Another COVID-19 related death has been reported at Extendicare Kapuskasing.
This is the 16th death related to the virus at the long-term care facility, where an outbreak was declared in early January. It's the 25th death in the Porcupine Health Unit region since the start of the pandemic.
“This loss further reinforces the reality of COVID-19 in our communities and I urge individuals to do everything they can to prevent its spread, recognizing that many are at higher risk from the virus. Stay home as much as possible, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, wear a mask and practise physical distancing,” said Dr. Lianne Catton, medical officer of health, in a news release.
Yesterday, the health unit reported there is no variant of concern linked to the Extendicare outbreak. After a test at the facility screened positive for a potential variant, further testing determined the initial positive screen was a lab reporting error.
The test results for two positive screens for possible variants in Timmins are not available yet. Because there is a link to a known outbreak with confirmed variants, the health unit expects these tests will be confirmed variants.
Tomorrow, the shutdown measures and stay-at-home order are lifting for Porcupine Health Unit region. It is moving into the Orange - Restrict level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework.
To date, there have been 307 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Porcupine Health Unit region.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne.
The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
