Proactive testing has revealed six cases of COVID-19 at a pair of seniors’ facilities in Englehart and Haileybury.

The Timiskaming Health Unit has declared formal outbreaks at Northview Nursing Home in Englehart, where two patients tested positive, and Temiskaming Lodge in Haileybury, where three staff and one patient have tested positive.

Health Unit officials say all those affected are in stable condition and in isolation. Three of the cases showed no symptoms prior to testing, and three others had “very mild” symptoms.

It should be noted that Ministry direction requires an outbreak be declared with a single laboratory-confirmed case in a resident or staff member.

According to health unit officials “earlier this week the Ontario government launched a province wide surveillance testing initiative for all long term care home residents and staff, including asymptomatic people. Two residents of the Northview Nursing Home in Englehart have been confirmed positive, while the Temiskaming Lodge in Haileybury has one resident and three staff members who have tested positive. All affected residents are in isolation and are medically stable. Positive staff members have been notified and are in self-isolation.

Officials add “The health unit, along with local hospitals and Ontario Health, are working closely with these facilities to ensure all measures are in place to protect residents and staff.

Investigations regarding these cases continue with contact tracing, in order to further reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Dr. Glenn Corneil, Acting Medical Officer of Health/CEO for the Timiskaming district said, “Having had previous cases of COVID-19 transmitted through community spread we knew the possibility of more cases existed. Even if people have mild symptoms the risk of transmission needs to be taken very seriously, and everyone needs to continue to follow all recommended public health measures to protect themselves and others.”