Two more COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sudbury, bringing total to six

Five new cases brings northern Ontario total to 15 The five new cases confirmed in northern Ontario overnight brings the total to 15 and highlights importance of self-isolating.

Sudbury — Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts.

Public health officials say they are both men, one is in his 20s and the other in his 30s.

Both are close contacts of other confirmed cases in Ontario.

They were both assessed and tested at Health Sciences North's assessment centre on March 21.

Officials say the two men were sent to their homes for self-isolation and they remain there.

"Everyone must practise social distancing (physical distancing) to reduce the chances of the virus spreading from person to person, and to protect our health care system and vulnerable populations," said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury and Manitoulin Medical Officer of Health. "We have to assume that this virus is circulating locally and everyone is asked to stay home unless essential to do otherwise and to keep two metres apart when you must go out."

The federal government has mandated returning travellers must self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Canada from abroad. They also say these individuals must go home and stay home, and ensure essential errands or shopping is done by others.

With expectations that the number of COVID-19 cases in the Sudbury & Manitoulin districts will continue to increase, Public Health Sudbury & Districts says it will no longer issue media releases to announce each new case.

It will now keep up-to-date case information on its website.

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