TIMMINS -- An employee at Extendicare Timmins is one of three people who've tested positive for COVID-19 in the city on Thursday.
Health unit officials say the woman is a close contact of another confirmed case, which is not related to the facility.
"She has been in self-isolation since being identified as a close contact," says the health unit. "As per the Ministry of Health guidelines, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the facility."
"We found out this afternoon that one of our team members tested positive for the virus. This particular person was asymptomatic and has not worked since March 31, 2020. They are recovering well in isolation at their home. The team members who may have been exposed to the virus have all tested negative for COVID-19. As well, no residents have contracted the virus. The Public Health Unit deems the spread risk to be low," said the long-term care home in a Facebook post.
The health unit reports that the Extendicare facility is taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Extendicare Regional Director Susan Enouy has provided the following statement:
"Following consultations with the local Public Health unit, Extendicare Timmins can confirm that one staff member has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The individual has been in quarantine and will remain so until such time as they are determined to have recovered. At the present time, there are no signs of COVID-19 among the remaining staff and residents of the home. Working in cooperation with the local Public Health unit, Extendicare Timmins is following all relevant procedures to mitigate the possibility that the virus may spread further. These include keeping residents isolated in their rooms and providing meals on tray services, as well as checking temperatures twice per day. Staff members are screened before and after each shift to return home. We will provide updates on this situation as new information becomes available and we thank our staff for their dedication and commitment during these difficult times."
This is a developing story. More to come, check back for updates.