PHSD Reports COVID-19 Deaths in Sudbury District, Declining Cases in Northern District

More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports two in the Sudbury District, but does not specify the community - the district has only seen sixteen so far, though this brings the health unit's death toll to 185, mainly in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's also reporting 80 new cases since Wednesday - 70 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 378, with 65 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down slightly, from 36 on Wednesday to 31 - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, and the health unit is still showing two outbreaks at Chapleau Health Services: in the Acute Wing of Medical Unit 2 and in the Long-Term Care Area.

Chapleau Health Services' has noted the outbreak's affecting patients and residents as well as staff and designated caregivers, with staff "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic", prompting restrictions on visitors and the temporary cancellation of non-essential appointments - in fact, it's warning people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care", instead recommending calling 8-1-1 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online for information, advice, and referrals.

It's also urging people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and booking a vaccine booster "without delay", as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19".

Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.