COVID-19

COVID-19: Provincewide Shutdown

From the Ontario Government Website:

Based on the latest modelling data, cases are expected to continue to grow, with multiple models predicting rates of at least 1,500 cases per day for several weeks under current restrictions. Daily mortality is also increasing. There has been a significant reduction in people staying home, especially when compared to the Spring. Patterns also continue to show trends of people moving across public health unit regions. Escalating case counts have led to increasing hospitalization rates and capacity challenges in many large urban hospitals, which has resulted in new disruptions to scheduled surgeries and procedures. o Hospitalizations have increased by 74% over the past four weeks (leading up to Dec. 21) and the number of COVID-19 patients in ICU is above the 150-person threshold. Some hospitals have been directed to defer in-person care that is not time-sensitive to ensure surge capacity. Public health and other experts have expressed significant concerns that the current transmission trends, combined with the potential high levels of mobility from social and consumer activity over the holiday period, could overwhelm health care and public health sector capacity in the new year. A provincewide shutdown will help interrupt or slow current community transmission, reduce mobility and allow our health care and public health systems that are reaching critical limits and to recover briefly and catch-up.

The provincewide shutdown is in effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

Learn about the time-limited restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures during the provincewide shutdown by visiting the Ontario Government website.

Stay home, stay safe!

Helpful information from Neebing Emergency Services to help you stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 self assessment

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek further care.

Financial relief during COVID-19

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak including support for individuals, support for businesses and support for industries. View Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan for details.

The Ontario Government announced funding for families with children. While schools and child care centres are closed, parents can apply for direct funding to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children's learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing. Learn about the Ontario Government's program on their website to see if you qualify.

Financial assistance is also available to Neebing residents through Thunder Bay District Social Services Board. For information and application visit the TBDSSB website.

At the last Municipal Council meeting, Council voted unanimously to forgo processing any penalties for the month of April for those Neebing residents currently in arrears on their taxes.

Municipal Council Meetings

Municipal Council meetings are still happening except they are now being held by Web Conference. Visit our website to access the Council meeting Web Conference Link for upcoming meetings.

Neebing Emergency Services Impacts

Neebing Emergency Services (Fire and 1st Response) are considered essential services and the plan is to continue to provide those services as fully as possible to Neebing residents during this period. There have been some impacts to operations in the wake of this pandemic due to group size restrictions. You may notice more small group activity and movements of the crew for ongoing training exercises. During a medical 911 call, you may also expect to see NES volunteers wearing additional protective gear including gloves, eye protection, masks and perhaps gowns depending on the nature of the call. Calls to 911 for a non-fire concern will include questions related to possible COVID-19 contacts.

Resource links

The Ontario Ministry of Health reports on the status of cases in Ontario each morning at 10:30 am.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has credible sources of information for both the public and local health care providers
The World Health Organization is a trusted resource for current global conditions relating to the pandemic.

Supporting the community

The United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation have established a COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Donations to the fund will support local non-profits helping those at high risk throughout this crisis. Those who would like to help can donate to the fund through either the United Way or the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.

Reporting COVID-19 order violations

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit launched a phone line for residents who have concerns about businesses and individuals who are not following COVID-19 related orders. Residents of Thunder Bay and all district communities can report any instances of non-compliance with Ontario's Emergency Order related to COVID-19. Report your concerns to (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630. View the full details of the Order Violation Phone Line on the TBDHU website.