**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Last night, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, Porcupine Health Unit, reported the fourth death attributed to COVID-19. “It is with extreme sadness that we are announcing another tragic loss related to COVID-19.” This individual, a male in his eighties, was identified during the outbreak investigation at Timmins and District Hospital, tested positive on April 22, 2020, and was admitted to hospital. “We would like to extend our most sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

This tragic loss highlights the seriousness of what is happening in our communities. It is important to keep working together to protect our families, friends, neighbours and co-workers.

The Porcupine Health Unit remains committed to working with all community partners to support enhanced measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities across the region.

The current number of confirmed positive cases is now 59.

Keep current with trustworthy information about COVID-19. The health unit continues to review the most up-to-date information and provides the most recent recommendations through the Daily Updates, COVID-19 phone line, website and Facebook page.

“Thank you for following physical distancing measures and staying home as much as possible. It is making a difference! These are challenging times, but it is critical that we all keep it up,” says Dr. Lianne Catton.

There are COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, Kapuskasing, Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Hornepayne. Please note that you require an appointment. Call your primary care provider or the PHU. Our COVID-19 Information line is open today from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-461-1818, or the PHU office in your community. See phu.fyi/offices for local contact numbers.

Stay home, stay kind, stay positive!

Filed under: Local News