**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

There have been no new positive cases in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) within the last 24 hours. The current number of confirmed positive cases is 69. No cases are currently active.

Children can be carriers of COVID-19 whether they are showing symptoms or not. Children over the age of 2 should wear a non-medical mask or face-covering to protect those around them. Face coverings are not recommended for children under 2 years of age or wherever one cannot be worn safely. Once a face covering is in place, children should not touch it, as doing so will increase their risk of contamination. If you believe your child can understand and follow the proper etiquette for wearing a face covering, encourage your child to wear one. Explain the reason for wearing a face-covering and listen to their feelings and concerns. If possible, involve your child in choosing a face covering. Patterns, colours or cartoon characters may be more appealing for them to wear it. Give them time to practice wearing it at home. Introduce a sense of play, pretending to be a doctor or superhero, or practice on stuffed animals. Remember that you are a role model, wear a face covering too.

Teach children the importance of public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Together, continue to physically distance in public, wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, wash commonly touched surfaces and stay home if not feeling well.

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 our office listings for local contact numbers.

Filed under: Local News