Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting two new COVID-19 cases in residents in the areas of Greater Sudbury, Sudbury District, and Manitoulin District.
“This is a serious reminder that the risk of infection is still present. Although we haven’t reported a case of COVID-19 since May 14, these new cases are a reality check and strong reminder that we must keep up our guard to control the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“We are not clear of the virus yet. With the re-opening of the province, we have more opportunities to interact with each other and for the virus to spread. With re-opening, it is sort of like the speed limit has increased in our area and so now more than ever, we need to “wear our seatbelts”.
The two cases reported are the area's 65th and 66th individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Case number 65 is a man in his 20s, while case number 66 is a woman in her 20s. Both individuals were exposed to the virus through contact of a case with unknown exposure.
Both individuals were tested on June 17 and are currently self-isolating.
"For COVID-19, our seatbelts are washing our hands, keeping our distance, wearing non-medical masks, staying home when ill, and getting tested," said Sutcliffe.
"These are small prices to pay for the benefits of businesses re-opening, social isolation ending, and mental health flourishing. It is literally in our own hands to make this successful."
Gatherings, physical distancing and social circles
Although permissible for up to 10 people, non-essential in-person gatherings of any size should be limited. Limiting our contacts and in-person interactions as much as possible is critical in reducing transmission of COVID-19. With few exceptions, gatherings are currently maxed at 10 people, and unless these people are from the same household or social circle, they are expected to keep 2 metres apart.
Close contact is permitted within “social circles” and within the same household. A social circle can only include up to 10 people and must always be with the same people. You can only belong to one social circle.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Wash your hands often and when visibly dirty for 15 seconds.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or a tissue, throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay two metres (six feet) apart from others.
- Wear a non-medical mask if, if you cannot stay two meters apart from others.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stay home if you are unwell.
If you have a COVID-19 symptom, get tested. People who are asymptomatic, who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19 or those who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment are also encouraged to contact an assessment centre and get tested.
Travel information:
All residents who are planning to travel should be aware that COVID-19 still circulating at different levels around the province. The safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region.
- For anyone who has recently travelled, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for updates on COVID-19 exposures.
- If you think you have traveled somewhere (within or outside of Ontario) where you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
- Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada is directed to self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival in Canada.
Updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, and outbreaks in Greater Sudbury, the District of Sudbury, and the District of Manitoulin are posted online.
For more information or if you have questions or concerns, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about the province’s response to COVID-19.
