Outbreak declared at Foyer des Pionniers LTC home in Hearst, Ont.

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

SUDBURY — The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) declared an outbreak at the Foyer des Pionniers LTC home in Hearst, Ont. on Sunday after an individual linked to the facility tested positive for COVID-19.

In a Sunday afternoon news bulletin, PHU did not confirm if the individual who tested positive was a resident or staff member the home.

PHU says the declaration is in accordance with provincial guidelines that deem one case in a LTC home is considered an outbreak.

This was the only new case of COVID-19 recorded by the health unit on Sunday.

There are currently 21 active cases in the PHU region with 307 cases recorded in the area since the pandemic began.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and complete the on-line COVID-19 Self-Assessment to determine your next steps.

If testing is required, seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario.

You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818.