THUNDER BAY – The Lac des Iles Mine has been ordered into quarantine by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
A spokesperson for Impala Canada, which owns and operates the mine, confirmed the quarantine on Saturday morning, saying the company is taking the situation seriously and working to contain the potential spread of COVID-19.
Earlier this week the company acknowledged an employee, who passed all screening protocols before being allowed on site, had tested positive for the virus. Five co-workers in his crew were sent home and asked to self-isolate.
Employees currently at the mine must remain on site until next Saturday.
“By that time, a 14-day incubation period will have passed since the confirmed individual was last on site. This means the current workforce rotation at LDI will be extended by five days. We are required to inform the Thunder Bay District Health Unit of anyone who does not comply and decides to leave site. They have the ability to enforce this order – we suggest reaching out to TBDHU for more clarity on enforcement,” said company spokesperson Erin Satterthwaite.
The mine has been ordered to continue with strict pandemic protocols, adding they are working with the health unit to determine which protocols might need enhancement and what new measures can put put in place.
“Anyone who presents symptoms while in quarantine has been instructed to self-isolate and call our Health Centre immediately. We are working with the TBDHU to secure test kits for any individuals that may present COVID-19 symptoms at the LDI mine. Any symptomatic individual who requires enhanced medical attention will be transferred off-site as quickly as possible,” Satterthwaite said.
“At LDI, we are collectively doing what we need to do. The health and safety of our team – and that of their families – is our number one priority. Together with the TBDHU, it is our hope that this incubation will pass so that we can say with confidence to each of our employees -- you are safe to go home to your loved ones.”
The mine will use the 14-day period to ramp down production.
"We will use this quarantine period to ramp down our operation to a state of care and maintenance. The length of time we remain on care and maintenance will be determined and communicated in the coming days," Satterthwaite said.
