News

Statement from the Medical Officer of Health

A recently released story in the media has indicated that the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit will remain in Shutdown beyond March 8, 2021. At this time, we are unable to determine whether our district will remain in Shutdown with the Stay-at-Home Order in effect or move into the provincial framework after March 8, 2021.

At this time, I have not advocated either way for a decision on whether the district remains in Shutdown or returns to the provincial colour-coded framework on March 8,...

News Release: Health Unit Receives Confirmation of the Second Confirmed COVID-19 Variant Originating From South Africa

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has received lab confirmation of a second individual testing positive for the COVID-19 Variant of Concern (VOC) originating from South Africa. The individual had previously received a preliminary positive result for a COVID-19 VOC. This case is linked to the Skyline – Lancelot Apartments outbreak.

As of February 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., 42 people have tested positive for COVID-19 associated with the outbreak. Of these, 26 people...

News Release: Health Unit Reports a Second Death Associated with the COVID-19 Community Outbreak at the Skyline-Lancelot Apartments

NORTH BAY, ON – It is with sadness that the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) reports a second death associated with the COVID-19 Community Outbreak at Skyline – Lancelot Apartments. The individual tested positive for COVID-19 with a preliminary positive result for a COVID-19 Variant of Concern (VOC).

“I am deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends,” shares Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “I cannot imagine what the families...

Public Service Announcement: Health Unit Clarifies Details of Cassellholme Outbreak

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is still investigating the outbreak at Cassellholme. The Health Unit is consulting with experts in laboratory medicine and infectious disease regarding the COVID-19 test results of some of the individuals who tested positive. We have received conflicting expert opinions as to whether these tests were truly positive. Based on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Guidance, it is not appropriate to clear an individual of COVID-19...

News Release: Health Unit Declares COVID-19 Outbreak at Cassellholme Long-Term Care Home

NORTH BAY ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has declared an outbreak at Cassellholme. Thirteen individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in relation to this outbreak, however none of these individuals are residents. One individual has received a preliminary positive result for a Variant of Concern (VOC). The individuals tested positive following routine surveillance testing of staff and essential visitors at the long-term care home. The Health Unit and Cassellholme...