The Porcupine Health Unit is not reporting any new confirmed COVID-19 cases today.
In Ontario, 211 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported this morning, which is the highest number of confirmed cases reported in a single day so far. There are now 1,355 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ontario and there remain eight reported recoveries from the virus. The province is now also reporting 21 deaths attributed to COVID-19, though in two of those cases the cause of death is not lab-confirmed.
To date, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is aware of 253 local COVID-19 tests being submitted. Of those, 10 are positive (there are five in Timmins and five in Cochrane), 158 are negative, and they're waiting on the results of 85.
In an update yesterday, PHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lianne Catton said she expects the number of positive tests will increase locally. Friday, four cases were confirmed in Cochrane, including the first community-spread case in the region. She is urging all community members to stay home to slow the spread of the virus and decrease the number of cases. She said people "need to consider that exposure is possible anywhere in any community."
The Quebec government has introduced border restrictions at some Ontario-Quebec crossings. The changes were announced yesterday.
For gatherings, the province has reduced the maximum size to five people, and major fines have been introduced for companies that are price gouging. Read more on the changes here.
Timmins Police are reassuring the public that its staffing levels of front line officers and specialty investigative units are at "optimum levels". Read what the police chief had to say about the situation here.
Northern College is partnering with Living Space and the Cochrane District Scoail Services Administration Board to provide emergency accommodations at the college residence. More than 20 people were moved into the residence last week, with more expected to arrive this coming week. According to the college, Living Space staff are on-site 24 hours a day.
Have you (or someone you know) gone above and beyond to help a neighbour during the pandemic or found a unique way to say thanks — from a safe distance — to essential workers? Send your photo or video to [email protected].
