The Porcupine Health Unit is reporting no new COVID-19 cases in the region today.
The last positive test was reported yesterday and is a man in his 20s in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls.
To date there have been 68 confirmed cases of the virus in health unit region. Of those, 59 are recovered and eight people have died. There is one known active case.
The health unit is aware of 9,682 tests being done, which is an increase of 193 from the last report Friday.
In the past week, 1,511 tests have been done in the region. This is an increase from the week prior when 658 tests were done. The week before that, 945 tests were completed.
"There are many reasons why the health unit is now recommending non-medical masks or face coverings. We now know that individuals infected with COVID-19 may not have symptoms but are still be able to spread the virus and that wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can help prevent the virus from spreading to others. In addition, as our communities open up, more social interactions are happening which can increase the risk of transmission," reads today's update.
"Remember, physical distancing is still strongly recommended but wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can give you an extra level of protection when you forget to physically distance or when physical distancing is not possible. Wear a non-medical mask or face-covering when in indoor public spaces; and outdoors when physical distancing is challenging."
COVID-19 testing is open to anyone who feels they need to be tested, even if you don't have symptoms. To access testing, call your health care provider or the health unit.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst and Hornepayne.
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.
