Public Health Sudbury & Districts reports two COVID-19 deaths related to Amberwood Suites outbreak and declares outbreaks at the Elizabeth Centre and Extendicare Falconbridge in Greater Sudbury

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting two additional deaths related to COVID-19 in our service area.  Both deaths are in relation to the outbreak declared at Amberwood Suites retirement home in Greater Sudbury. These deaths are the second and third losses associated with the declared outbreak. Both Amberwood Suites residents passed away in hospital. Out of respect during this difficult time, no further details will be provided.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers sincere condolences to the families, friends, and caregivers affected by these losses and throughout this difficult time.

A total of five deaths have now been reported across our service area since the beginning of the pandemic.

Additionally, Public Health has declared new COVID-19 outbreaks at both the Elizabeth Centre and Extendicare Falconbridge following the report of one case of COVID-19 per facility in staff members. To date, no residents have tested positive in relation to these outbreaks. Public Health is actively working with the long-term care homes to investigate the outbreaks and to protect residents and staff.

The protection of our most vulnerable populations is of the utmost importance. Everyone is urged to continue following public health measures to protect others and stop the spread of COVID-19. On January 12, 2021, a province-wide state of emergency was declared to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. A stay-at-home order was also announced and is currently in effect for all Ontarians. Enhanced public health and workplace safety measures are in effect as part of the Provincewide Shutdown.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Stay home if you are unwell and get tested.
• 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.
• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

If you have a COVID-19 symptom or have been exposed to the virus as informed by Public Health or the COVID Alert app, get tested. Learn more about the eligibility and testing criteria for COVID-19 assessment centres. Stay informed and seek testing if necessary.

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, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).