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Positive Covid 19 case reported at Kirkland Lake Gold- Detour Lake Mine Site


Source: The Porcupine Health Unit

Published as of Friday, August 7th, 2020

The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is investigating a positive COVID result for an employee from Detour Lake Mine, Cochrane, Ontario. The individual is currently being monitored by the PHU and is in self-isolation at home while the investigation continues. The PHU has already followed up with close contacts (those with high risk exposures), however, there is a potential for exposure for anyone on site between July 30 and August 3. These individuals are advised to actively monitor themselves for symptoms, isolate immediately if they occur; report to your supervisor/medical staff, and call the PHU for testing. While these recommendations apply for 14 days, ending on August 17, people are always advised to monitor and stay home if unwell in any way, regardless of exposure.

Anyone who is not feeling well, should stay home, self-isolate and seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario

Symptoms can include:
  • Fever
  • New or worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat/hoarse voice
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion

But in some cases, atypical symptoms could develop, such as, unexplained fatigue or malaise, muscle aches, delirium, unexplained or increased number of falls, acute functional decline, exacerbation of current chronic conditions, chills, headaches, croup, conjunctivitis.

To reduce the risk of exposure, we ask that you continue to follow public health measures:
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
  • Maintain physical distance of 2 metres/6 feet
  • Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often
  • Practice cough and sneeze etiquette
  • Report any illness to your employer/medic
  • Wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Useful links to consider:

How to self-monitor: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-self-monitor.pdf?la=en

How to self-isolate: la=enhttps://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/ipac/ipac-covid-19-work-self-isolation.pdf?la=en