The Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay has been actively updating its Influenza planning and monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it evolves around the world and in Canada.

Mayor Bill Mauro met with Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health & Chief Executive Officer of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in late January to discuss the Health Unit’s protocols to monitor the situation, and the response from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health.

“On January 27 I called a meeting of members of the Municipal Emergency Operations Control Group (MECG) to discuss the readiness of our community to monitor and respond to coronavirus and influenza.”

Dr. DeMille advised Mayor Mauro as of this afternoon that there are no presumptive or confirmed cases in the District of Thunder Bay.

“The City is committed to providing safe and healthy spaces for the public and for employees,” said Norm Gale, City Manager.

“The Executive Management Team and the MECG are reviewing the city’s pandemic plan, and we are prioritizing programs and services so that we are prepared should there be any significant staff shortages or supply chain disruption.”

The City’s employee health nurse is constantly monitoring the situation and working with the Health Unit to stay up-to-date on the situation. An advisory has been sent to all city staff to remind them of precautions to protect themselves and their families from respiratory illness.

“Screening points for 911 emergency medical calls alert paramedics and other first responders to the potential of a COVID-19 patient,” added Gale. “We also have personal protective equipment for paramedics and health care workers.”

All residents are reminded to heed public health advice and follow proper hand washing, cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm - not your hands, and stay home when sick.

Mayor Mauro reiterated that there are no confirmed cases in Thunder Bay right now, and advised anyone with questions to visit: www.tbdhu.com/coronavirus

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Contact: Stacey Levanen, Supervisor -Corporate Communications, 625-3650
Jeff Howie, Policy Assistant – Mayor’s Office, 625-2741