A resident and four staff were the new positive COVID-19 tests reported at Extendicare Kapuskasking yesterday.
Tonight, the Porcupine Health Unit also reported a third death related to the virus at the long-term care facility.
An outbreak of the virus at the facility was declared Jan. 7.
In its daily update today, Extendicare said the staff cases were identified through the weekly staff testing. One of the staff cases is resolved.
These cases were reported by the Porcupine Health Unit yesterday.
As of yesterday, there were 28 residents with active cases and six active cases in the care team, according to the update. The staff cases are self-isolating at home. There is also three staff that are considered resolved.
Extendicare reported earlier this week that residents who had previously tested negative were being retested today.
"Our residents will continue to be screened twice daily for signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as has been our protocol since the onset of the pandemic, to ensure any change in health status is identified immediately," reads today's update.
"Medical assessments of our residents are ongoing, by our registered staff and with guidance from the physician on-site from Sensenbrenner hospital. We have enhanced infection prevention and control protocols in place and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for staff — including full gowns, face shields and masks for all shifts."
Today, the health unit has reported six cases in the region, including two linked to the Extendicare outbreak. It's not known at this time if it is staff or residents who are affected.
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.
