UPDATE: Thessalon ER reopens after sewer backup

The emergency department in Thessalon is open again this morning after a sewer backup forced the facility to abruptly close last night.

The ER was open to patients as of midnight, according to the North Shore Health Network (NSHN), which operates the site.

"Patients presenting today should be aware of a lingering chemical smell due to the cleaning process required," their website says. "NSHN is working with our service technicians to reduce the odour as quickly as possible."

The NSHN says the sewer back up was "beyond our control."

"NSHN wishes to thank the community for their patience and extends thanks to our staff and community partners in remediating the situation as quickly as possible," it says.