Three previously reported COVID-19 cases have screened positive for variants of concern.
Two of the people are in Timmins, and one is in the area of Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland, according to the Porcupine Health Unit. All of the people are in self-isolation and following public health recommendations.
The health unit expects the variant is the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) strain. Per ministry guidance, no further testing will be done, said the health unit.
"All measures and precautions are currently in place and vigilance with the public health measures remains critical for all," reads the news release.
To date, there have been 367 confirmed cases of the virus in the region. Of those, 323 are recovered and 25 people have died. There are 19 known active cases — 16 in Timmins, one in the area of Hearst, Hornepayne, one in the Kapuskasing area, and one in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls.
To curb the spread of the virus a provincial shutdown is effective today (Saturday, April 3) and in place for at least four weeks.
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.
