THUNDER BAY — There are no cases of Coronavirus anywhere in the city or district of Thunder Bay to date.
But city officials say they are monitoring the situation as it evolves in Canada, and are "actively" updating the municipal influenza planning strategy.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the city said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health for the district, had confirmed to Mayor Bill Mauro that no presumptive or confirmed cases have turned up in the area so far.
The statement said the city's executive management team and the Municipal Emergency Operations Control Group are currently reviewing the city's pandemic plan.
According to City Manager Norm Gale, officials are "prioritizing programs and services" so the city is prepared in the event a pandemic causes significant staff shortages or a disruption of supplies in the city.
A precautionary advisory has been sent to all city staff to remind them of the measures they can take to protect themselves and their families from respiratory illness.
Gale noted that the city has stocks of personal protective equipment for paramedics and health care workers.
He reiterated a statement he made last Friday related to recent changes in emergency response procedures, requiring dispatchers to be aware of the potential for workers to be exposed to a virus.
"Screening points for 911 emergency medical calls alert paramedics and other first responders to the potential of a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) patient," Gale said.
He added that the city's employee health nurse is constantly monitoring the situation and working with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to stay up-to-date on developments in the province and country.
"The city is committed to providing safe and healthy spaces for the public and for employees," Gale said.
