While capacity isn't an issue at Timmins and District Hospital, president and CEO Blaise MacNeil says staff are operating under additional pressure.
A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the facility April 19. Yesterday, the fourth virus-related death in the Porcupine Health Unit region was reported. It was a man in his 80s who was identified during the investigation into the outbreak. He tested positive April 22 and was admitted to hospital.
The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
“The staff at Timmins and District Hospital continue to operate in a heavy state of intensity throughout this pandemic. While the hospital has not experienced capacity issues to date, staff are operating under additional stress and pressure. You never wish an outbreak on any healthcare facility, however this is always something that is planned for,” said MacNeil at today's daily health table with local updates on the pandemic.
He said they are working closely with the health unit and ministry to make sure evidence-based best practices are and continue to be implemented.
In the Porcupine Health Unit area, no new confirmed positive tests were reported today.
There have been 59 confirmed cases of the virus so far. Of those, 43 are resolved and four people have died.
The health unit is aware of 1,875 tests completed locally, which is an increase of 86 from the last report. There are 563 tests under investigation.
This morning, Ontario Public Health announced 347 new COVID-19 cases. This is the lowest daily increase since April 6.
“These announcements show that positive progress is being made across the province and in our community. It is mentioned often and can’t be mentioned enough — this is progress. It is crucial that we continue to adhere to the social restrictions that have been implemented by public health to ensure this progress continues,” he said.
Medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton says the tragic loss highlights the seriousness of what's happening in the area.
"It is important that we continue to work together to protect our families, our friends, our neighbours and our coworkers. The Porcupine Health Unit remains committed to working with all community partners to support enhanced measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities across the region,” she said.
While the public health measures are challenging, she said it's important to keep it up.
People are asked to stay home except to get essential items, to maintain physical distancing outside their home, and to wash their hands often.
“We are at this point not ready to back down from these important measures. They can and will continue to make a difference to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community," she said.
There are COVID-19 Assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, 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 weekdays 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 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.
