SUDBURY -- Following three positive COVID-19 tests among employees, an outbreak has been declared at the Young-Davidson Mine just outside of Matachewan.

The decision was made by Dr. Glenn Corneil, acting medical officer of health and CEO for the Timiskaming Health Unit.

"The Timiskaming Health Unit has been working closely with mine management to ensure all necessary contact tracing is being completed," the health unit said in a news release Wednesday. "The mine’s management is taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the transmission of COVID-19."

All three employees reside outside of the Timiskaming district, the release said.

There is no indication the three cases are connected to the three new COVID cases announced in Greater Sudbury on Tuesday evening, the helath unit said. The cases will not be counted in Temiskaming because they don't live in the health unit's coverage area.

"The situation continues to be under investigation, and more information will be provided as needed," the release said. "If you have been identified as a local close contact of a positive case you already have, or will be contacted by public health."

 “Everyone involved in this investigation has provided valuable support,” Corneil said in the release. “COVID-19 can appear quickly in an area at any given time and everyone needs to remain vigilant in order to ensure we do everything we can to reduce the spread of COVID.”

People are reminded to:

- Continue practicing physical distancing.

- Wear a mask or face covering in public indoor spaces.

- Wash hands frequently and do not touch your face.

- Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

- Do not gather in large groups.

- Stay home if unwell and contact your local assessment centre to schedule an appointment for testing.

- Respect public health and any additional safety measures businesses have put in place.

- Reach out to vulnerable people in your community who may need support.

- Limit non-essential travel.

For more information on COVID-19 go to www.timiskaminghu.com and the Ontario Coronavirus website.