The Northwestern Health Unit is taking additional action in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus and its variants.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says, “We will be enforcing our Section 22 Order and laying fines to individuals who attend work when having symptoms of COVID-19. Staying home when you’re sick reduces the spread of COVID-19 and reduces the number of workplace cases.”
A ticket for violating the order can range from $750 to $5,000 per day.
In the past couple of weeks the Health Unit has declared outbreaks at a number of businesses in the region including No Frills in Kenora, McMunn and Yates in Fort Frances and New Gold in Barwick.
One department at New Gold was ordered shut down for 14 days as a result.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon stresses the virus is very deceiving and can spread quickly.
“Sometimes COVID-19 can disappear like a mild cold. People may think it’s not something to be worried about and it’s ok to go to work. We are seeing this over and over again. Individuals need to stay at home if they have symptoms of COVID-19, even if it just seems like a cold.”
She asks local businesses to work with their employees if they have symptoms.
