No new confirmed COVID-19 cases or recoveries were reported by the Porcupine Health Unit today.

So far, there have been 65 confirmed cases in the region. Of those, 49 are resolved and five people have died. The health unit is following 11 known active cases of the virus. 

In Ontario, 361 new lab-confirmed cases were reported today, which is a 1.8 per cent increase. The province has recorded a total of 20,907 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario since Jan. 15. Of those, 15,391 people have recovered (73.6 per cent) and 1,725 people have died (8.3 per cent).

The Porcupine Health Unit has released its second local epidemiology report. Compared to other Northern Ontario health units, the local health unit continues to have the highest rate of infection, as well as the highest fatality rate. Find out more about this week’s report here.

Local golf clubs are getting ready for the season. Read more about the progress and changes for COVID-19 here.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $2.5 billion aid package for seniors today, which includes one-time top-ups to Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. 

The essential workers of the day are RPNS Natalie Cochrane, Sherry Fera and Vicky Osawamick.