PHSD Reports 186th COVID-19 Case, Declining Cases for Northern Sudbury District

Another COVID-19 death's been confirmed in the region.

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports its 186th death - the 162nd in Greater Sudbury - it last reported COVID deaths on Friday.

The health unit's also reporting 68 new cases since Monday - 53 in Greater Sudbury, eleven in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have droped to 299, with 47 in hospital, two in ICUs.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down, from 26 on Monday to eighteen - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, and the health unit is still showing an outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area at Chapleau Health Services.

Amid the outbreak, 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.