Porcupine Health Unit
169 Pine Street South P4N 8B7 Timmins, ON, Canada

As a health unit region, we’ve had a difficult start to the new year. The COVID-19 virus is to blame, not people. We are all doing the best we can, and we need to stick together and keep caring for each other no matter what happens. Being kind is one of many ways to show you care to those who are struggling. Choose kindness when discussing the COVID-19 virus. Support your community by standing up against COVID-19 stigma.

Being in close contact with people outside your household could translate into everyone having to isolate for 14 days if someone tests positive for the virus. Remember every risk you take could become a public one. If we assume that the virus is among us, we are more likely to make safer choices.

BULLETIN: Three New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 In the Porcupine Health Unit Area The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting three new COVID-19 cases among residents in the area of Hearst, Hornepayne. Two of these cases are contacts of a case, one is related to International travel. All individuals are self-isolating. Public health will notify all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. Regardless of an ann...ouncement of a case, everyone is reminded to stay home if they have symptoms and get tested. If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and complete the on-line COVID-19 Self-Assessment (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/) to determine your next steps. If testing is required, seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations/). You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818. For more information, visit our website: phu.fyi/coronavirus.

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting three new COVID-19 cases among residents in the area of Hearst, Hornepayne. Two of these cases are contacts of a case, one is related to International travel. All individuals are self-isolating. Visit phu.fyi/covid-cases for more information about confirmed cases in the PHU region. Because the vaccine arrives in waves, there isn’t enough vaccine to immunize everyone at the same ...time. For more information on when the vaccine may be available to you visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario To learn more about how the health unit is progressing with COVID-19 vaccination for our region, visit our weekly bulletin: https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca//co/covid-vaccine-bulletins/ 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. See phu.fyi/offices for local contact numbers.

It's the last week for COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Mahekun Taxi will provide rides to and from our vaccine clinics. Clients need to call 705-336-6700 to request a ride. The Porcupine Health Unit is providing COVID-19 Vaccines to anyone who wants one in Moosonee. The clinics will be held at the Moosonee Arena. Book online: phu.fyi/covid-vaccine.

For more information about limits, visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions

Opioid overdose can affect anyone. Do you know how to identify one? Check out our website to get the information to respond if you see an overdose. http://ow.ly/ux3G50uOyyU

After 10 months of living with the COVID-19 virus, we've learned a lot, and we're learning more each day. In the spirit of being transparent, we would like to highlight some changes as of November 16th. We’ve heard your feedback and on Mondays to Fridays, the Daily Update will once again report whether there has been a confirmed positive case within the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region or not. There may be bulletins and media releases that come out at other times of the day... in special situations like for example an outbreak, potential exposure or influx of cases. Over the weekend, new cases will be announced in a timely manner. Beginning November 16th, there will also be changes to our testing table. The source of the amount of tests completed will change to a provincial database. Although this means the data will be two days behind when reported, it will provide a more accurate number of tests completed throughout the PHU area. Finally, the PHU will continue to limit the case details to protect the privacy and confidentiality of positive cases. Rest assured, if there is any risk to the general public, such as attendance at a public event or location, the relevant information will be shared in a timely manner. For more information on privacy and confidentiality in the context of COVID-19, visit this page: https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca//novel-corona/covid-privacy/ You can continue to follow the community trends through our epidemiology updates that are updated every Wednesday, here: https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca//covid-epidemiology-update.p Together, let’s spread kindness, not COVID.

A Self-Assessment Tool for schools is now available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. It is important to screen your child every morning before sending them to school. This screening tool will help you decide whether you can safely send your child to school each day.

Do you have any concerns about your child’s teeth? Call us today to schedule a dental assessment and ask us how you can qualify for The Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.

The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is not reporting any confirmed cases among residents in the health unit area. Visit phu.fyi/covid-cases for more information about confirmed cases in the PHU region. Spread holiday cheer, not COVID-19! Local organizers are working to create COVID-safe Santa visits and photos. Remember to follow public health measures if you are visiting Santa’s village. As such, practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, and wash your hands often. To ...comply with provincial masking laws, Santa will be wearing a mask and guests will be required to do the same. When taking a photograph with Santa, maintain a 2-metre distance by having your children sit on wrapped packages near Santa, across the table from Santa, or separated from Santa by a sleigh or some reindeer. Visit our COVID-19 Holiday Season page for more information on how to celebrate safely: https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca//novel-coron/holiday-season/. We need everyone to act as if COVID-19 is circulating in our communities and continue to maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, stay home if you have symptoms, wear a mask in indoor public spaces and wear a mask indoors and outdoors if 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.

Make sure you don’t bring COVID-19 home. We need to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect your loved ones.

MEDIA RELEASE - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) will be conducting a telephone survey with community members across our region during the month of December. The purpose of this study is to better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Responses will be used to develop public health strategies to promote mental health. To see full media release - www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/audiences/news-media.

Harm reduction clinics are still running at all Porcupine Health Unit offices. Drop in! Pick up a naloxone kit, learn how to use it. We’re here Monday to Friday: 8:30noon and 14:30 P.M.

We have exciting news! Today, the Porcupine Health Unit launched a French-language Facebook page. If you prefer to receive our latest public health updates in French, please follow facebook.com/votreBSP. Starting today, this page will post in English only. Whether you follow us in French or English you are still going to receive the same information. www.porcupinehu.on.ca

POTENTIAL PUBLIC EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 RELATED TO MIKES RESTAURANT This afternoon, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, Porcupine Health Unit released more information about a recently confirmed case of COVID-19. Through our investigation, we have learned that there may have been potential exposure to patrons of Mikes restaurant in Timmins on Thursday, September 24, 2020, between 5 and 8 p.m. The exposure to the public is considered low risk. However, as a precauti...on, we are asking individuals who were at the restaurant during this time to self-monitor for 14 days, which ends on Friday, October 9, 2020. If you were at the restaurant and are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate at home and call the Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 Information Line at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818. The PHU is working with Mikes restaurant who remain dedicated to the measures to protect both patrons and staff. Ongoing precautions will continue to be taken by management, staff, and patrons to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the transmisson of COVID-19. If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations/). You can also call the PHU at 705-267-1181 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818. Visit Ontario’s website (covid-19.ontario.ca) to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Do students need to practice physical distancing outside at recess? Students should physically distance while outside at recess, even when they are with their cohorts. Being outside helps reduce the risk of #COVID19 spreading, but it is still important to physically distance as much as possible.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is important to remember the sacrifices we have made to get this far into the reopening of the economy. COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities, so let’s make this holiday season COVID-safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan ahead for Thanksgiving: - Only allow close contact, like hugs and handshakes, with people within your household - Practice physical distancing with everyone else, and remain at least 2 meter...s or 6 feet apart - Remember that people who have no symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the virus. If we assume that the virus is among us, we are more likely make safer choices Connecting with family and loved ones is important for our mental wellbeing; however, being in close contact with several people outside your household could translate into everyone having to isolate for 14 days if someone at the event tests positive for the virus. Remember every risk you take could become a public one. If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and contact your local Assessment Centre, your primary care provider or the Porcupine Health Unit to arrange for testing.

MEDIA RELEASE - Tuesday, October 6, 2020 This fall, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the threat of a second wave of COVID-19 infections through our area, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reminding residents that being thankful this year should look different. To see full media release: www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/audiences/news-media

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting one new COVID-19 case among residents in the health unit area. An individual between the ages of 20 and 39 is in self-isolation at home in Timmins. At this time, the current number of confirmed positive cases is 85, three of which remain active. Visit phu.fyi/covid-cases for information about positive cases in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) area. If you live in the PHU area and a...re considering travel outside of the area to hunt or celebrate Thanksgiving, the health unit’s recommendation is to avoid nonessential travel out of Northern Ontario. Those who decide to travel outside of Northern Ontario are asked to stay home as much as possible upon their return, and self-monitor for symptoms. If symptoms do present, residents should self-isolate immediately, contact their local assessment centre, health care provider or the PHU to arrange testing, especially when the travel location is high-risk. In Ontario, determine which areas are high risk with this interactive map: https://bit.ly/2DZmxLf. If you are travelling outside of Ontario make sure to visit https://travel.gc.ca/covid-19-provinces-territories to verify restrictions and exemptions before travelling to a different province/territory. As the weather changes and we migrate indoors, the potential for COVID-19 transmission increases; therefore, it’s even more important to limit social gatherings with those outside of your household, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands often and stay home if you have any symptoms. 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.

In a pandemic, the guidelines from public health can change quickly. Keep current with trustworthy information about COVID-19. The health unit continues to review the most up-to-date information daily and provides the most recent recommendations through the Daily Updates, COVID-19 phone line, website and Facebook page.

As we approach Thanksgiving, the Porcupine Health Unit wanted to acknowledge your dedication to your community. From your sacrifice to shut down in order to mitigate the spread of the virus to your commitment to modify your services and implement the recommended preventative measures, your actions have not gone unnoticed within the community. While you may be feeling COVID fatigue, it’s important not to let up on what we’ve been doing for the past few months. We may be tired... of COVID-19, but it is not tired of us just yet. We would like to hear about your innovative approaches and successes in implementing the public health measures. We are very interested in your made at home solutions to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace or business. We want to share some of your great ideas on what public health measures look like in the North. Thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do.

Words matter. Talk about opioids and substance use with your family and loved ones. Overdose-related deaths are affecting our friends, families and communities. Actions matter. Get a Naloxone kit if you or someone you know uses substances. They’re free and available at any Porcupine Health Unit office and at the locations listed on the https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free page. ... And learn what to do in case of overdose. See phu.fyi/opioids.

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH 2020 At this time, the current number of confirmed positive cases is 84, three of which remain active. Visit phu.fyi/covid-cases for more information. At this time, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is recommending families celebrate Thanksgiving with members from their household. Many of us are used to celebrating Thanksgiving together with family and friends. This year, the best thing we can all do to keep our family safe is to st...ay home and limit visits with others outside our household. However, we can still connect with each other for Thanksgiving dinner using technology. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to connect. If you want to learn about how to have a video chat, ask a neighbour or family member for help, and have a quick tutorial by phone. Together, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for months and it may have affected our mental health and substance use. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, reach out. Information about other available supports can be found on our website (https://bit.ly/38oFqlQ). Let’s spread kindness, not COVID. Respect physical distancing guidelines of at least 2 metres (6 feet), wash your hands often, wear a mask while in enclosed public places. Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your sleeve or cough into your elbow. 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.

We know YOU are working very hard at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and following public health guidance. Whether your results came back positive for COVID-19 or not, we thank you for helping us get a better picture of COVID-19 in our communities.

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 At this time, the current number of confirmed positive cases is 84, four of which remain active. Visit phu.fyi/covid-cases for more information. Together, we can limit the spread and transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Download the COVID Alert app, it can let you know of possible exposures to COVID-19 before symptoms appear. Protect your community, encourage your children who have smartphones to download the app as well. COVID... Alert is available for free use and download from the Apple and Google Play app stores. Your personal information and data are not collected. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3jbu4FL. Our COVID-19 Information line is open today from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-461-1818.

Before making plans with others, including family outside your household, you need to decide for yourself if your risk is worth the reward. The level of risk is higher in closed spaces, during prolonged exposure time and within crowds.

We understand the changes to daily living are not easy to accept, but it is important to remember the safety measures in place are to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. These uncertain times bring periods of rapid change, and with that we urge our community members to be open-minded as it relates to restrictions and limits.These changes have been ordered to slow the spread and limit new cases of COVID-19, an appropriate response to the recent significant increase in case... counts in the province. Although the PHU region has a slower increase in positive cases, we want to remind our communities that how you interact and how many close contacts you have with friends and others will play a key role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We need to keep it up! Continue with measures like physical distancing, wearing a face covering, frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick.

The Porcupine Health Unit continues to see increased rates of suspected opioid overdoses across the region. Increased rates of suspected opioid overdose is a trend that is also seen across the province. Illicit substances circulating in the area could be laced with powerful opioids and other toxic substances. If you suspect an overdose, call 911, and administer naloxone. Be mindful of hand hygiene, protective equipment, and transmission precautions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get a free naloxone kit at any Porcupine Health Unit office and at most pharmacies.