**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

There have been no new positive cases in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) area since May 10, 2020. The total number of confirmed positive cases is 65. No cases are currently active.

Yesterday, the Ontario government extended all emergency orders currently in force until June 30, 2020. A full list of emergency orders can be found on Ontario’s website.

Unfortunately, in the PHU area, there are 8 out of 65 individuals who have tested positive and lost their life, making our rate higher than the province and northern Ontario. Similar to other infections or diseases, many individual factors influence health outcomes. These include age or underlying medical conditions, but also systemic or social factors such as poverty, ethnicity and housing. In general, our population is older and experiences higher rates of smoking, alcohol use, obesity and chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes) compared to Ontario. This can lead to more negative outcomes for our residents who have COVID-19. For more details, see our weekly Epidemiology Update.

If you are spending time with people outside your household or social circle, do it safely: keep 2 metres between yourself and others, or wear a mask where that’s not possible. If you’re sick, please don’t visit, and call to get tested. Use proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer, and do not touch your face.

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 our office listings for local contact numbers.

Stay home if you have symptoms. Stay safe.

Filed under: Local News