A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at a Kirkland Lake long-term care home.
Today, the Timiskaming Health Unit reported one new case of the virus and an outbreak at Teck Pioneer Residence, where a staff member has tested positive.
According to the health unit, the case is under investigation and the person is self-isolating. Contact tracing is being done and people identified as close contacts will be notified. The Timiskaming Health Unit and Kirkland and District Hospital and Ontario Health - North are working closely with the facility to ensure that all measures are in place to protect residents and staff.
There have been 30 confirmed cases of the virus in the Timiskaming region. There are currently five known active cases.
“We are concerned by the trend of increased cases of COVID-19 throughout our district,” said Dr. Glenn Corneil, acting medical officer of health and CEO for the Timiskaming Health Unit, in a news release. “There is strong evidence that the second wave is hitting Timiskaming.”
The health unit is encouraging people to continue following public health measures.
“Based on local case data, we are hearing and seeing evidence of too many social gatherings and Christmas staff parties,” said Corneil. “We are strongly recommending that everyone limit close contact to their household.”
There are assessment centres in the areas of Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and Temagami. Testing is by appointment only.
The health unit's COVID-19 line phone number is 705-647-4305 ext. 7 or 1-866-747-4305 ext. 7. It is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to noon.
