COVID INFO

Visiting Superior Country

If you choose to travel, here are steps to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Don’t travel if you, or someone you are traveling with, have any symptoms of COVID-19 or feel sick. Please call the assessment centre nearest you or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.  For a list of assessment centres and contact information visit HERE
  • Always practice personal protective measures, including physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others outside of your household/ social circle, wearing a mask or face-covering when in enclosed public space and frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
  • Monitor yourself for symptoms when you are travelling and for at least 14 days after you return. If you get symptoms, even if mild, self-isolate where you are and seek assessment and testing. Close contacts would also need to self-isolate at this time.
  • Have a plan for what you will do in the event that you develop COVID-19 symptoms and are required to self-isolate for 14 days wherever you are. This could mean needing to stay in a hotel for two weeks or rearranging your travel itinerary.
  • Check the travel advisories for your destination as there may be some variation between provinces and health regions in Ontario. Visit websites of provincial governments, local health units or other authorities for the latest information specific to that area.
  • Before you travel (internationally or domestically), make sure you know your employers requirements for returning to work after travel.  For example, workplaces may require employees to self-isolate (not return to work) for two weeks after returning from domestic travel or may require proof of a negative test result to return to work after domestic travel.
  • When possible, arrange private accommodations, such as a hotel or trailer.
  • Remember not to exceed the limits for social gatherings (in Ontario, the limits are 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors) and to always practice physical distancing with individuals from outside of your social circle.
  • Try to keep visits and activities outdoors.  Physical distancing is still required with those outside of your social circle.
  • Wear a mask or face-covering when in enclosed public spaces and anywhere it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.
  • If possible, avoid public transportation (such as airplanes, buses, subways, etc.) and other crowded areas. Wear a mask or face covering if avoiding these situations is not possible.

For more information regarding the Corona Virus in the region visit the Thunder Bay Health Unit.

How safe is it in Superior Country

As of August 24, 2020, there has been a total of 41,607 confirmed cased in Ontario. Only 104 of those cases have been within the Thunder Bay District Health Unit of Northern Ontario (which is the boundaries of Ontario’s Superior Country Region) and there are only 2 current active cases. While the Provincial rate is 279.2 per 100,000 people, the rate is 71 per 100,000 in Superior Country. The remote, sparsely populated area of Superior Country is a factor in these numbers. With rural wide open spaces and smaller populations spread out through the region, Superior Country is considered quite safe.

What’s expected from Travelers?

There is a lot to consider when preparing for any trip. When visiting Superior Country during these times a few extra precautions should be taken. Getting in touch with businesses and the accommodations your staying at prior to your trip to inquire about their specific regulations is a good idea to ensure you’re prepared. Be sure to pack masks as they are required when entering enclosed public spaces. For tips on buying appropriate face masks click HERE. Also be sure to have hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes on hand and continue to be mindful of physical distancing while traveling. For more information about how to travel safely to Northern Ontario click HERE

Returning from your Trip

Once you’ve returned home from your fantastic trip to Superior Country you will want to monitor your and your travel companions for the next couple weeks. If you exhibit any symptoms during this time it is important to self isolate and get tested as soon as possible. Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-000 for further assistance and recommendations. If you do display any symptoms it’s important to notify those you have been in close contact with. It is a good idea to install the COVID Alert app prior to your trip. This app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. It checks a list of codes from people who enter it in if they have tested positive. If you have been in close proximity to one of those codes within the past 14 days, you will receive a notification. The app is privacy protected and has no way of knowing your location, name, address, contacts, or health information. It just stores random codes from your phone and other phones near you for 14 days and you must give your permission before COVID Alert shares your random code.

 

Superior Country, operating at the Nipigon Travel Information Centre, has been awarded a #SafeTravels Stamp, which is recognized globally for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols.