Lake Shore Gold is offering employees voluntary temporary layoffs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Timmins, the company, a subsidiary of Pan American Silver, operates the Bell Creek Mine Complex and the Timmins West Mine.
In a March 31 news release, the company said the option of the voluntary temporary layoffs is to allow staff "to remain home to care for their families, while accessing the government programs available to support them in their social isolation efforts."
It will also reduce the number of people working on the sites, according to the company.
There are currently 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Porcupine Health Unit's region. Lake Shore Gold says there are currently no confirmed cases in its workforce.
“The health and safety of our people and our communities remain our priority. We are pleased to provide the option of a temporary layoff, which allows our employees to make the choice that is right for them,” said David Bernier, country manager for Lake Shore Gold.
“We will protect the jobs of those who accept the voluntary temporary layoff, so they have comfort in that they will have their positions to come back to. We have a very dedicated group and I want to thank everyone for their continued diligence and patience through this difficult time.”
The company said the mine operating plans will be adapted to "reflect the temporary change in labour availability."
"The company has taken several measures to protect health and safety in response to COVID- 19, which meet or exceed guidelines from all levels of government," reads the statement.
This story originally appeared on TimminsToday.com.
