The state of emergency declaration in Timmins has been lifted.
The situation was declared April 3 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We've been living with this pandemic for half a year in Timmins, and there is no obvious end in the foreseeable future," said Timmins Mayor George Pirie in a news release.
"Our citizens know that life has changed. They know that physical distancing and wearing masks are necessary. They know that frequent hand washing is a must. They know that they are responsible to look out for their own health."
A state of emergency declaration takes place under Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which promotes the public good by protecting the health, safety and welfare of people in times of emergencies.
At the time it was declared, it was to raise public awareness about the gravity of the pandemic, protect volunteers as it provided them with WSIB coverage, and make sure the corporation could respond quickly to ofther unforeseen events.
Currently in the Porcupine Health Unit region, there have been 72 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Of those, 64 are resolved and eight people have died. There are no known cases of the virus.
The health unit is aware of 15,217 tests being done locally.
The mask order issued by the Porcupine Health Unit remains in effect.
"The City of Timmins stands behind Dr. Catton and thanks her for her unwavering leadership throughout this crisis," said Pirie. "As a community we owe a debt of gratitude to so many frontline workers across the city with a heart of gold. We cannot ignore that debt by relaxing our precautions. As we adjust to living with the pandemic we must remain ever vigilant."
COVID-19 testing is open to anyone who feels they need to be tested, even if you don't have symptoms. To access testing, call your health care provider or the health unit.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst and Hornepayne.
It is now open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
