The Porcupine Health Unit is reporting six new COVID-19 cases in the region, including two boys under the age of 10.
According to the health unit, close contacts of the cases are being called and followed by the PHU. There are now 18 confirmed cases in the health unit's region.
Two positive cases are reported as being in Timmins.
A woman in her 60s was tested March 28, and a woman in her 70s was tested March 30. Both have been admitted to hospital. According to the health unit, the investigation is ongoing.
Three cases are reported as being in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls.
These new cases are a woman in her 30s who is a close contact of a confirmed case, she was tested March 27. There are also two boys under the age of 10 who are a close contact of a confirmed case. One was tested March 28 and the other March 27. All are in self-isolation.
A man in his 40s who is a close contact of a case has also tested positive. He is in the area of Kapuskasing, Opasatika, and Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland.
"COVID-19 is circulating in our area. Take preventive measures to reduce the spread: physical distancing — keeping at least 2 metres or 6 feet distance — between yourself and others. Everyone, not just travellers, please stay home if you’re feeling ill. Even if this feels like just a cold. You can help keep someone else from getting more seriously ill," reads the PHU bulletin.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 — fever, dry cough and/or shortness of breath — call the Porcupine Health Unit information line at 1-800-461-1818.
It's available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you leave a message, staff will get back to you within 24 hours.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Timmins is located at the Intrepid Centre at the Canadian Mental Health Association's branch on Second Avenue.
It is by appointment only, with people needing a referral from their doctor, Porcupine Health Unit or Telehealth. Find out what you need to know about how to access it here.
Assessment centres are also being set up in Cochrane and Iroquois Falls.
