Three new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Timmins.
Two previously reported cases are also variants of concern.
For the new cases, the exposure for two is under investigation and one is the contact of a case. All are in self-isolation, according to the Porcupine Health Unit.
The variants of concern are for one case already reported in Timmins and one case in the are of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls.
The health unit expects they are the UK (B.1.1.7) strain. Per ministry guidance, no further testing will be done.
"All measures and precautions are currently in place and vigilance with the public health measures remains critical for all," reads the health unit update.
To date, there have been 407 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region. There are 47 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.
