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

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - but "active" cases are declining.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 89 since Friday - 74 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the broader Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dropped to 337, with 62 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down slightly, from 31 on Friday to 26 - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

There is some mixed news for Chapleau, as the health unit's declared an end to the outbreak in the Acute Wing of Chapleau Health Services Medical Unit 2, though the outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area is still considered "active".

Amid the outbreaks, Chapleau Health Services announced staff had been "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic", prompting restrictions on visitors, the temporary cancellation of non-essential appointments, and a warning for people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care" - it instead recommends calling 811 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" - emphasizing those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.