BREAKING NEWS: Health Unit declares COVID outbreak at Kidd Creek

The Timmins area's medical officer of health, Dr. Lianne Catton, out of an abundance of caution, and in line with Ministry guidance, is declaring an outbreak of COVID-19 at Glencore’s Kidd Operations Mine Site. Dr. Catton said, “Two employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Our investigation has revealed that these cases are directly related. The second employee was tested at a local Assessment Centre on September 15th. 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. 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,” says Dr. Catton, “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.”

At present, the company has yet to issue any statement. When they do, Mining Life will be sure to publish their comments. We've reached out to them this evening for their response. 

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