**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASE**

DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting one new COVID-19 case among residents in the health unit area (https://bit.ly/2EtMvH1). A male in his 40s is in self-isolation at home in Timmins. The investigation is ongoing. The current number of confirmed positive cases is now 75, two of which remain active.
Storing masks to prevent contamination to other people, or to your own hands is important. Safe storing of masks is also something you want to consider teaching your children for school. When not being worn, for example during lunch or snack breaks, your child should store their mask in a space away from others.
Consider sending your child to school with a storage container or bag into which they can put their mask and easily take it out again by the ear loops, without touching the fabric of the mask. Lanyards or clips around the neck that keep the masks loose, dangling and exposed can be both a chocking hazard and way to spread unwanted germs.
With your child, practice putting on and taking off your mask safely. Wash your hands before, be careful not to touch the outer-facing side of the mask that may be contaminated, and wash your hands afterwards, using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
We are in this together, and we all need to know and follow the basic rules for safe schools. Take steps to protect yourself and your children from COVID-19. Continue to wash your hands often, practice coughing and sneezing etiquette, maintain physical distancing, and wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and outdoors when physical distancing is a challenge.
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.