COVID-19 outbreak declared at Barrick Hemlo mine near Marathon, Ont.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unitsays it isinvestigating an outbreak ofCOVID-19 associated with a mine nearMarathon, Ont.

The health unit has identified three people with COVID-19 associated with a specific work area at the Barrick Hemlo Williams gold mine, according to a Thursday news releaseissued by the health unit.

It isworking closely with management to determinewhether any other workers were exposed and to identify and follow up on anycontacts outside of the mine.

"The mine has already undertaken many measures to reduceany spread of the virus at the mine site. These are currently being enhanced and reinforced, and the mine has communicated these enhancements to its employees, contractors, thecommunity and First Nation partners," the health unit said in the release. "Further measures will be taken as needed to managethis situation."

Individuals identified as close contacts have been contacted directly by a public healthnurse and provided instructions about what they need to do, the health unit said.

It considers anyone who is notspecifically contacted by public health to be at low risk at this time.

If the investigation identifies additional close contacts,they will also be contacted directlyby a public health nurse, the health unitsaid.

Earlier this year, an outbreak at the Lac Des Ilesmine in northwestern Ontario was responsible for 25 cases of COVID-19, including one death.