**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting one new COVID-19 case among residents in the health unit area (https://bit.ly/2EtMvH1). This case is linked to international travel. This individual has been following all the public health recommendations and remains asymptomatic in self-isolation at home.
The COVID-19 pandemic can take a tremendous toll on a person when it comes to their mental health. Remember that it can also be affecting your child’s tolerance to stress, their mood and their behaviour, especially as the school year is set to begin. Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do to support your child’s mental health and well-being.
Have conversations with your child. Be open and honest with your children and listen to their feelings related to going back to school. Visit the School Mental Health Ontario website (https://bit.ly/3bhfTw6) for ideas on social-emotional learning activities. These will help develop skills to manage stress, identify their own emotions, staying positive, find and practice nurturing relationships and more. Additionally, don’t underestimate how important free time, playing outside and just being together is for everyone’s mental health and well-being. You can also check out COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub for information pertinent to teens (https://bit.ly/3hSkfMP).
To speak to someone, your child or youth can contact Kids Help Phone through text, phone, live chat on their website (https://bit.ly/3bnzY45).
Our COVID-19 Information line is open today from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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.
Filed under: Local News