A Detour Lake Mine site employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an emergency update from the Town of Moosonee.
According to the statement, there is potential for exposure for anyone at the mine site, which is owned by Kirkland Lake Gold near Cochrane, between July 30 and Aug. 3.
"These individuals have been advised to actively monitor themselves for symptoms, isolate immediately if they occur; report to their supervisor/medical staff, and call the PHU for testing," it reads.
"This includes local residents who worked on the site on the applicable dates and have returned or are returning to Northern Communities (ie Moosonee) . Returning residents, if considered close contacts, have been contacted by the Health unit and given appropriate instructions."
It also notes that the Porcupine Health Unit has followed up with close contacts, who are at high risk for exposure.
In the Porcupine Health Unit area, there have been 72 confirmed cases.
The latest case was tested Aug. 3 and reported yesterday. It's a Timmins man in his 20s who is in self-isolation. The health unit is investigating the exposure.
No new COVID-19 cases were reported in the region today.
Today's update from the health unit notes the organization cannot discuss the details of individual cases.
"Any positive result is followed-up quickly by the PHU, with contact tracing and regular communication with the individual and their close contacts starting immediately to limit the spread," it reads.
"We’re learning a lot about asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, but each case is unique so the investigation process is different. While this may include repeat testing, it’s important to note that a subsequent negative test does not mean the earlier positive test was incorrect. According to Public Health Ontario, false positives are very rare. As of today, the PHU has not been notified of false positives for any of the tests completed in our area. Visit our webpage about testing and results for more information."
Of the confirmed cases, 63 are recovered and eight people have died. There is one known active case of the virus in the region.
The health unit is aware of 13,545 tests being done, which is an increase of 212 from yesterday's report.
This is the second time that a Detour Lake worker on site has tested positive. The first was at the beginning of the pandemic back in March.
Following that case, Kirkland Lake Gold released a statement on the safety precautions being taken in response to COVID-19. TimminsToday has reached out to the company for comment.
COVID-19 testing is open to anyone who feels they need to be tested, even if you don't have symptoms. To access testing, call your health care provider or the health unit.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst and Hornepayne.
It is now open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
