A third COVID-19 death has been reported in the Porcupine Health Unit region.
Medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton said it is a man in his 70s who tested positive April 5 and was admitted to Timmins and District Hospital. She said it is not related to one of the institutional outbreaks.
"On behalf of the PHU, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends," said Catton in a news release.
This is the third death related to the virus in the health unit's area.
Earlier this month, a woman in her 60s who was admitted to Timmins and District Hospital, and a woman in her 50s who was admitted to Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane died from the virus.
While older adults and people with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk, the health unit warns people that anyone can develop the infection.
"Continue to stay home as much as possible, avoid non-essential trips and maintain two metres between yourself and others when you do need to leave your home," said Catton. "COVID-19 is circulating in our communities, and we all play a role in reducing tragic outcomes from this pandemic."
As of this morning, the health unit had reported 49 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region.
Tonight, however, an outbreak of the virus was declared at Timmins and District Hospital after a patient tested positive.
The TDH 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.
