THUNDER BAY -- The City of Thunder Bay plans to screen users of its facilities for travel outside of Northwestern Ontario.
According to a release issued late on Friday, anyone who has traveled outside the region over the previous 14 days will be denied access to any and all city-run facilities, including community centres, the 55-Plus Centre and the Canada Games Complex.
The restriction also comes into effect if any member of one's household has traveled outside the region and developed symptoms of COVID-19.
Anyone who answers yes to either question will be denied access.
The city is following the lead of Thunder Bay District Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Janet DeMille's recommendations to Northwestern Ontarians, advising them to avoid all non-essential travel outside the region.
"We anticipated that increased travel could be a contributing factor to a second wave," said Mayor Bill Mauro in the release.
"Our advocacy on travel restrictions and the announcement by the health unit is a positive step that we can take as a corporation to better protect our residents."
The city will do its best to accommodate those who travel for essential reasons. A travel advisory for staff was enacted on Friday.
"The health and safety of city staff and the residents they serve is essential," said city manager Norm Gale, "so we are taking a proactive approach to protect them from COVID-19."
