public attendance
- Save using transit for essential purposes only and wear a face covering or non-medical mask
- Childcare services remain open with screening in place
- Meals on Wheels will operate using a contactless delivery method
- Outdoor recreational amenities open with restrictions
- Community centres and multi-purpose facilities allowed to be open for permitted activities (for example, child care services, day camps, social services)
What changes in Grey
- City buildings and indoor facilities closed to the public
- Child Care facilities continue to operate to provide critical services to parents in Thunder Bay
- You can use outdoor city park amenities including rinks and trails with people you live with and stay two metres away from people you do not live with
- Indoor and outdoor service is prohibited at restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments (Take out, drive through and delivery permitted)
- Libraries are open for curbside, delivery and pick-up. Patrons can use contactless drop-off and pick-up, and to access computers, photocopiers, or similar services
