The City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met today with community partners as part of its ongoing management of the COVID-19 situation. They discussed ongoing efforts to manage the virus with Thunder Bay expected to remain for now in the Province’s Orange Restrict (intermediate measures) category. The Orange category of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework is outlined by the Province as “enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcement, avoiding any closures.”

Mayor Bill Mauro recently joined other Ontario mayors on a conference call with retired Gen. Rick Hillier, chosen by the province to handle vaccine distribution in Ontario.

“General Hillier said the COVID-19 vaccine will be rolled out in a number of phases, with front-line workers and vulnerable populations first, then residents in lockdown or red zones and then the vaccine will become available to the general public province-wide, likely in April or beyond,” said Mayor Mauro.

“He then described the second phase as being from April 2021 forward for six to nine months and then a third phase that he described as a steady state.”

Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, wants to remind everyone to continue to do their part to minimize any further spread in the community.

“We must not let down our guard,” she said. “The news of vaccine approval is very encouraging and the initial vaccine roll-out will provide valuable protection for high risk groups. However, we must as individuals, organizations and businesses maintain all the public health measures until the vaccine program is fully rolled out and there is access for all.”

If residents 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 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9 am and 1 pm Saturday and Sunday. This includes residents gathering in large groups.

Those in attendance represented the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Superior North EMS, tbaytel, Thunder Bay Airport, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Aurora Borealis Catholic District School Board Lakehead Public Schools, and the Catholic District School Board.

For more information:

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Contact:          Stacey Levanen, Public Information Officer - MECG, 625-3650