Three new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, and seven previously reported cases have screened positive for a variant of concern, according to the Porcupine Health Unit.
The new cases are in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls. One person is the contact of a case and the exposure of the other two is under investigation. All of the people are self-isolating.
"Many of the recent cases have had the exposure type of “under investigation” in order to be transparent and notify the public of the number of cases in a timely manner. Many investigations are still underway and once the exposure type is confirmed, the case table will be updated," reads the health unit bulletin.
Three previously reported cases in Timmins and four in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock Falls have screened positive for a variant of concern. The health unit expects they are the UK (B.1.1.7) strain. All of the people are self-isolating and following public health recommendations.
To date, there have been 478 confirmed cases of the virus in the health unit region. While the health unit announces new cases on the weekend, the number of recoveries and active cases is not updated. As of yesterday, 366 are recovered and 25 people have died.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Matheson, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne, as well as communities on the James Bay coast.
The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.
People eligible for a vaccine can register for upcoming clinics in the region here. Select pharmacies are also delivering the vaccine. Find a list of those and book an appointment here.
