**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

There has been tremendous dedication of many community partners in response to the COVID-19 situation. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) has collaborated with the Timmins and District Hospital (TADH), Timmins Academic Family Health Team (TAFHT), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the City of Timmins to establish a COVID-19 Assessment Centre to ensure access to those who require assessment for COVID-19.

The purpose of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre is to screen community members with potential COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath and/or new or worse cough, and those who have recently travelled internationally or who have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

COVID-19 symptoms are mild in most cases, and individuals generally do not require medical assessment in the emergency department. While there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, Assessment Centres provide an opportunity for care while the emergency department and acute healthcare services are kept available for those who need it.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre will be located at Intrepid Place (located within the Canadian Mental Health Association Cochrane Timiskaming Branch building at 330 Second Avenue, Suite 201). The centre will be open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, call the PHU for screening and advice at 705-267-1181 (or 1-800-461-1818) at extension 2919. Eligible clients will be referred for an appointment at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre. This will not be a walk-in service.

Filed under: Local News