Timmins area records eighth COVID-19 related death

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

SUDBURY — In a June 13 news release, the Porcupine Health Unit confirmed the district's eighth COVID-19 related death.

A woman in her 90s was admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 on April 20.

Public health officials confirmed the case stemmed from the outbreak at Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) on May 11.

"It is with extreme sadness that we have to share that there has been a eighth death related to COVID-19," said Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health said in the release.

"This news serves as an important reminder of the need to remain committed to the steps that reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent other families from experiencing such tremendous loss,” says Dr. Catton.

TADH continues to operate with visitor restrictions in place to ensure the safety of all patients and staff at the hospital.

Restrictions include the use of enhanced personal protective equipment and active screening at all hospital entrances.

Health officials are encouraging any person attending TADH to bring their own face coverings and all patients and staff who provide direct patient care or who work in patient care areas are required to wear a mask while on site.