Medical Officer of Health Urging Residents to Stay Home and Follow Public Health Measures

Last night, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), issued two press releases reporting the seventh case and three additional ones, for a total of 10 cases of COVID-19 in the PHU area.

Number seven is reported to be a male in his thirties from Cochrane.

Dr. Catton said, “At this time, there are no links to either international travel or contact with other any other case. Therefore, we are considering this case to be a sign of local transmission. The COVID-19 Operations Team at the PHU is continuing to follow-up.”

The male presented himself to the Emergency Department at Lady Minto Hospital, on Sunday, March 22, where he was assessed and tested. Lady Minto Hospital medical staff took all appropriate precautions, according to Dr. Catton.

The case has followed public health guidance and remains stable, at home and in self-isolation.

Dr. Catton stresses, “The nature of this case reflects the reality that COVID-19 is circulating in our area. Who has it, where that person has been, and what he or she has been doing is less important than all of us taking preventive measures to reduce the spread. These include physical distancing — keeping at least 2 metres or 6 feet distance — between yourself and others.”

Meanwhile, the other three cases, the PHU believe, are likely linked to international travel and other cases and are in Cochrane as well. The individuals are following the directions of public health and remain in self-isolation at home with monitoring by the PHU.

“We urge each and every individual across all PHU communities to stay home as much as possible and self-isolate if unwell. It is now mandatory to self-isolate for 14 days after any international travel. We advise everyone to practice physical distancing by keeping a minimum of 2 metres between themselves and others”, emphasizes Dr. Catton.

She adds, “Everyone, not just travellers, please stay home if you’re feeling ill. Even if this feels like just a cold. You can help keep someone else from getting more seriously ill.”

The PHU noted that they will not being doing media releases with each case going forward. They state they will provide daily updates on their website and social media channels. However, the health unit will share information with the public if there is potential exposure of community members that requires follow-up, as appropriate. Likewise, if there is a change in the monitoring or overall status.

Dr. Catton adds, “We expect to see more cases, but we can slow down the spread if everyone stays home as much as possible. If you must go out, plan your errands to minimize the contact you have with other people. That’s the best way to control the spread of COVID-19. We’re all in this together. We must all do our part.”