Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting a new COVID-19 case in a resident in the service area of Greater Sudbury, Sudbury District, and Manitoulin District.

Through contact tracing, Public Health will notify all close contacts directly. If you are not contacted by Public Health, you are not considered a close contact.

This is the 93rd case of COVID-19 in the district.

The latest case is a woman in her 50s who has no travel history or contact with a known case. She was tested on Aug. 12 and is currently self-isolating.

Although permissible for up to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors, Publich Health Sudbury & Districts is advising that non-essential in-person gatherings of any size should be limited.

“Limiting our contacts and in-person interactions as much as possible is critical in reducing transmission of COVID-19,” said a news release from the health unit.

“With few exceptions, gatherings are currently maxed at 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Unless people are from the same household or social circle, they should keep two metres (six feet) apart and wear a face covering if distancing is not possible. Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public spaces, and they must also be worn in other indoor spaces where distancing is not possible.”

Gatherings, physical distancing, and social circles:

Close contact is permitted within “social circles” and among members from the same household. A social circle can only include up to 10 people and must always be with the same people. You can only belong to one social circle.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often and when visibly dirty for 15 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or a tissue, throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Continue to practise physical distancing, because any close contact could be a possible exposure to COVID-19.
• Masks or face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places in Sudbury and districts, and they should also be worn in other settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Stay home if you are unwell and get tested.

If you have a COVID-19 symptom, get tested. People who are asymptomatic, who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19, or those who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment are also encouraged to contact an assessment centre and get tested.

Travel information:

All residents who are planning to travel should be aware that COVID-19 is still circulating at different levels around the province. The safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region.

• For anyone who has recently travelled, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for updates on COVID-19 exposures.
• If you think you have travelled somewhere (within or outside of Ontario) where you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call us at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
• Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada is directed to self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival in Canada.

Updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, and outbreaks in Greater Sudbury, the District of Sudbury, and the District of Manitoulin are posted online.

For more information or if you have questions or concerns, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).