**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

The Porcupine Health Unit is reporting 3 new COVID-19 cases among residents in the health unit area. The first two cases are both females in their fifties, and both tested on Saturday, April 4. The third is a male in his eighties, tested on Sunday, April 5. The current number of confirmed positive cases is now 34. Please see www.phu.fyi/coronavirus for details.

The PHU is confirming that an employee of Extendicare Timmins tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a close contact of a confirmed case, which was not related to the facility. She has been in self-isolation since being identified as a close contact. Any resident who was experiencing symptoms was tested, and results for COVID-19 have been negative to this point. As per the Ministry of Health guidelines, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the facility. Extendicare is taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Community transmission of COVID-19 is happening in our area.
* Everyone but essential workers need to stay home.
* Only go out if absolutely necessary to pick up groceries, prescriptions or go to a medical appointment.
* Ignoring self-isolation or physical distancing advice can have devastating effects and endanger lives.

This holiday weekend, we all have to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19: limit gatherings to just your immediate household. and avoid travelling between communities for visiting. Do not visit hospitals or Long-Term Care homes.

Keep physically distant, but socially close. Stay home if you’re feeling ill. Wash your hands often. Stop the spread.

Stay home, stay well. We’re all in this together.

Filed under: Local News