Thunder Bay has its first case of COVID-19.
Janet DeMille, the Medical Officer of Health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says it is a Thunder Bay man in his sixties, and his spouse is considered a probable case.
The couple had recently returned from a week-long stay in Florida. Upon their return, they remained in isolation at home. Subsequently, both developed symptoms and phoned the TBDHU.
They were tested the following day at the COVID-19 Assessment Center at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The man’s test result was received by TBDHU overnight on March 26, while the spouse’s results are still pending and have been expedited.
You can read the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s full media release below.
The federal government has enacted the Quarantine Act which requires travellers to self-isolate for 14-days once they return to Canada. Health Unit officials are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented visitor restrictions as well. An assessment centre is open just outside of the Emergency Department and you are asked to contact Telehealth prior to arriving at the centre.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th, however, it may be extended past that date according to Premier Doug Ford. Confederation College and Lakehead University are not holding in-person classes.
