MEDIA RELEASE

Caution is needed as Porcupine Health Unit Area Moves to “Yellow – Protect” on the COVID-19 Response Framework

For Immediate Release — Friday, March 19, 2021 Head Office: 169 Pine Street South Postal Bag 2012 , —Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for Timmins, ON P4N 8B7 the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is confirming that, beginning Phone: 705 267 1181 Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Government of Ontario is Fax: 705 264 3980 Toll Free: 800 461 1818 placing the Porcupine Health Unit area in the “Yellow – Protect” category of the COVID-19 Response Framework.

“Although there has been a decrease in the number of confirmed cases in the PHU area, COVID-19 is still circulating and we cannot let our guard down. There are high rates of COVID-19 cases, an alarming presence of variants of concern and significant number of outbreaks among our neighbouring health units,” states Dr. Catton. We need to continue to be cautious as variants of concern are circulating in the North and they are more infectious which means they can spread more easily.” The PHU has had many active cases and several outbreaks recently. Following the public health measures consistently and correctly is very important in preventing an increase in cases again in our area and further restrictions.

The “Yellow – Protect” level comes with a number of public health measures to protect our communities – our vulnerable people, our schools, our businesses and our workplaces. Some key restrictions at this level include:

• Limit close contacts to those who live in your household. If you live alone,

you can have close contact with one other household. • Events and social gatherings in private homes, back yards and parks are

limited to: • 10 indoors

• 25 outdoors • Organized public events and social gatherings in staffed businesses and

facilities are limited to: E-mail: • [email protected] 50 indoors Web site: www.porcupinehu.on.ca • 100 outdoors Branch Offices: Cochrane, Hearst, • Religious, wedding and funeral services are limited to: Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, • 30% capacity indoors , Matheson, , • 100 people outdoors • All open businesses must post signage at all entrances informing people how to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms.

• Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments are limited to: • 2 metres minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables • 6 people per table • No buffet type service • Sports and recreational fitness facilities limited to: • 10 people per class – indoors • 50 people in areas with weights and machines • 25 people per class - outdoors NOTE: All capacity limits are subject to the ability to maintain at least 2 metre distance from every individual in the facility AND the identified capacity limit.

A detailed list of restrictions and requirements can be found on the Porcupine Health Unit website and in the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Response Framework.

Dr. Catton stated, “Even though there is some easing of the restrictions and more businesses will open, we must continue to minimize our non-essential social interactions and treat every situation like COVID-19 is present regardless of cases reported.” Everyone has a role to play to reduce the risk of COVID-19. All PHU area residents are advised to continue to:

• Screen regularly for symptoms. • Stay home and self-isolate if you have any symptoms, even if they are mild. Call the COVID-19 Assessment Center for testing. • Limit close contact to people you live with. Maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from everyone else. • Wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces. • Also wear a mask indoors and outdoors if you are unable to maintain physical distance, or if you are in an unpredictable situation. • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • Clean commonly touched surfaces. • Avoid non-essential travel outside of . • Receive the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. Full details of the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open

Additional COVID-19 information can be found on the Porcupine Health Unit’s website.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Download the COVID Alert app.

The Porcupine Health Unit is located in , serving the entire and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ontario, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.

For further information, please contact:

Gary Schelling Communications Specialist Porcupine Health Unit 705-267-1181, ext. 2314 [email protected]