SUDBURY -- The Porcupine Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Glencore’s Kidd Operations mine site, the health unit announced Thursday evening.

In a news release, Dr. Lianne Catton, medical officer of health, said two workers have tested positive and both cases are directly related.

An outbreak was declared "out of an abundance of caution," Catton said.

“The second employee was tested at a local Assessment Centre on Sept. 15," she said. "The employees are currently self-isolating at home.”

Similar to other settings, outbreaks are declared if two or more employees with a confirmed connection test positive for COVID-19. The leadership and staff at Glencore are taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the transmission of COVID–19.

"Public health is currently following up with employees identified as contacts," the release said. "At this time, the PHU recommends that all others continue to monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and call your local assessment centre to arrange for testing."

“We understand that news could be upsetting for all involved, especially the employees of the mine and their family members,” Catton said. “But let me assure the public that we are working with Glencore and we are all committed to ensure all necessary infection prevention and control measures are ongoing to contain the spread of COVID–19.”

The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario. You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-267-1181 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818.