**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting three more cases, for a total of 10 cases of COVID-19 in the PHU. We believe the cases are linked to international travel or contact with another case we are investigating.
The individuals are following the directions of public health and remain in self-isolation at home with monitoring by the PHU.

While these cases are likely linked to international travel and other cases, COVID-19 is circulating in our communities. We urge each and every individual across all PHU communities to stay home as much as possible and self-isolate if unwell. It is now mandatory to self-isolate for 14 days after any international travel. “We advise everyone to practice physical distancing by keeping a minimum of 2 metres between themselves and others”, emphasizes Dr. Catton.

We will provide daily updates on our website and social media channels. However, the health unit will share information with the public if there is potential exposure of community members that requires follow-up, as appropriate. Likewise, if there is a change in the monitoring or overall status.

7TH CASE: 

Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of
Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting that a male in his thirties is the seventh positive case of COVID-19 in the PHU area. Dr. Catton said,

“At this time, there are no links to either international
travel or contact with other any other case. Therefore, we are considering
this case to be a sign of local transmission. The COVID-19 Operations Team at the PHU is continuing to follow-up.”
The male presented himself to the Emergency Department at Lady Minto Hospital, on Sunday, March 22, where he was assessed and tested. Lady Minto Hospital medical staff took all appropriate precautions,
according to Dr. Catton. The case has followed public health guidance
and remains stable, at home and in self-isolation.

Dr. Catton stresses, “The nature of this case reflects the reality that COVID-19 is circulating in our area. Who has it, where that person has been, and what he or she has been doing is less important than all of us
taking preventive measures to reduce the spread.” These include physical distancing — keeping at least 2 metres or 6 feet distance — between yourself and others. She adds, “Everyone, not just travellers,
please stay home if you’re feeling ill. Even if this feels like just a cold. You can help keep someone else from getting more seriously ill.”

The PHU conducts case and contact management with all cases to help
identify anyone who may be a close contact. If you are considered a
close contact of any COVID-19 case, Dr. Catton says you will be called
by PHU staff and provided with follow-up and direction. The health unit
will also share information with the public if there is potential exposure
of community members that requires any follow-up, as appropriate.
However, confidentiality and privacy remain a priority.

Although this case has so far shown no link to international travel, Dr.
Catton emphasizes that travellers play a key role in controlling the
spread of COVID-19. “

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.”

She adds, “We
expect to see more cases, but we can slow down the spread if everyone
stays home as much as possible. If you must go out, plan your errands to
minimize the contact you have with other people. That’s the best way to
control the spread of COVID-19. We’re all in this together. Let’s all do
our part.”

Filed under: Local News