SUDBURY -- The Porcupine Health Unit reported 13 new COVID-19 cases Friday among residents in the health unit area.

Ten cases are from the Timmins area and three are from the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock Falls. Six cases are contacts of a confirmed case, six are under investigation and one is related to an institutional outbreak.

With Friday's numbers, the health unit has now registered 42 new cases in the last three days, including 14 on Thursday alone. The area now has 125 active COVID cases, the highest number in northeastern Ontario. The 26 deaths related to the disease is second only to Sudbury, which has recorded 28 COVID-related fatalities.

"Through ongoing investigations of recent cases, it has been determined that several confirmed cases have been linked to exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace," the health unit said in a news release.

"Consistently following the public health measures when providing services to clients and working with colleagues can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities."

Visit the health unit's website for more information on public health measures in the workplace.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and complete the online COVID-19 Self-Assessment to determine your next steps.

If testing is required, seek testing through one of the assessment centres across Ontario. You can also call the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-360-4819 or toll-free at 1-800-461-1818.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.