As the Province officially entered the first stage of its “Framework for Reopening the Province” this week, the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met today with various community partners as part of its ongoing management of the COVID-19 situation.

“We are now beginning a period where the Provincial Government is allowing access to more retail establishments and recreational opportunities including golf courses, marinas, public boat launches and other recreational and sporting pursuits,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “While this transition is very important for our economy and our access to the activities we enjoy, we must continue to be vigilant in terms of ensuring our own safety and the safety of others.

As a city, along with our regional partners, residents have done a tremendous job at practicing physical distancing and effective virus hygiene including hand washing and the wearing of facemasks.  We can be proud of our success to date in limiting the spread of the virus, however we cannot become complacent. I am reminded regularly by the health care professionals how quickly the situation can change.”

Those in attendance represented the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Superior North EMS, tbaytel, Synergy North, Thunder Bay Airport, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Aurora Borealis Catholic District School Board, Lakehead Public Schools, the Catholic District School Board, Lakehead University, and Confederation College.

“With the focus on reopening, it’s important that individuals stay home if they have any symptoms. Individuals can call the health unit and we can arrange for them to get tested,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “It’s also important that people maintain all the protective public health measures they have become accustomed to including physical distancing, washing hands, and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.”

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit continues to recommend wearing a face mask when physical distancing is challenging or they are in a small space, which has been reinforced by Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam this week.

Dr. DeMille reminds everyone to take care when wearing a mask that it covers their mouth and nose and that they avoid touching the mask or their face.

Police, Health Unit and By-law Officers continue to take an active role in educating members of the public about the importance of physical distancing.

As some restrictions are lifted, residents who have concerns about businesses and individuals who are not following Ontario’s COVID-19 related orders can phone (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1 (888) 294-6630 to report any instances of non-compliance. This phone line will be monitored between 8:30 am and 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9 am and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. 

This includes residents gathering in large groups.

The MECG is holding weekly meetings.

For more information:

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Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications, 625-3650