With people starting to head indoors, Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton expects to see more COVID-19 cases.
Heading into fall means school is back in session, and flu season is on the way.
“As we head indoors for the fall and spend more time in our homes and enclosed spaces, we can expect to see more COVID-19 cases. We have learned that COVID-19 spreads more readily indoors, and from person to person,” said Catton.
“It is recognized that people may be tired of COVID-19, however, now more than ever, we must remain dedicated to the public health measures. Staying home if you are not well, physical distancing, keeping to your social circles, washing your hands, and wearing a face mask remain critical. These measures helped us reopen and can make a significant difference on the duration and size of the next wave.”
By keeping low COVID-19 case numbers in the region, she said it reduces the risk in schools and helps keep local businesses open.
“We have a shared responsibility to protect the health of our communities. We are all in this together,” she said.
For flu season, the health unit is emphasizing the increased importance of getting an influenza vaccination.
Clinics will look different this year.
“The PHU will be providing larger clinics in centralized locations with space to ensure appropriate physical distancing, and other public health measures,” she said.
“Things we learn during our mass immunization clinics this flu season will help us prepare for similar immunization clinics when a COVID-19 vaccine is available. While it is recommended annually, this year it is even more important for community members to get a flu vaccine.
At the six-month mark of the pandemic, the organization is armed with more information heading into a potential second wave.
The health unit, said Catton, has been preparing for a possible second wave for the last few months.
“We will continue to leverage the strong local relationships with our community partners across sectors to prevent and quickly respond to positive cases; ensure timely access to testing of persons with symptoms; rapidly identify individuals with COVID-19; and support community members who experienced more challenges during the first wave due to difficult life circumstances,” said Catton.
“Additional public health staff have been reassigned, hired, and trained to increase the capacity for case management and contact tracing, respond to questions and concerns from community members. We have a team of public health professionals including health promoters, public health inspectors and public health nurses who are supporting the safe reopening of schools.”
As the health unit learns about emerging evidence, she said their response and recommendations are adjusted.
“We have also seen the resilience of our northern communities, and the strength of local connections between public health, municipalities, social services, educations, and health care partners. This has all been instrumental in the ongoing response,” said Catton.
One of the lessons she noted is the impact of social isolation on people.
“It’s not just children who have struggled with it. We’ve seen many adults become more stressed and more anxious. As we move forward it is important to continue to connect with others and ensure supports for all community members in a COVID-safe manner. Kindness, respect and compassion are key as we work together to follow the measures to limit the impact of COVID moving forward,” she said.
This past week, the COVID-19 cases being reported across the province have jumped.
In the Porcupine Health Unit region, one new case was reported yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 75. Of those, 64 are recovered and nine people have died. There are two known active cases.
Catton said the outbreaks in other areas of the province highlight the importance of screening.
“If you have any symptoms – even if mild, please stay home – do not go to work, school, a family BBQ, or even the grocery store. Stay home, isolate, call to get tested, and then after testing please remain at home until your test results are available. If you are well, and able to work, or to go to a small gathering, a grocery store, to a recreational facility, please remember to practise physical distancing, handwashing, mask use, cough and sneeze etiquette,” she said.
To access COVID-19 testing, call your health care provider or the health unit.
The COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne.
