The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic means there will be no masses this weekend and the following weekend at Catholic churches in the Diocese of Thunder Bay.
Bishop Frederick Colli says “In consultation with health officials here in Thunder Bay and in an attempt to curb the spread of this virus in northwestern Ontario and to safeguard the health of everyone, especially of the elderly and most vulnerable,” masses for the next two weekends are cancelled.
He says the situation will be assessed after that.
Colli adds “funerals are to be celebrated when necessary.”
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.
How do you know if you are sick?
How do you stop it from spreading?
