**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, is reporting that a man in his 70s is the fourth confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region. The case is travel-related and not related to other local cases.
This individual travelled on both international and domestic flights. Dr. Catton advises,

“Anyone who sat in the rows identified below should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for any symptoms (cough, fever and/or shortness of breath). If you have any symptoms, please stay home, and call the PHU or your primary care provider.”

• March 12, 2020: Houston into Toronto Pearson International Airport on Air Canada flight AC594. Passengers in rows 20-24 and flight crew that may have served these rows are considered close contacts of the confirmed case. These individuals are directed to self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival in Canada, and contact their local public health authority if any symptoms.

• March 12, 2020: Toronto Pearson International Airport to Timmins on Air Canada, flight AC8291. Passengers in rows 5-9 and flight crew that may have served these rows are considered close contacts of the confirmed case and are directed to self-isolate for 14 days and contact the Porcupine Health Unit if any symptoms.

The individual was assessed and tested at the Timmins COVID-19 Assessment Centre on March 20, 2020. Staff took all necessary precautions for infection control, testing, and assessment. The individual followed the directions of public health and remains in self-isolation at home, with monitoring by the PHU. The PHU conducts a thorough case investigation to help identify anyone who may be a close contact. If you are considered a close contact of this or any case, you will receive a call from the PHU.

“Seeing a travel-related case in our community is an important reminder that it is critical for every individual who has travelled outside of Canada to self-isolate for 14 days to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Catton.
Dr. Catton stresses, the evolving nature of COVID-19 requires our immediate attention. “We urge each and every community member to practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of 2 metres between themselves and others; stay home, and limit potential exposure to COVID-19. Social distancing is key – we need to work together to reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread from person to person and to protect our vulnerable community members.”

The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 Information Line
• If you are experiencing fever, dry cough and/or shortness of breath, call the PHU COVID-19
Info Line at 1-800-461-1818 extension 2919.
• Available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Callers can leave messages and PHU staff will call back within 24 hours.
• At times, call volumes are high, and your patience is appreciated.
COVID-19 Assessment Centre: Intrepid Place in Timmins
• Further assessment and testing.
• Referrals by health care providers required.
• By appointment only. Walk-ins will not be seen.
• Not everyone who attends the clinic will be tested.
Prevention Measures
Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Cough into your sleeve or tissue
• Stay home if you are sick
• Practice social distancing – stay home as much as possible, limit visitors to your home.
• Do your best to keep at least two metres away from others
Symptoms of COVID-19
• Fever, cough and difficulty breathing
• Complications can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some
cases, death.
IMPORTANT: If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19
• Call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll-free 1-800-461-1818.
• Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you
visited.
• If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them if you have a
respiratory illness.
• If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and
symptoms.

Filed under: Local News