Twelve new COVID-19 cases and an outbreak have been reported today by the Porcupine Health Unit.
Two of the new cases are in Timmins. Ten cases are in the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls. Four of the new cases are linked to a school outbreak. There are currently four school outbreaks in the region - three in Iroquois Falls and one in Timmins.
An outbreak of the virus has also been declared at McEwan Mining - Black Fox Mine. There have been three cases at the mine that are linked to the workplace, according to the health unit.
One previously reported case in Timmins is also a variant of concern. The health unit expects it is the UK (B.1.1.7) strain.
To date, there have been 490 confirmed cases of the virus in the region.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Matheson, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne, as well as communities on the James Bay coast.
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.
