THUNDER BAY – Ontario has started to reopen its economy, and that has Dr. Janet DeMille a little bit anxious.
On one hand, the medical officer of health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is glad it’s being done based on science and still with plenty of restrictions in place on local businesses given the go-ahead to resume operations on Tuesday.
On the other, she’s a bit concerned that some people may see the decision as being given the all clear to resume life as it was before COVID-19 hit.
“I’m OK. I think it’s a balanced approach. I recognize that it does depend on the numbers and (Premier Doug Ford) did articulate that today. I think the numbers are going in the right direction,” DeMille said. “I think fundamentally though, this is an uncertain time.
“We know, when this starts to happen and the reopening begins, the virus, which is very low level currently, could start to spread more and we’ll see more cases and more issues related to that.”
At present there are just four active COVID-19 cases in the Thunder Bay District, including one announced on Thursday.
The public can’t forget what it’s learned about over the past two months about how to contain the spread of the virus, which to date has kept it to just 79 cases in the entire district.
“I definitely feel some anxiety. I’m not sure I’d say it’s a danger, per se, but I do feel some anxiety that we will have a setback if people aren’t taking the appropriate precautions,” DeMille said.
“Many of the precautions we’ve already taken, we have to continue doing that. It’s vitally important that people continue all the measures that have reduced and can continue to reduce the spread of this virus.”
That includes frequent hand washing, wearing masks in public, practising physical distancing and staying home if feeling ill.
DeMille said she’s not convinced people are going to keep their guard up, especially as warm weather begins to arrive in Northwestern Ontario.
“But I also know, and I’m reassured, when I go out to grocery store ... that we have changed. Many places have changed the way they’re doing things and they’re taking good precautions. I think there’s a lot of guidance out there and organizations and workplaces need to abide by that guidance on a continuous basis,” DeMille said.
“We as individuals and families and community members need to do the right thing.”
DeMille said if the public and businesses stay onboard, the virus can be kept under control.
“If we don’t, we will have a second attack and we will need to impose stronger public health measures,” she said.
