THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is no longer recommending people to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to the city from elsewhere within Canada.
Dr. Janet DeMille made the announcement on Thursday, stating those who do travel outside the region should monitor themselves for a two-week period upon returning to the city and get tested if they have symptoms or believe they’ve been in contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.
The health unit is still recommending staying close to home.
"As the region and the province reopen and summer arrives, we recognize that people will want to travel," DeMille said in a statement issued by the health unit on Thursday.
"Please be mindful that COVID is still with us and that different areas of the province and the country can have different levels of the virus in the community. The safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region."
For those who do travel, the health unit recommends the use of personal protective measures, including using physical distancing and wearing a face mask. Those who display symptoms should not travel.
The decision comes as the city prepares for Phase 2 of Ontario’s reopening plan, which begins on Friday and allows most retail outlets, including malls, as well as salons and tattoo parlours, to open their doors for the first time in months.
“The effort and commitment to stopping the spread of the virus in our area has been successful. It is reasonable that we now transition to this next phase,” said DeMille, the TBDHU’s medical officer of health.
“However, we need to be mindful that COVID-19 is still around and we all must remain vigilant. Organizations and businesses that are opening up need to have all the proper precautions in place. Don’t open up tomorrow unless you can do so safely.”
Many companies in Thunder Bay have implemented their own travel restrictions that may still apply to workers. The health unit says any residents or employers with quesions about exposure risk should phone them for further guidance at 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630.
