**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

Daily COVID-19 Update for Friday, May 8, 2020

A fifth death from COVID-19 was confirmed in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) Area. This individual was in his seventies and admitted to Timmins and District Hospital, having tested positive for COVID-19 on April 26, 2020. His death was related to an institutional outbreak. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, PHU, stated, “Again, these losses are extremely difficult to announce and to hear as a community. Of course, the greatest loss is for the family and friends of this gentleman. We extend our deepest condolences to them during this time.”

The health unit is declaring a COVID-19 outbreak at the South Centennial Manor in Iroquois Falls after one female resident in her nineties tested positive. All residents and staff were tested on May 4, 2020 as part of the COVID-19 surveillance testing in long-term care homes.

The current number of confirmed positive cases is now 64, 11 of which remain active. For more information, visit phu.fyi/coronavirus.

To date, 502 residents and 501 employees in 8 of the 10 long term-care homes (LTCH) across the district have been tested for COVID-19 for a total of 1003 tests as part of the surveillance testing in LTCH. As well, 25 employees at 3 of the 6 Emergency Child Care Centres have been completed.

One of the Five Ways of Well-Being is to give! Provide virtual support to loved ones and friends. If you can afford it, donate to a local food bank. If you are healthy, offer to do groceries or pick up medications for individuals who are at high risk. Follow us on Facebook to learn some activities you can do to stay well and stay safe.

Our COVID-19 Information line is open today from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-461-1818, or the PHU office in your community. See phu.fyi/offices for local contact numbers.

Filed under: Local News