**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

There have been no new positive cases in the PHU area in the last 24 hours.

The current number of confirmed positive cases is now 58. As of yesterday, over 1715 COVID-19 tests have been completed in our region and 43 cases have been resolved. For more information, visit phu.fyi/coronavirus.

The health unit continues to be notified automatically by the lab when someone in the region has tested positive for COVID-19. Public health nurses are currently following up with 12 active cases who have tested positive as well as those identified as close contacts. Visit our website to learn more about the health unit’s response to positive cases: https://bit.ly/2VGu1ZN

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education announced that all publicly-funded schools will remain closed until at least May 31, 2020, as part of an effort to keep students, staff and families safe from COVID-19. (https://bit.ly/2SbrIMc)

It is critical that we all keep working together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible and avoid travelling between communities. Only go out if absolutely necessary to pick up groceries, prescriptions or go to a medical appointment. Maintain physical distancing. Do not visit loved ones or friends outside of your immediate household.

There are COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, Kapuskasing, Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Hornepayne. Please note that you require an appointment. Call your primary care provider or the PHU. 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.

Stay the course! COVID-19 is circulating in our communities. Stay home, stay well, stay kind, stay positive!

Filed under: Local News