COVID-19 Update March 16

North Bay, ON – March 16, 2020 – The City of North Bay continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and is working with the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit and community partners to respond appropriately.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit continues to advise that the risk to individuals for COVID-19 remains low. There are no confirmed cases in our area at this time.

Measures to protect staff and residents and contain the spread of the virus will be implemented as deemed necessary in consultation with our community partners and public health officials.

As of 5 p.m. today (March 16), all City-operated arenas, including the Memorial Gardens, West Ferris and Pete Palangio facilities, will close until further notice. 

City staff has been in contact with all organizations and associations that had scheduled bookings within the City-operated arenas.

Additionally, North Bay Transit will begin operating according to its summer schedule as of Tuesday morning (March 17). This adjustment is being made based on demand in light of the suspension of classes at schools and our local post-secondary institutions. All routes will continue to operate.

Last week, the City announced an open house planned for March 18 related to future plans for Bourke Park will be moved to an online forum and that a regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 24 will be cancelled. Tentatively, agenda items will be moved to the April 7 meeting.

The City will be re-evaluating the situation on an ongoing basis.

As a way to prevent the spread of illness, the City encourages the use of online and telephone services. Residents visiting City Hall and other municipal facilities that remain open are asked to follow the recommendations of public health officials regarding social distancing, safe handwashing and hygiene.

Other measures include:

• City staff is continuing to ensure increased sanitizing practices on all common touchpoints and public spaces at City facilities and buses.
• Signage focusing on hand-washing and cough etiquette has also been placed in high-traffic locations.
• Recommending to staff proper hand washing protocols and to stay home if they feel ill.
• Emergency preparedness plans have been reviewed.
• Working with the health officials and providers to assess and understand impact and potential actions that may be required to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services.

We are working closely with the Health Unit and other community partners to prepare and respond should the risk increase locally.  We will continue to share regular updates to keep residents informed on any changes to municipal programs and services.