January 3, 2012 - Officials at the Health Unit and Thunder Bay Interim LTC have declared an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness. The facility is located at 445 South James Street.

Admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled until further notice. Visitor restrictions are in place, so please call the facility for more information.

The Health Unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable: young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.

The Health Unit reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:

• Washing hands often, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Covering coughs/sneezes with the upper sleeve if no tissue is available.

• Putting all used tissues in the garbage right away.

• Staying at home if sick to avoid spreading infections to others.

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