There is a potential COVID-19 exposure on the Polar Bear Express this week.
An advisory has been issued for the Thursday, May 27 Ontario Northland train from Moosonee to Cochrane. The scheduled departure time was 5 p.m.
The exposure is especially for people in coach two, rows 10 to 14.
These passengers should self-isolate immediately and call the Porcupine Health Unit or your local health unit.
Other travellers should self-monitor. People who experience symptoms should self-isolate and call the health unit.
Typical COVID-19 symptoms are:
- fever
- new or worsening cough
- shortness of breath
- loss of sense of smell or taste
- sore throat or hoarse voice
- difficulty swallowing
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Atypical symptoms are:
- unexplained fatigue or malaise
- muscle aches
- delirium
- unexplained or increased number of falls
- acute functional decline
- exacerbation of current chronic conditions
- chills
- headaches
- croup
- conjuctivitis
Today, 41 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the health unit region.
To date, there have been 1,266 confirmed cases of the virus since the start of the pandemic. Of those, 933 are recovered and 26 people have died. There are a record 307 known active cases.
Due to the rise in cases, the health unit is receiving support from other regions.
People who are identified as a close contact or who receive a positive test result may see a phone number from outside the region.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Matheson, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne, as well as communities on the James Bay coast.
The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.
There is a provincial shutdown and stay-at-home order in effect until at least June 2.
