Four new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Cochrane.
According to the Porcupine Health Unit, a man in his 30s is the seventh positive case in the area. While three additional cases were also confirmed, no further details were provided.
These results bring the total positive COVID-19 cases in the Porcupine Health Unit region to 10.
The man in his 30s went to the Lady Minto Hospital emergency department in Cochrane March 22 and was tested. He remains stable at home in self-isolation.
“At this time, there are no links to either international travel or contact with 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," said Catton in a news release.
She said the case shows COVID-19 is circulating in the area.
“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," she said.
The health unit believes the three other cases are linked to international travel or contact with a case they are already investigating.
Moving forward, the health unit said they won't be doing media releases for every positive case.
"We will provide daily updates on our 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," reads the news release.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 — fever, dry cough and/or shortness of breath — call the Porcupine Health Unit information line at 1-800-461-1818.
It's available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you leave a message, staff will get back to you within 24 hours.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Timmins is located at the Intrepid Centre at the Canadian Mental Health Association's branch on Second Avenue. While it was originally scheduled for weekdays, Catton said it will be open again this weekend.
It is by appointment only, with people needing a referral from their doctor, Porcupine Health Unit or Telehealth. Find out what you need to know about how to access it here.
