**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), today stated that, “It is my unfortunate
duty to report that we’ve had our first death from COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit region.” This individual was in her 60s and admitted to Timmins and District Hospital, having tested positive for
COVID-19 on March 23, 2020. Out of respect for her family, no further information will be shared. “On behalf of the PHU, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends,” says Catton.
“This tragic loss highlights the seriousness of what is happening in our communities,” Catton continues. “This is a stressful time for all. We need to continue to work together to protect our families, neighbours, coworkers, and communities to limit the spread of COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible. If you have to go out, practice physical
distancing and keep at least 2 metres or 6 feet distance between yourself and others. Everyone, not just travellers, please stay home if you’re feeling ill. You can help keep someone else from getting more
seriously ill.”

Second Death:

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit is announcing “the tragic loss of another life related to COVID-19. Having to share the death of anyone related to COVID-19 is terrible, and to do this twice in one day is incredibly sad.” She adds, “Of course, the greatest loss is for the family and friends of the individual.” The individual, a female in her 50’s, tested positive on April 2, 2020, and was admitted to Lady Minto Hospital. “We extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of this woman,” said Dr. Catton. Out of respect for the family no further details will be released.

Paul Chatelain, CEO of MICs Group of Health Services, said, “We are deeply saddened with the passing of our patient. The front line staff and all of us at Lady Minto Hospital wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family.”
Although some groups such as older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk, anyone can develop this infection. While most cases are mild in nature, serious complications can occur. The Porcupine Health Unit continues to promote the important measure that will help protect us all from COVID-19. “We encourage everyone to stay home as much as possible, avoid non-essential trips and maintain two metres between yourself and others when you do need to leave your home,” says Dr. Catton. “With cases signalling local transmission, we all play a role in reducing tragic outcomes from COVID-19.”

 

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/selfassessment/#
q0) to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance, call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-
0000 or your health care provider. You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll free at 1-800-461-1818. Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues
to protect Ontarians from COVID-19 (Ontario.ca/coronavirus).
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