SUDBURY -- The Porcupine Health Unit is conducting an outbreak assessment after a staff member at the Extendicare Long-Term Care Home in Timmins tested positive for COVID-19.
"The home has continued to test all staff for COVID-19 regularly as part of the enhanced surveillance initiative currently being implemented in long-term care facilities," the health unit said Tuesday in a news release. "All infection prevention measures have been followed. This individual is in isolation at home, and the investigation remains ongoing."
It's the 105th case in the health unit's coverage area since the pandemic began. The person was not showing symptoms when they were tested and is self-isolating at home. The source of the coronavirus infection is under investigation.
"Public health will notify all close contacts directly," the health unit said. "If you are not contacted by the PHU, you are not considered a close contact. Regardless of an announcement of a case, everyone is reminded to stay home if they have symptoms and get tested."
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and complete the online COVID-19 Self-Assessment to determine your next steps.
If testing is required, seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario. You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818.
To reduce the risk of exposure, we ask that you continue to follow public health measures:
▪ Screen regularly for symptoms.
▪ Stay home and isolate if you have any symptoms.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
▪ Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
▪ Practise two metres physical distancing.
▪ Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
▪ Wear a mask indoors and outdoors when physical distancing of two metres/six feet cannot be maintained with anyone outside your household.
