Health officials declare outbreak at Timmins hospital

Porcupine Health Unit in Timmins. Apr/20 (Lydia Chubak/CTV Northern Ontario)

SUDBURY — Health officials in Timmins have declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the local hospital after a patient has tested positive for the virus.

The Porcupine Health Unit alongside the Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) declared the outbreak after one patient had symptoms change, and was moved to isolation.

By provincial requirements, a hospital has to declare it as an outbreak, protocols that are also in place for long-term care homes.

“As a result of the enhanced surveillance measures, our staff quickly identified the change in patient symptoms and immediately completed testing and moved the patient to an isolated location,” said Blaise MacNeil, the president and CEO at the TADH.

Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms of COVID-19 is asked to use the self-assessment tool online or contact your primary care provider.