Algoma Public Health's warning of evidence of community spread, as it reports more cases of COVID-19 in the region.
The health unit says its eleventh case is a woman in her 60s who did not have any recent travel outside of the district or any known contact with a confirmed case, only routine activities in Sault Ste. Marie and area - she was tested Monday and confirmed positive Thursday, now in self-isolation at home.
A woman in her 30s is the health unit's twelfth case - it's also unknown how she was exposed.
The health unit's also waiting on the results for 211 more tests.
That's prompting APH to warn - while eight cases have been reported in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with the rest in Elliot Lake and area or other parts of Central and East Algoma - that North Algoma residents should be cautious, as there is evidence of community spread in other areas of Algoma and in neighbouring public health units.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has reported a total of 41 cases - mostly in the Greater Sudbury District - and has noted evidence of community spread in that region, while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 49 - including several cases stemming from community spread, and a worker at St. Mary's Gardens, a seniors' residence in Timmins.
The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group - which includes Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne - recently urged residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, prescriptions, or banking - and to practice physical distancing when out, emphasizing it's "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill" from COVID-19.