SUDBURY -- The Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed two more positive cases of COVID-19 late Wednesday night, bringing the total in the Timmins and Cochrane Districts to six.
Health officials say the fifth confirmed case is a woman in her 40s from the Timmins area and is believed to be related to international travel.
Dr. Lianne Catton, the health unit's medical officer of health, says there are no concerns about exposure to others on the international and domestic flights this woman took.
The woman was tested March 21 at the Timmins COVID-19 Assessment Centre and staff reportedly took all necessary precautions for infection control. She is in self-isolation at home and is being monitored.
Health unit officials contact anyone who may be a close contact of the patient.
The other new confirmed case in the Porcupine Health Unit area is a female in her 50s from Cochrane.
Health unit officials say it is the first case in their coverage area outside of the Timmins.
Dr. Catton says this case is also believed to be linked to international travel and is a contact of another case under investigation.
The female was assessed and tested at Lady Minto Hospital's emergency department in Cochrane, on March 21. Staff reportedly took all necessary safety precautions.
Officials say she followed public health guidance and remained in self-isolation.
She is currently in hospital and in stable condition.
Paul Chatelain is the CEO of the Cochrane hospital. He says it is important to preserve acute care capacity, so it is important that only those acutely unwell go to the emergency department as there is no other assessment centre in the community at this time.
“If you’re coming back from an international destination, we want to say, ‘Welcome home and stay home.’ Do not stop at grocery stores or the pharmacy. Get home quickly, self-isolate at home for 14 days and limit your contact with others," said Dr. Catton. "We can expect to see more cases. That’s why need we need everyone to stay home as much as possible and plan any outings to minimize the contact you have with other people. That’s the best way to control the spread of COVID-19."
The Porcupine Health Unit is located in northeastern Ontario and serves the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.
