The Northwestern Health Unit is keeping a close eye on the high numbers of COVID-19 cases in the Thunder Bay District.
The health unit has issued a release, stressing the dire situation affecting Thunder Bay and urging our region to stay vigilant with prevention measures.
February 10, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit declared an outbreak of COVID-19 among individuals experiencing homelessness and under-housing.
Case numbers continue to rise in the community and the District is now in the Grey-Lockdown level of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says this has prompted the NWHU to meet with local partners this week, to discuss enhanced measures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our vulnerable populations.
“There are things like case and contact management, reaching out to that population to makes sure they are supported whether it’s that they need masks, information or education they need. We’ll also be looking at isolation spaces.”
The province has added those experiencing homelessness and under housing to the COVID-19 vaccine priority group, as it’s a challenge to self isolate.
“Based on experiences in Thunder Bay and other communities, by preventing the spread of COVID-19 in a homeless population or transient population, we’re actually protecting the entire community,” Young Hoon states as vaccination also an option that’s on the table.
Over the next few weeks long-term care home residents and elder care home residents will get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and long-term care home staff, essential care givers and highest priority health care workers will be offered their first dose across the region.
Young Hoon adds to prevent such a situation from happening in our area, it depends on the actions of all our residents.
“COVID-19 cannot spread unless we give it a chance to. Although small gatherings are permitted in our area, I do not advise getting together indoors with anyone that you do
not live with.”
The public is urged to stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is not a household member.
The province is also now requiring household members of anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home until COVID-19 test results are known.
“These prevention measures may seem extreme, but they are a way to prevent wide-spread transmission of the virus,” advises Dr. Young Hoon.
At this time, the health unit advises against any non-essential travel, especially to areas with a higher risk, like Thunder Bay.
“If travelling for an essential reason, prevention measures must be practised while away from home. Upon return to our region, you should self-monitor for symptoms daily and get tested and self-isolate if any symptom develops,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
An additional measure to take when entering the region from a high risk area is to significantly reduce contact with others for 14 days to reduce the spread of COVID-19.