A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Chapleau's Bignucolo Residence.
Services de sante de Chapleau Health Services says those who've tested positive are in isolation while staff, designated caregivers, residents, and patients are tested using PCR nasal swabs with repeat tests today and next Wednesday, and increased infection prevention measures are in place as it screens and monitors staff, residents, and patients for symptoms.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts isn't saying how many cases have been linked to the outbreak declared last Thursday at the long-term care facility - Chapleau Health Services notes an outbreak is declared after two confirmed positive cases connected within a defined period of time - but multiple cases have been reported in the northern Sudbury District in recent weeks - that region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.
The health unit's added a total of 350 cases since Thursday - 309 in Greater Sudbury, 28 in the Sudbury District, and twelve in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with a record 531 "active": 433 in Greater Sudbury; 40 in the Manitoulin District; 38 in the western Sudbury District; nine in the eastern; and nine in the northern.
It's also reporting 204 cases confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, and warning of possible exposure on an Ontario Northland bus from Yorkdale Mall in Toronto to Sudbury December 20th.
PHSD is holding an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today and another at the Chapleau and District Family Health Team office tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 31 cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, five in Central and East Algoma, two in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma, leaving it with 264 "active", three in hospital.
North Algoma - which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Michipicoten First Nation, and Missinabie Cree First Nation - has seen three new cases in recent days, though the exact community has not been revealed.