Since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared at Timmins' hospital, about 25 per cent of its workforce, as well as patients in the affected unit have been tested, according to president and CAO Blaise MacNeil.
An outbreak of the virus was declared at Timmins and District Hospital Sunday, April 19 after a patient — a woman in her 80s — tested positive.
In the Porcupine Health Unit's investigation into the outbreak, four new confirmed cases have been identified. That brings the total number of cases in the health unit's region to date to 54. Of those, 30 people have recovered and three people have died.
During today's daily health table update, it was confirmed that two of the new cases are hospital staff and two are patients. All are women and from Timmins.
The 51st case in the PHU region is a woman in her 70s who is admitted to hospital. The 52nd case is in her 50s and in self isolation. The 53rd case is in her 20s and in self-solation. All three of these cases were tested April 19.
The 54th case is a woman in her 90s who was tested April 20. She is admitted to hospital.
“As you can all imagine the process is extensive and we continue to work with Timmins and District Hospital and their team to not only investigate any potential linkages, but also to continue to ensure all the processes and procedures are in place and remain in place as they have been for some time to protect all staff and patients,” said PHU medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton.
Before the outbreak was declared at the hospital, MacNeil said testing was quickly implemented. It included all staff and patients on the affected unit, as well as anyone else who had close contact with the patient.
Since Sunday, he said about 200 staff members have been tested, which is about 25 per cent of their total workforce.
“At this point, with the confirmation of community-spread established by the Porcupine Health Unit we cannot definitely confirm the infection was acquired in-hospital, however we are taking all precautions as we move through this investigative process. Safety and well-being of our staff and patients continues to be and remain our top priority. In line with Ministry guidelines, TDH continues to provide staff with all necessary PPE and continues to adapt our policies and processes to meet the ever-changing requirements of COVID-19," he said.
While there has been talk provincially about the COVID-19 curve flattening and potential easing of restrictions, local leaders are emphasizing the need to stay vigilant with public health measures. Those are staying home except for essential trips for groceries, doctor's appointments or to pick up prescriptions, practising physical distancing and washing your hands frequently.
Catton noted the provincial news is positive and important to hear, but said people need to remain extremly cautious.
"Especially in the north, as we know we tend to be on a different stage in the pandemic and as we continue to increase the testing across the Porcupine Health Unit region we’ll have a better idea of where things are at and where we may be on our curve and continue to go from there,” she said.
There is a limited-time testing blitz in the region, including on people with milder symptoms.
With that, MacNeil said we can assume there will continue to be new cases.
“We know that we are making progress with curbing the spread of COVID-19, but it’s vital to our healthcare sector that you continue that progress. To put into perspective today, the Porcupine Health Unit is reporting six positive cases per 10,000 population. The largest population centre in the northeast by comparison is reporting two in 10,000. This suggests that the virus is well established in our community, that is why I’m so concerned about using social restrictions currently in place. Simply put, we’re not there yet,” he said.
Timmins fire chief Tom Laughren recognized the measures in place aren't easy, and that people have worked hard to contain the virus.
“This is nowhere near over. It’s too soon to let our guard down and people need to know that. We cannot, and again I repeat that, we cannot let up,” he said.
When social restrictions are eased, Catton expects it to be a very measured approach that is still several weeks out. She said it's not going to be a sudden off switch for the measures currently in place.
“When people hear loosening of restrictions they equate that with a complete opening of the province and I would be very surprised if that happened. As a matter of fact, I’d be very concerned if that happened,” said MacNeil. “I think the easing of restrictions will probably be incremental, thoughtful and influenced by science. At least that’s my hope anyway.”
At the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, CAO Brian Marks said the emergency childcare at the Timmins YMCA on Poplar Avenue opens tomorrow.
It's for eligible emergency workers and spots are still available. The full criteria and applications area online here.
There are COVID-19 Assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, 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 during the week 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 include 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.
