Algoma Public Health's warning three recent cases have screened positive for variants of concern.
The health unit says laboratory screening results show evidence of variants in a pair of cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in the Elliot Lake area - identification of the specific strains is not available at this time, however, pending additional lab information.
It notes about 60% of COVID-19 cases in Ontario at this time are positive for mutations or variants of concern, which can spread much more easily and may even cause more severe disease.
With the Easter holiday about to begin - and Spring Break approaching - Algoma Public Health warns of "ongoing aggressive spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern across the province and in Northern Ontario", asking everyone be "extra vigilant and to do your part to stop the surge".
Algoma Public Health currently has ten "active" cases.