A lot of the new COVID-19 cases in the region are coming from informal gatherings and bigger parties, according to the Porcupine Health Unit.
So far this month, 22 new cases have been reported in the region. Today, there are five new cases in Timmins and two in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls. Two previously reported cases have also screened positive for a variant of concern.
In a Facebook post, the health unit said for the new cases there are a lot of close contacts.
"Many new cases are coming from small informal gatherings like family dinners and some from bigger parties. Unfortunately, there are many high-risk contacts with these types of gatherings and these new cases," reads the bulletin.
"If you are identified as a high-risk contact, we’re trying to get to you, but because of how many contacts there are, it may take some time. We’ll either call you (so pick up the phone), text you or send you a letter if you have been identified. In the meantime, isolate yourself and STAY HOME!"
To date, there have been 383 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the health unit region. Of those, 326 are recovered and 25 people have died. There are 32 known active cases — 26 in Timmins, four in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls area, one in the Kapuskasing area, and one in the Hearst, Hornepayne area.
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.
