Dr. Jim Chirico says those upset with the recent lockdown restrictions in the region mandated by the local health unit need to really take a look at the big picture.
"We need to focus on the big picture, the province is facing a health crisis," said Dr. Chirico in an email to BayToday.
"Just south of us Simcoe-Muskoka Health Unit has experienced a tragic outbreak based on a COVID-19 variant that is highly contagious. We must do everything possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in order to save lives."
See related: Health Unit closes OFSC snowmobile trails
Dr. Jim Chirico ordered all Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs’ (OFSC) trails, and trails utilizing Crown Land in the district to close effective Thursday, January 21.
Back on January 14, all City of North Bay outdoor municipal rinks and tobogganing hills were closed until further notice under the direction of the North Bay Parry Sound District Medical Officer of Health.
"In contrast to not being able to snowmobile, skate or slide during the stay-at-home order, what would truly be intolerable is having a loved one in hospital due to COVID-19 and not being able to visit them," noted Dr. Chirico.
"Or not being able to visit close family members in long-term care – or not having room in the ICU when a loved one really needs it. We don’t want our doctors to have to make tough decisions about who gets an ICU bed and who does not."
Snowmobile enthusiasts in the region have been the most outspoken about the local restrictions. The North Bay Snowmobile Club is disappointed but is following the health unit guidelines, while a very small group of sledders organized a protest in front of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit last Monday.
The provincial lockdown in Ontario is set to end on Feb. 11.
