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 initial preparations in anticipation of a broadening of the vaccine rollout.

As Thunder Bay nears the end of the first week of a two-week, provincially mandated lockdown to January 9, residents are also reminded that all indoor events and gatherings are not permitted, except with members of the same household.

Mayor Bill Mauro expressed thanks to the administration and staff of Pioneer Ridge for their efforts in lifting the outbreak at the long term care home. He urged continued vigilance as Thunder Bay awaits further information on plans for the delivery of vaccine beyond Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

“We must continue to work together and follow public health recommendations. We have the ability to slow the spread as we accomplished in the first wave and end the lockdown,” he said. “If we do not work together and act now, things will get worse and the lockdown will have to be extended.”

Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health, urges residents to remain vigilant.

“With the entire province in a time limited shutdown, we must remember that indoor gatherings of any size are off-limits,” she said. “It might not be the New Year’s Eve that people are used to, but similar to Christmas, people should ring in 2021 with only those they live with. While this is not the way we would want to celebrate the holidays, this is an opportunity to get our case numbers under better control.”

She added that if you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild, to make sure and get tested.

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