The Porcupine Health Unit is reporting a fourth COVID-19 related death.
Medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton said it is a man in his 80s who was identified in the Timmins and District Hospital outbreak. He tested positive April 22 and was admitted to hospital.
"We would like to extend our most sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones," she said in a news release.
This is the third virus-related death in Timmins, and the fourth overall for the health unit's region.
The health unit says out of respect for the family, no further details will be provided.
"We at the Timmins and District hospital also offer our condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this loss," said Blaise MacNeil, hospital president and CEO.
The investigation into the hospital outbreak, which was declared April 19, is ongoing.
"The safety and well-being of our patients and staff remains our top priority," said MacNeil in the news release. "We will continue to work closely with the Porcupine Health Unit throughout this investigation."
In the Porcupine Health Unit area, there have been 59 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those, 43 are resolved.
There are COVID-19 Assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst and Hornepayne. They are by appointment only and you must be referred by your primary healthcare provider or the health unit.
The PHU COVID-19 hotline is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
The health unit is doing expanded testing on people with milder symptoms for a limited time.
The expanded list of symptoms includes cough, fever, and difficulty breathing as well as sore throat/hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.
