Timmins mayor says retirement home outbreak over, provides public health update

TIMMINS —
In his daily ‘Health Round Table’ Saturday, Timmins Mayor George Pirie was pleased to report a peaceful day in the city, given the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a teleconference, Pirie said the Timmins Police Service reported zero infractions to physical distancing, large gatherings or business operation legislations currently in place to curb the spread of the virus.

“Thank you very much to every citizen of Timmins for participating fully and making this the safest community we possibly can,” said Pirie.

The Porcupine Health Unit also reported no additional positive cases of the virus over the past 24 hours.

Extendicare outbreak over

The facility’s chief nursing officer, Chantal Riopel, also announced that the outbreak at the local Extendicare retirement home has now been declared over.

No spokespeople from the home were available to comment over the weekend.

As seasonal weather begins to change in the area, Riopel said it’s especially important now to be mindful of physical distancing and avoid going outside.

“People are itching to go out and resume some of their regular activities but we do still need people to stay at home as much as possible,” said Riopel.

“Going out for a walk is OK, as long as you’re doing it either by yourself or with a member of your household.”

Riopel stressed that any trips outside should be focused on gathering essentials like groceries and medication.

‘Quiet day’ but stay alert: Mayor Pirie

While no new cases have been found in the area so far this weekend, the health unit advises residents to continue strictly following public health guidelines until the threat of COVID-19 subsides.

Out of the Porcupine Health Unit’s current 1025 completed tests:

323 are under investigation
49 positive cases
30 resolved cases
2 deaths

The health unit is loosening testing requirements to those who have mild symptoms of the virus.

The first step is to use the Ontario government’s online assessment tool for further instruction, then contact the local health unit to determine if testing is needed.

As the results for pending test come through, Pirie said that information will be important to determine how the area is combating the virus.

“The next few days will be very important to us in understanding just exactly how well we’re doing in managing this crisis,” said Pirie.

“However, it is nice to report a quiet day.”