The Northwestern Health Unit is keeping a close eye on Thunder Bay’s rising COVID-19 cases.
Case numbers, there, continue to rise as the district in the Grey-Lockdown level of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says to prevent the spread to our region, we have to remain vigilant with prevention measures.
“COVID-19 cannot spread unless we give it a chance to. Although small gatherings are permitted in our area, we do not advise getting together indoors with anyone that you do not live with,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
Dr. Young Hoon is also advising against any non-essential travel, especially to areas with a higher risk like Thunder Bay.
If you must travel, self-monitor, get tested, and self-isolate if any symptoms arise.
One of the concerns in Thunder Bay has been an outbreak of COVID-19 among its homeless.
Dr. Young Hoon says this has prompted the Health Unit to meet with local partners to discuss how best to prevent the spread of the virus to the area’s vulnerable populations.
“There are things such as case and contact management, reaching out to that population making sure that they’re supported, whether they need masks or education or information. Looking also at isolation spaces.”
Some of the same issues were raised last year at the start of the pandemic by some Fort Frances groups helping the homeless.
Dr. Young Hoon says vaccination is an option on the table.
The province recently included those experiencing homelessness in the COVID-19 vaccine priority group.
