**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
The Porcupine Health Unit is reporting two new cases (https://bit.ly/3c41zYh). At this time, the current number of confirmed positive cases is now 79, five of which remain active.
Some teens and young adults are gathering in groups without maintaining physical distancing or wearing face coverings. COVID-19 continues to circulate in any age group and being young doesn’t make you immune to COVID-19.
As teens and young adults are building their independence, it can be difficult to influence their behaviour. When talking to teens about COVID-19, help them understand the potential consequences of their behaviour on themselves, their family and their friends. Share information from stories of young adults who contracted COVID-19 and unknowingly infected others in his family then brainstorm suggestions with them by asking “What do you think we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe?” View stories of young people “Coming back from COVID-19” here: https://bit.ly/3hBu4hn.
Remind young people that this won’t last forever, even if it feels like it sometimes. By working together, we can keep transmission low and minimize the risk – for us, for our families, for everyone. Encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 including: washing hands often, practicing coughing and sneezing etiquette, maintaining physical distancing, and wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces; and outdoors when physical distancing is a challenge.
Our COVID-19 Information line is open today from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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