A CTV story released yesterday that the current COVID lockdown is likely to be extended even further is untrue says the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
The story says "With news that the two people who died in the outbreak at the Lancelot-Skyline apartments in North Bay had the COVID variant, the medical officer of health says the area's lockdown is likely going to be extended."
See: Lockdown likely to be extended in North Bay/Parry Sound as COVID variant cases spike
In a news release issued this morning, it says "At this time, we are unable to determine whether our district will remain in Shutdown with the Stay-at-Home Order in effect or move into the provincial framework after March 8, 2021."
"At this time, I have not advocated either way for a decision on whether the district remains in Shutdown or returns to the provincial colour-coded framework on March 8, 2021, it is simply too early to do so," stated Medical Officer of Health Jim Chirico. "I don’t yet have the evidence needed to make predictions about the potential seriousness of our local situation beyond March 8, 2021, as I need to analyze the trends in cases closer to that date. I make decisions that are informed by the current scientific evidence, knowledge, and experience we have gained since the pandemic began, consulting with trusted experts and listening to the public’s concerns.
"As we have all witnessed, our COVID-19 situation can change quickly. We have a small window of opportunity to try to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Variants of Concern in our district. We must all work together, following public health measures, to slow the spread and save lives."
