The 76th confirmed COVID-19 case in the Porcupine Health Unit region is in Moose Factory Island, according to a statement from Chief Mervin Cheechoo.
Earlier today, the health unit reported the new case is in an individual between the age of 20 to 40. They are in self-isoloation at home. It's the first case of the virus to be reported in the James and Hudson Bay region.
"The Moose Factory Health Centre has now ensured that the confirmed case and contacts made have been isolated, any additional contacts named will be notified," said Cheechoo in the statement.
"Meetings have been held with the Moose Factory Pandemic Emergency Operations Team (PEOT), Council and with representatives of Weeneebayko Area Health Authority regarding a collective response in an attempt to prevent further confirmed cases in our community."
According to the statement, the PEOT is recommending for everyone on Moose Factory Island to:
• stay home and not have visitors
• self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
• wear a mask when leaving home
• have one person from your household do groceries
• frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer
• stay at least six-feet away from people who don't live in your household
"Rest assured that the Moose Cree First Nation Chief & Council and the PEOT will continue to monitor and discuss this situation throughout the weekend and in the coming days," reads the statement.
"I urge everyone to remain calm and to strictly follow the above recommendations."
If you begin to show symptoms, call the Moose Factory Health Centre at 705-658-4220.
To access COVID-19 testing in other areas of the region, you should also 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.
