A second COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Timmins, according to the Porcupine Health Unit.
In mid-February, two tests screened positive as potential variants of concern. After a test screens as a potential variant, it is sent to Public Health Ontario for further testing to confirm that it's a variant, and if so, what kind.
Over the weekend, one of the tests was confirmed as being the South African (B.1.351) variant. The second test has also been confirmed as the South African strain.
Both of the cases are resolved and there is no concern for further spread.
"The Porcupine Health Unit is currently investigating and managing all COVID-19 cases and contacts with enhanced measures in accordance with Ministry guidance for variants of concern," reads a Porcupine Health Unit news release.
In early February, the province started screening all confirmed COVID-19 cases for variants of concern.
In Northern Ontario, North Bay has had the largest number of variant cases with two confirmed United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) variant cases, and 20 South African.
To date, there have been 343 lab-confirmed cases of the virus in the region. Of those, 314 are recovered and 25 people have died. There are four known active cases.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne.
The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
