PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT
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With the increased number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ontario, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) would like to ensure that residents are aware of the steps we can all take to reduce the spread of infection. The health unit’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lianne Catton, says that the health unit is working with Public Health Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Health and local health authorities to closely monitor and plan any local response.
“This is the type of thing public health prepares for – responding to new infectious diseases to protect the health of community members,” says Dr. Catton. “The PHU outbreak management team is meeting daily to ensure appropriate preparation measures and plans are in place. We are ready to respond to any potential cases and support local health care providers.”
The PHU team continues regular communication with health system partners. Dr. Catton sits on the North COVID-19 regional table, which includes the seven northern Medical Officers of Health, hospitals, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), Ontario Health, and other partners. The health unit is working with partners in all PHU communities to plan for the next steps in the COVID-19 response.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that originated in Wuhan, China. The first presumptive case of this virus in Ontario was identified on Jan. 25, 2020.
Dr. Catton also notes that there are simple actions everyone can take that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health: wash your hands often with soap and water, sneeze and cough into your sleeve, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, avoid contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick. She says it is important for all community members to reinforce and follow these measures at work, home, school, in social settings, and if travelling.
“With March Break around the corner,” Dr. Catton added, “many residents have questions about travel.” She encourages all travellers to consult Travel Canada’s website (Travel.gc.ca) for current travel advisories, including information about COVID-19. “Recent updates have included a recommendation that Canadians avoid cruise ships,” she adds. Any travel should include an individual risk assessment, taking into account one’s underlying health condition, the destination and the availability of health services once there.
Currently, Dr. Catton advises all international travellers to follow the Public Health Agency of Canada and Ministry of Health guidelines and monitor their health for fever and/or onset of cough or difficulty breathing for 14 days after arriving back in Canada. If symptoms develop within 14 days, returning travellers are directed to self-isolate as quickly as possible and immediately call their health care provider or the PHU for assessment and potential testing.
“There have been no cases in the Porcupine Health Unit area, however, we continue to monitor the situation, especially with the first Northern Ontario case confirmed in Sudbury,” said Dr. Catton. This individual attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2020 Convention in Toronto on March 2 and 3. Dr. Catton adds, “At this time, as a precautionary measure, we are recommending individuals who attended the PDAC 2020 to monitor for symptoms (fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing) for 14 days.”
She advises that if symptoms develop within 14 days of the event, individuals are to self-isolate as quickly as possible and call their health care professional or the Porcupine Health Unit to make arrangements to be assessed for testing.
If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, call Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1.866.797.0007) or the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 (toll-free 1-800-461-1818). Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the places you visited.
For the most up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus, Dr. Catton recommends both the web pages from the Province of Ontario (Ontario.ca/coronavirus) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (Canada.ca/coronavirus).
The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ont., with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.
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