No confirmed positive cases to date, says health unit, but status of investigations remains unclear

THUNDER BAY - Individuals in the Thunder Bay area have been investigated for possible contraction of COVID-19, the coronavirus that has sparked concerns of a potential global pandemic. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit confirmed the news to Tbnewswatch Saturday, but says no cases have been confirmed.

"There have been individuals investigated in our area, but to date we have no confirmed positive cases," the health unit said in an email Saturday morning, adding that it would make the public aware in an instance of a confirmed positive.

As of publication, the health unit had not responded to further inquiries as to the status of those investigations or whether it had ruled out COVID-19 in the cases.

A representative with Ontario's ministry of health says it is now able to confirm test results within a matter of hours at its provincial laboratory. However, it is unclear whether or when test results for the Thunder Bay-area individuals would have been sent for testing.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.



