SUDBURY -- COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared at Extendicare Falconbridge and Extendicare York in Greater Sudbury after one staff member at each facility tested positive for the disease.
"To date, no residents have tested positive in relation to these outbreaks," Public Health Sudbury & Districts said in a news release Tuesday afternoon. "Public Health is actively working with both long-term care homes to investigate the outbreaks and to protect residents and staff."
The health unit is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID. The safest options are to avoid non-essential travel, limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, and to practise physical distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands.
For all outings, continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.
“The need for workers and everyone to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home when ill, is critical for the health and well-being of everyone in our community," Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health, said in the release.
"If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please take it seriously, even if they are mild … Learn the symptoms, use the available screening tools, and get tested. We know this may result in making the difficult decision to call in sick to work or to not attend class, but everyone will thank you for it. This seemingly small action will go a long way in keeping our community COVID-safe and protecting vulnerable populations.”
Anyone who is planning to travel should be aware that COVID-19 continues to circulate at different levels around the province and the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community.
Currently, the area covered by the health unit is in the yellow/protect zone. All travel to green/prevent zones should be avoided.
For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call the health unit at 705.522.9200, toll-free 1.866.522.9200.
