The Timmins Public Health Ontario lab is now running COVID-19 tests in the region, according to Porcupine Health Unit Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lianne Catton.
In today's daily health table update for the region, Catton also said COVID-19 assessment centres are being set up in Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. More details on those locations are expected later today.
Being able to run tests locally will decrease the transportation time for the area, as tests were previously sent down south.
“We can expect increase in test capacity and wait times to improve, however at the same time as we see increased testing across the region, that will also impact the wait times for any test results,” said Catton.
While the lab will confirm the results of local tests, the process to be tested remains the same. Catton said people should use the self-assessment tool online, then contact their primary care provider or Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818 for a referral to a COVID-19 assessment centre, which are by appointment only.
Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Timmins last night, bringing the total number of positive cases in the Porcupine Health Unit area to 12 — seven in Timmins and five in Cochrane.
The 11th case is a woman in her 60s who was a close contact of a confirmed case. Catton said she was following public health guidance before becoming symptomatic and there is no concern for potential exposure to anyone.
The 12th case is a woman in her 30s who had travelled internationally and is a close contact of a confirmed case. Both are self-isolating.
As of this morning, the Porcupine Health Unit is aware of 287 tests submitted locally. Of those, there 12 positive tests, 177 negative, and they are waiting for the results of 98. Five local cases that tested positive have been resolved.
For testing procedures, Catton said the PHU follows the provincial guidance. She said there has been some expanded guidelines for testing consideration, and noted the most recent update "still recognizes international travel and close contact with a confirmed case as a major category to consider testing."
As more assessment centres open, she expects more people will be tested, but said it's not a guarantee that everyone will be tested.
“We do agree and cannot deny much of the speculation that there are more cases, we have been saying this. We want individuals in each of our communities to act as though there are cases in their communities. We want everyone to assume that there’s potential exposure when you’re out in public and that is why it is just so tremendously important to follow the public health measures of staying home as much as possible and all of the other things that we continue to ask and remind individuals to follow,” she said.
Catton said the key recommendations are the same.
"We expect more cases, we expect more communities to be impacted, but we want to reduce this as much as possible and we need your help. Stay home, self-isolate if unwell and help us stop the spread,” she said.
The daily call also includes updates from other service providers in Timmins.
Highlights of those are:
Timmins and District Hospital
Communications specialist Kaileigh Russell said the hospital is working to build capacity 24/7.
As of this morning there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 admitted at the hospital.
“Consistent with our pandemic planning process, we have been able to double our ventilator capacity and critical care capacity and this gives us access to potentially 51 beds as of today,” she said.
When cases of novel coronavirus began to be known, she said the hospital's pandemic plan was implemented.
“This plan is continuously updated based on accurate information to meet the ever-changing needs of COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital remains focused on ensuring that any individual requiring medical care receives the best care possible,” she said.
City of Timmins
Last night, the province extended its emergency order and announced the closure of outdoor recreational amenities.
Timmins CAO Dave Landers said the city is doing an inventory of its parks and park areas and will be moving to closing the areas off.
Timmins Police Service
Chief John Gauthier noted that since the provincial emergency was declared earlier ths month, several emergency orders have been made under the emergency management and civil protection act to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“The community needs to understand that this is a serious matter relating to the health and safety of all of our citizens. We are strongly urging everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and reminding citizens that failing to comply with emergency order is an offence that can carry serious consequences,” he said.
To report a violation of the EMCPA, contact Service Timmins at 705-264-1331. Calling in suspected violations through 911 is discouraged. If you call in a suspected violation at the Timmins Police Service administrative line at 705-264-1201, in most circumstances you weill be re-routed to Service Timmins.
Timmins Fire Department
As emergency manager, fire chief Tom Laughren reminded people that this is an emergency we've never seen before.
"We’ve had forest fires, we’ve had floods, we’ve had SARS and that, but this is completely different. This is attacking the entire world and it starts with everyone, and that’s the key here. From our personal hand hygiene, the way we behave, the way we socially distance; what this looks like going forward is entirely dependent on you. I’ll do my part, will you,” he said.
