SUDBURY -- A nursing home staff member in Thessalon has tested positive for COVID-19, Algoma Public Health said Friday.

While risk of spread is low, the health unit said it was putting suspected outbreak measures in place until the rest of recent COVID tests have been received.

"As part of ongoing, proactive surveillance testing, COVID-19 has been confirmed in one staff member of Algoma Manor," a statement on Facebook said Friday. "All other initial lab results have been negative. Some results are pending."

"Algoma Manor is working closely with Algoma Public Health. Based on careful investigation of all available information, the risk of exposure is low, and limited to a non-resident area … All residents continue to be monitored for symptoms every day, and any symptomatic resident is immediately tested. All staff also continue to wear masks at all times."

This is the second new case to emerge in the area in recent days, and the 23rd to be recorded since the pandemic emerged in Canada three months ago.

On June 10, a Sault-area resident also tested positive and has been self-isolating since. Officials are unsure of the source of both cases.

"Unknown exposure is evidence of ongoing community spread in Central and East Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie and area," Algoma Public Health said. "Community spread remains possible and likely in all regions of Algoma

"All Algoma residents must continue to practice physical distancing because any close contact could be a possible exposure."

Close contacts of the most recent case have been contacts, and additional guidance has been provided to potentially affected staff, the release said.

"At this time, a formal outbreak has not been declared at our facility."

More information can be found at the health unit's website