While a third COVID-19 outbreak was declared at a Timmins seniors' facility this week, Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton believes one will be over soon.
Yesterday, an outbreak of the virus was declared at St. Mary's Gardens after an employee tested positive. At today's daily health table update, Catton said she is waiting on more piece of information and expects the outbreak that was announced at Extendicare is on its way to being over.
Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported by the Porcupine Health Unit today, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 49.
Catton said one of those cases, a man in his 80s, was exposed at the Spruce Hill Lodge outbreak. He is in self-isolation.
“I can assure people that the home is following all of the necessary procedures to protect all residents and staff and to-date all other tests have come back negative,” she said.
Over the Easter weekend, the health unit announced there will be expanded COVID-19 testing in the area for a limited time.
“We have seen an increase for sure and I think as we see the assessment centres open in other communities that will continue to increase," said Catton.
Based on the health unit's daily numbers reported, the number of tests they are aware of increased by 274 this week. The week prior (April 6 to 10), they were aware of 142 new tests being complete.
For the new local initiative, people with milder symptoms, including the new ones recently added, across all age groups will be tested.
“This is an opportunity to see if we have more community spread than potentially recognized," she said.
Regardless of how many tests are done or how many are positive, she said the evidence-based way to prevent the spread is to physically distance, stay home as much as possible, especially if you're unwell in any way, and wash your hands.
There are currently five COVID-19 Assessment Centres in the region — Timmins, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Cochrane and Hornepayne — and one is expected to open in Hearst next week.
They are by appointment only and you must be referred by your primary healthcare provider or the health unit.
The PHU COVID-19 information line is open until 7:30 p.m. today. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
The list of symptoms now 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.
Today's update also included information from Timmins and District Hospital.
Communications specialist Kaileigh Russell said people have been asking about wearing personal masks to the hospital.
“The hospital is allowing outpatients or individuals who are coming to the hospital to come to the hospital wearing their own masks if they choose,” she said.
Whether it's a disposable procedural mask or homemade mask, she said people can wear them if they choose to.
For the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB), CAO Brian Marks said emergency child care applications opened today for people who need and qualify for the service.
There are two locations in Timmins — the YMCA on Poplar and Northern Treasures Home Child Care Agency. In Hearst it's being offered at Bouts de Chou, and Centre Educatif Rayon de Soleil (Jacques Cartier) in Kapuskasing.
