The City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) met today with community partners as part of its ongoing management of the COVID-19 situation. The group continues to meet bi-weekly to provide a coordinated approach to the community’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

“Our community is in a good place right now, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts so far in helping to keep our COVID numbers low and vaccination numbers high,” said Mayor Bill Mauro. “But we cannot underestimate the variants that still exist, and their ability to show up here and spread very quickly, especially as we move into colder weather and more indoor activity.”

Mayor Mauro added that there is still a level of uncertainty with the high cases in other parts of the country, like Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“The Thunder Bay district has come forward, and it is increasingly reassuring to see our high vaccination rates and low case numbers,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “Although we are in a very good circumstance going into winter, things can change very quickly with this virus.”

Dr. DeMille noted that vaccine clinics, including the CLE Coliseum and pharmacies, are still able to serve anyone who wants to get vaccinated and appointments are available. 

“COVID-19 is still a risk and can seemingly appear out of nowhere. It continues to be vitally important, even with our positive conditions, to follow public health measures and get vaccinated with both doses as quickly as possible,” added Dr. DeMille.

The MECG continues to meet bi-weekly to provide a coordinated approach to the community’s pandemic response. Those in attendance at the MECG meeting represented the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Superior North EMS, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Tbaytel, Thunder Bay Airport, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales, Lakehead Public Schools, the Catholic District School Board, Canada Border Services, and the Solicitor General’s Office of Ontario.

For more information:

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Contact: Stacey Levanen,Supervisor-Corporate Communications/Public Information Officer, 625-3650