The province has closed all parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor recreation spaces in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The new emergency order is effective immediately under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Premier Doug Ford says “based on the best medical advice available,” they are shutting down amenities like sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, and condo parks and gardens.
You will still be able to walk through green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren’t otherwise closed.
Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves are still closed.
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.
