THUNDER BAY — St. Joseph's Care Group will implement new travel restrictions effective Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Northern Ontario (Parry Sound to the Manitoba border) but within Canada in the previous seven days will not be permitted to enter any SJCG site.
"The number of people with COVID-19 has been steadily rising within the province," says President and CEO Tracy Buckler.
"Taking action early has proven effective in keeping our clients and staff safe and well, and that's the priority for us at St. Joseph's Care Group," Buckler stated in an announcement late Tuesday afternoon.
She said the decision was made after careful consideration of a number of factors, and after guidance from public health.
For now, in-person visits at SJCG sites will continue for anyone who has not travelled outside Northern Ontario in the previous week, although SJCG's statement noted that it continues to offer virtual visits, or televisits, whenever in-person visiting is unsafe.
"I ask that the public please continue to take the simple steps to stay well – maintain physical distance of two metres or wear a mask when distancing isn't possible, wash your hands often, and stay home if you are unwell," Buckler added.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre implemented the same travel restriction on Tuesday.
