A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Timmins and District Hospital after a patient tested positive for the virus, according to the Porcupine Health Unit.
PHU medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton said they are declaring the outbreak as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.
“As a result of the enhanced surveillance measures, our staff quickly identified the change in patient symptoms and immediately completed testing and moved the patient to an isolated location,” stated Blaise MacNeil, President and CEO at the TADH, in a news release. “Our pandemic planning process ensures we are ready to quickly respond to any changes required throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus remains on doing everything we can to ensure the continued safety of our patients and staff.”
According to the health unit, access to the hospital has been restricted and there is enhanced surveillance. The hospital is supporting the health unit to reach out to any potential contacts.
"To safeguard the privacy of patients, staff and their families, TADH will not comment on the current status of any patients or staff in hospital," reads the news release.
"The control measures that have been put in place to date include the restriction of visitors and volunteer programs, enhanced PPE requirements and active screening at all Hospital entrances. To ensure the safety of all those attending the Timmins and District Hospital, all patients and staff who provide direct patient care or work in patient care areas are required wear a mask while on site.
As of this morning, the health unit was reporting 49 confirmed cases of the virus in the region. Of those, 30 are resolved and two people have died.
The Timmins and District Hospital outbreak is the fourth at a Timmins facility.
The first was at Extendicare Timmins and has since been ended.
There are also outbreaks at Spruce Hill Lodge in South Porcupine, where two residents have tested positive, and St. Mary's Gardens where an employee tested positive.
The health unit is doing expanded testing on people with milder symptoms for a limited time.
The expanded list of symptoms include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing as well as sore throat/hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing and Hornepayne. They are by appointment only and you must be referred by your primary healthcare provider or the health unit. A centre is expected to open in Hearst this week as well.
The PHU COVID-19 hotline is open during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
