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COVID-19 outbreak declared at Timmins longterm care facility

Medical officer of health believes risk to other staff, residents is low
COVID-19-03
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An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at Extendicare Timmins after an employee tested positive.

Porcupine Health Unit Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lianne Catton said the woman was identified as a close contact of another case, which wasn't related to the long-term care facility. Because the worker was identified as a close contact, she was already in self-isolation.

Residents experiencing symptoms have been tested, and at this point she said the results have been negative across the facility.

Through the health unit's investigation, Catton believes the potential risk to residents and staff is very low.

"At this point in time we do have to declare it as an outbreak and that’s simply because of the guidance from the Ministry of Health that determines that any one case in either a staff member or a resident of a longterm care facility or home dictates that we declare it as an outbreak. But I would just like to assure you that it still is only one case at this point. We will continue to follow all the outbreak measures and work with Extendicare who have done an extremely great job of already implementing the measures to prevent spread within their facility going forward,” she said. 

Today, three new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Timmins, bringing the total number of cases in the PHU region to 34.

The 32nd case is woman in her 50s and is community exposure. She was tested April 4 and is in self-isolation.

A woman in her 50s is the 33rd case and is a contact of a confirmed case. She was tested April 4 and is in self-isolation.

A man in his 80s is the 34th case and is a contact of a confirmed case. He was tested April 5 and is admitted to hospital.

As of this morning, the PHU is aware of 562 COVID-19 tests. Of the 34 positive cases, 11 are resolved and two people have died. There have been 415 negative tests, and they are awaiting on the results of 113.

At longterm care facilities, Catton said any tests being done for any respiratory symptoms or potential outbreaks have been tested for COVID as well. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, she said the health unit has been working with longterm care facilities and nursing homes to prepare and respond to the virus.

“And they already have extremely strong procedures and staff with respect to infection prevention and control and measures that are dedicated to protecting staff and protecting their residents in the event of any outbreak,” she said.

She noted it's something that's done every year for influenza, and measures have been strengthened for COVID-19.

“It’s ranged from not only screening visitors and screening staff to now the complete limitation of any visitors and only essential workers are going in. There’s active screening done of staff and individuals that are resdiging within the home,” she said.

Catton said residents are also monitored for symptoms and are tested immediately if there's any potential concern.