Northwestern Health Unit confirms first case of COVID-19 in Atikokan

The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has confirmed one positive case of COVID-19 in Atikokan, Ontario.

The case is tied to an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Lac des Iles Mine, about 90 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.

The public health agency said  "thorough follow-up" was done with the individual and there had been no contacts in the region.

Dr. Ian Gemmill, the acting medical officer of health for the NWHU, said the affected person followed all the proper protocols, is isolating, and presents minimal risk to anyone else.

"What we know from that outbreak is there was one index case, that the index case is the first person identified as having that infection."

"That's the reason why I say it's a source outside of the community, it's outside of Atikokan."

Gemmill said the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is taking the lead on this particular case, including contact tracing for any cases stemming from the Lac des Iles mine.

"The living quarters and dining facilities are pretty close together, so it's not impossible for others to be exposed and infected as a result of this occupation," said Gemmill.

"Please assume COVID-19 is in your community and practice physical distancing, wash your hands often, and disinfect surfaces to protect yourself," added the NWHU. 

The latest positive case brings the total to 11 in the NWHU catchment area;  however one of the cases reported in the NWHU area has a primary residence in southern Ontario and has not been in the region since contracting the virus while travelling internationally.​​

Nine of the 11 positive cases are reported as 'resolved' by the provincial government.

As of April 14, NWHU reports over 600 tests have been done in the region, and of the completed tests, 404 have come back negative while 204 are still pending.

The NWHU catchment area covers communities such as Kenora, Dryden, Atikokan, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Rainy River, Emo, and Fort Frances.