Three new COVID-19 cases and one variant of concern are being reported tonight by the Porcupine Health Unit.
The new cases are in addition to the two cases reported this morning, bringing the total number of new cases today to five.
The three new cases are all in Timmins. Two are the contact of a case and one is under investigation. All of the people are self-isolating.
One previous case reported in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls has also screened positive for a variant of concern. The health unit expects it is the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) strain. No further testing will be done and all measures and precautions are in place, said the health unit.
To date, there have been 423 confirmed cases of the virus in the region. Of those, 353 are recovered and 25 people have died. There are 45 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 705-360-4819 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.
