SUDBURY -- The COVID-19 outbreak at the Young-Davidson Mine has ended, the Timiskaming Health Unit said Friday.

The outbreak was declared Nov. 4 after three employees tested positive for the disease. The outbreak later expanded to include six cases of COVID-19, five of which were reported under health units outside of our district, as per provincial protocol, due to primary addresses and living locations.

The sixth case was included as a local case.

“As of today, all six cases are resolved and the outbreak is over,” Dr. Glenn Corneil, the health unit's acting medical officer of health and CEO for the Timiskaming Health Unit, said in a news release.

Through local contact tracing of all six cases, the outbreak was controlled and the potential for substantial spread of COVID-19 was averted, the health unit said.

“This situation could have been much worse, and is why we all need to continue practising public health measures,” said Corneil. “Following public health direction in regards to self-isolating needs to be emphasized. If you are instructed to self-isolate, you must do so.”

The new provincial framework currently has the Timiskaming district listed under the green/prevent category.

"Although this is a good sign for our area, it does not mean we can let our guard down," the release said. "District residents must continue to abide by all public health measures, provincial orders, and regulations. As we have seen, COVID-19 can quickly appear anywhere, anytime. Staying vigilant while we are in the green/prevent category will help to keep us there."

Residents are reminded to:

- Continue practicing physical distancing.

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

- Wash hands with warm water or use alcohol-based sanitizers and do not touch your face.

- Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

- Do not gather in large groups, no more than 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.

- Do not gather with people outside of your household.

- Avoid non-essential travel outside of our district, especially to high transmission areas.

- Stay home if unwell and contact your local Assessment Centre (AC) 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.

For more information on COVID-19 visit timiskaminghu.com/COVID-19.