Four staff at Blanche River Health in Kirkland Lake have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the hospital.
An outbreak at the site was declared last week.
The employees affected are self-isolating at home, according to the hospital. So far, there have also been four COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kirkland Lake site. One has been discharged and one person died on Monday.
"The hospital continues to follow enhanced infection prevention and control protocols, and is working closely with the Timiskaming Health Unit as an investigation and contact tracing efforts continue," reads a news release.
"The Kirkland Lake site has completed a broad testing initiative encompassing all staff and will continue with additional surveillance testing in the coming week. There are no COVID-positive employees at the Englehart site, which is also following enhanced infection prevention and control protocols."
For the outbreak, there is a full visitor restriction at the hospital.
Outpatient services are by appointment only. The emergency department is always open for urgent and priority needs.
"Once again, I want to thank our staff, physicians and management team for their ongoing dedication to the care and safety of our patients as we navigate the current situation," said Sean Conroy, president and CEO. "I also want to acknowledge and extend our sincere appreciation to our community and health care system partners who have provided assistance and support as we manage increased staffing challenges at this time."
The Timiskaming region is at the yellow - protect level of Ontario's COVID-19 framework.
To date, there have been 120 confirmed cases of the virus. Of those, 106 are recovered and two people have died. There are 12 known active cases. Seven tests have screened positive for a variant of concern and have been sent for further testing to determine the strain.
