To focus on the Ontario Public Health Standards to which health units are accountable, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) will no longer be delivering the Preschool Speech and Language (PSL) Program and the Infant Hearing Program (IHP) as of September 30, 2022.
Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The Timmins and Area Drug Strategy (TADS) is asking community members to complete a survey that is part of a research project by Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) residents looking at the need for and the feasibility of an overdose prevention site in Timmins.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced that beginning today, all Letters of Instructions and Section 22 Class Orders issued by the PHU have been rescinded.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, December 31, 2021. On behalf of the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force, the Porcupine Health Unit is issuing a public safety alert.
Timmins, Ontario - Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the PHU, announced, “The PHU was notified by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory that several positive cases in the PHU Region have screened positive for the B.1.1.529 Omicron COVID-19 variant."
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Every year, communities around the world recognize December 1 as World AIDS Day. HIV remains a provincial concern among people who use drugs, men who have sex with men (MSM), and people with multiple sexual partners.
Timmins, Ontario - Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of all community members, I am pleased to announce that the Porcupine Health Unit region has reached the incredible milestone of 90% of all residents aged 12+ vaccinated with one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Timmins, Ontario - Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is encouraging all eligible PHU residents to get this year’s flu shot.
Northern Ontario - Northern Ontario Medical Officers of Health continue to put the health and safety of residents first. Effective October 14, operators of facilities in Northern Ontario where indoor sports are played or practiced will ensure additional groups provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Hockey season for the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) begins this week and they are getting back on the ice with the added protection of the COVID-19 vaccine. The league has been working with participating northern health units to help promote vaccine uptake and to ultimately help protect our communities against COVID-19.
Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, September 9, 2021. The Porcupine Health Unit has been notified of a confirmed case of rabies in a bat from the Timmins area.
Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, September 9, 2021. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is advising that local communities have joined a provincial program to monitor local COVID-19 levels. A wastewater surveillance program, which tests sewage for the presence of COVID-19, has begun in Timmins, Kapuskasing, and Moosonee.
Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, September 8, 2021. While most of the residents in the PHU region have been vaccinated, we continue to find more ways to reach those who are not vaccinated. For some, getting to one of our many vaccine clinics may be difficult, which is why we are bringing vaccinations right to your doorstep!
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Every year on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally as a day to remember those who have died from overdose and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, August 6, 2021.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall warning of frozen mangoes of Nature’s Touch Frozen Food Inc. due to potential contamination with Hepatitis A
Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, August 5, 2021. Full Vaccination is Key to Preventing Spread and Avoiding a Fourth Wave with the Delta Variant in Porcupine Health Unit Region.
Timmins, Ontario — Friday, July 30, 2021. Schools are set to reopen in less than five weeks and the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is advising local families that it’s time to think about being protected for the first day of school.
Timmins, Ontario — Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our community members in following public health measures and rolling up sleeves for vaccinations, our third wave is over. While we are all pleased to be entering Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen today, this work is not done.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, July 8, 2021. The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) is teaming up with five northern health units to host a friendly “Vaccine Playoff” competition amongst teams.
Timmins, Ontario — Monday, June 28, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “We are very pleased with the efforts of local businesses and all community members across the PHU region to bring case numbers down to the lowest they have been in months, while also steadily increasing our vaccination coverage rates. It is because of these efforts – and confidence that communities will continue with this dedication - that we are able to move into Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen with the province on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.”
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health is rescinding the previous Instructions from the Medical Officer of Health issued on June 11, 2021. These will be rescinded effective June 25, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and most of the PHU region will therefore be governed by Ontario’s Step 1 Rules.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, June 21, 2021. The Porcupine Health Unit is following and sharing reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) following vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; however, no clear link has been shown between myocarditis/pericarditis and mRNA vaccines.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, June 17, 2021. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is issuing an alert. Through information received from emergency services, an increase in suspected opioid-related overdoses have been identified in Timmins.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, June 16, 2021. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is pleased to welcome the Multi-Ministry Education and Enforcement Team to Timmins on June 18 and 19 to assist with an education and enforcement campaign targeting businesses in the city.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, June 10, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), with the support of leaders across the PHU region, and the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario, Dr. David Williams, announced, “At this time, the numbers and evidence have led to the important and necessary decision to continue some restrictions from the Provincial shutdown as it moves to Step 1 of Ontario’s “Road Map to Reopen”.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, June 7, 2021. The Delta variant (B.1.617) variant present in our region is more transmissible compared to other variants and having two doses of a COVID vaccine offers increased protection against this variant. For this reason, the Porcupine Health Unit is prepared to offer Pfizer for second doses.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, June 4, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), reports that the PHU was notified by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) that a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Timmins is positive for a variant of concern (VOC), the COVID-19 variant B1.617.2, designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the variant Delta.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, May 31, 2021. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is pleased to announce that in collaboration with the Emergency Services Program, Cochrane District Social Services Board, the mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics will be visiting smaller communities throughout the PHU area.
Timmins, Ontario - Sunday, May 23, 2021: Residents are encouraged to attend the Mountjoy arena tomorrow, Monday May 24th, 2021 between 12pm and 8pm, for a walk-in vaccine opportunity. Appointment booking also remains available for this clinic.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is extremely pleased to announce that the PHU has been able to secure vaccine to offer a vaccine blitz in Timmins this weekend.
Timmins, Ontario - Saturday, May 15, 2021. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Timmins and District Hospital and the Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit, we are asking for our community’s help to slow the spread of COVID-19. Over the past few weeks cases have continued to soar within the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region and with the rise in cases, an increase in hospital admissions.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, May 10, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “We are pleased to share the news that more than 50 percent of adult residents (18+) in the PHU area have received at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, April 22, 2021. As the Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of your local hospitals we remain united in our commitment and determination to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities. However, we cannot do this alone.
Timmins, Ontario - Saturday, April 17, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is declaring a COVID-19 outbreak at Pope Francis Elementary School in Timmins and at Iroquois Falls Public School in Iroquois Falls.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, April 15, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is declaring a COVID-19 outbreak at St. Anne English Catholic School in Iroquois Falls.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, April 12, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is declaring a COVID-19 outbreak at Iroquois Falls Secondary School in Iroquois Falls.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is pleased to announce that the PHU is now starting to book the first groups of Phase Two of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, April 1, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), states “With the recent surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases locally, we are seeing an increase in the number of close contacts and links to private social gatherings. We are very concerned about this trend, especially since variants of concern (VOC) are present in our region,” adds Dr. Catton.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, March 29, 2021. As we approach the Easter holiday and spring break, the northern Medical Officers of Health are asking all community members in northern Ontario to work together to prevent another surge in COVID-19.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, March 19, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is confirming that, beginning Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Government of Ontario is placing the Porcupine Health Unit area in the “Yellow – Protect” category of the COVID-19 Response Framework.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is issuing an alert. Through information received from emergency services, an increase in suspected opioid overdoses having fatal outcomes has been identified in Timmins and the surrounding area.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “The Porcupine Health Unit was notified by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory that a local individual, previously announced on Friday, February 12, 2021, as a possible case of a variant of concern, has been identified as the second person in the region to be confirmed with the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 or 501Y.V2 first detected in South Africa.” The individual was a close contact of a case confirmed with the same variant.
Timmins, Ontario - Saturday, March 6, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “The Porcupine Health Unit was notified today by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory that a local individual, previously announced on Friday, February 12, 2021, as a possible case of a variant of concern, has been identified as the region’s first person in the region to be confirmed with the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 or 501Y.V2 first detected in South Africa.”
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, March 2, 2021. COVID-19 immunization clinics in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region are underway. Following Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation plan, Ontario’s Ethical Framework for Vaccine Distribution and working with the COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Task Force, the PHU is ensuring ethical and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the PHU region.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, February 26, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), announced “Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), the important decision has been made to issue a Class Order under Section 22.
Timmins, Ontario - Sunday, February 14, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is pleased to announce that the Porcupine Health Unit was notified by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) that there is no variant of concern (VOC) associated with the Kapuskasing Extendicare outbreak.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, February 12, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), reports that the PHU has been notified that a second and third confirmed COVID-19 test result have screened positive for a possible variant of concern (VOC).
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, February 12, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), confirms “Beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Government of Ontario is placing the Porcupine Health Unit area in the ‘Orange – Restrict’ category of the COVID-19 Response Framework.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), confirms, “The Government of Ontario is extending the Province-Wide Shutdown and the Stay-at-Home order, along with all existing public health and workplace safety measures in a number of regions, including the PHU area, until at least Tuesday, February 16, 2021.”
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, February 4, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) reports that the PHU has been notified that a confirmed COVID-19 test result has now screened positive for a possible variant of concern (VOC). Further testing is needed to confirm the screen, and identify the variant or mutation. Dr. Catton notes that the results are expected in the next few days.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is confirming that the health unit has received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines for the PHU region.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), states “The Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown that will come into effect Saturday, December 26th, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.” The shutdown is expected to last 14 days in Northern Ontario and 28 days in Southern Ontario.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, December 22, 2020. As the Medical Officer of Health, First Nations Chiefs, CEO’s of your local hospitals and Municipal Leaders, we remain united in our commitment and determination to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities. With the holiday season approaching, we invite you to join us as we reaffirm our commitment to limit the spread and be vigilant with our actions throughout the season.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, November 24, 2020. The Porcupine Health Unit will be highlighting the availability of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing and other blood-borne illnesses during AIDS awareness week November 24 to December 1 on World AIDS Day.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, November 11, 2020. — A report released by The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario/Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Public Health Ontario, and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation highlights preliminary patterns between COVID-19 and opioid-related death in Ontario.
Timmins, Ontario - After receiving the results of a recent fish sampling study done in June 2019 by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) at Porcupine Lake in Whitney Township, the Porcupine Health Unit has reviewed the data in consultation with experts at Public Health Ontario regarding public health recommendations.
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, October 30, 2020. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit is updating the public about the increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in our area. “The Porcupine Health Unit is concerned about an increased risk of community exposure in the town of Hearst,” says Dr. Catton.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, October 28, 2020. The Porcupine Health Unit is declaring an outbreak of COVID-19 at their Hearst office. Two employees of the office have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of the outbreak, the Hearst office is temporarily closed.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, October 19, 2020. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is offering guidance and clarification on steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during Hallowe’en.
Timmins, Ontario - Thursday, September 17, 2020. Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), out of an abundance of caution, and in line with Ministry guidance, is declaring an outbreak of COVID-19 at Glencore’s Kidd Operations Mine Site.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, September 9, 2020. After a Labour Day weekend that saw an unnaturally high number of overdoses, the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy (TADS) wishes to remind the public, people who use substances, and their friends and family, that powerful opioids and other toxic substances continue to be circulating in the area.
Timmins, Ontario - Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Today, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) announced the launch of a Facebook page dedicated to serving the francophone population of the area.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, September 2, 2020. On March 13, 2020, schools across Ontario closed their doors without us knowing when they would reopen. Almost six months later, school doors are beginning to re-open to welcome students back for the 2020-2021 school year.
Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, July 15, 2020. The Porcupine Health Unit welcomes the move into Stage 3 in the Ontario government’s COVID-19 reopening plan.
Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, April 28, 2020: Dr . Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting of the fourth death attributed to COVID-19. This individual, a male in his eighties, was identified during the outbreak investigation at Timmins and District Hospital, tested positive on April 22, 2020, and was admitted to hospital. “We would like to extend our most sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones."
Timmins, Ontario — Sunday, April 19, 2020: The Porcupine Health Unit, together with the Timmins and District Hospital, has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at TADH after one patient tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, states, “We’re declaring this COVID–19 outbreak at TADH as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.”
Timmins, Ontario - Sunday, April 12, 2020: Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is announcing that there will be an increase in the number of tests conducted for the COVID-19 virus, as part of a targeted Northern Ontario surveillance opportunity.
Timmins, Ontario - Saturday, April 11, 2020: Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit, confirmed that a resident at Spruce Hill Lodge has tested positive for COVID–19. Dr. Catton said, “At this point in time, the investigation is ongoing, however there is no known link to travel or any other cases. The resident is in self-isolation at the residence.”
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, April 3, 2020 - Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit is announcing “the tragic loss of another life related to COVID-19. Having to share the death of anyone related to COVID-19 is terrible, and to do this twice in one day is incredibly sad.”
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, April 3, 2020 - Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, Porcupine Health Unit today stated that, “It is my unfortunate duty to report that we've had our first death from COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit region.”
Timmins, Ontario - Friday, March 27, 2020 - Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting that a male in his thirties is the seventh positive case of COVID-19 in the PHU area.
Cochrane, Ontario - Friday, March 27, 2020 - Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting three more cases, for a total of 10 cases, of COVID-19 in the PHU area. She indicated that "We believe the cases are linked to international travel or contact with another case we are investigating."
Cochrane, Ontario: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 — Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting that a female in her 50’s the sixth positive case of COVID-19 in the PHU area and first outside of Timmins.
Timmins, Ontario: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 — Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), is reporting that a female in her forties is the fifth confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region. Dr. Catton said, “We believe the case is linked to international travel, but have no concerns about an exposure of others on the international and domestic flights.”
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, March 23, 2020 — Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health, is reporting that a man in his 70s is the fourth confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) region. The case is travel-related and not related to other local cases.
Timmins, Ontario - Monday, March 23, 2020 - Today, Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), reported the PHU is investigating the second and third cases of COVID-19 in the area.
Timmins, Ontario — The seven public health units in northern Ontario will be working together on climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation reports over the next two years with funding support from Health Canada.
Timmins, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit is hosting a drop-in “Car Seat Safety Blitz” on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board Ambulance Bay, 500 Algonquin Blvd East, Timmins.
Timmins, Ontario - Every year on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally as a day to take a moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose.
Timmins, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is asking pet owners to ensure their pet’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date. As of July 1, 2018, rabies vaccination has become mandatory in the Province of Ontario under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).
Timmins, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is issuing a public safety alert. Through the Opioid Surveillance and Early Warning System an increase in suspected opioid overdoses has been identified in Timmins.
Iroquois Falls, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit is hosting a drop-in “Car Seat Safety Blitz” on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Iroquois Falls Fire Hall, 184 Devonshire Avenue.
Timmins, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit and Timmins Police Service are issuing an alert. The potentially lethal opioid Fentanyl is showing up in other drugs, specifically Heroin.
Timmins, Ontario - The Porcupine Health Unit is reminding employers and employees that it is illegal to smoke or hold lighted tobacco in the workplace, this includes work vehicles.
Contact
For media inquiries please contact:
Gary Schelling Communications Specialist Porcupine Health Unit 705-267-1181 ext. 2413 media@porcupinehu.on.ca
Please note: Requests submitted outside of regular office hours will be reviewed on the next business day.
