CORRECTION: Issued Dec. 22, 2020 – As we continue to conduct investigations related to recent positive cases, it has become evident that four of the cases currently active in HPEC are directly related to the outbreak at the Wellington Legion. Yesterday’s media release has been updated to reflect this correction, and any subsequent changes to the number of cases related to this outbreak will be reflected on the HPEPH Dashboard.
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/December 21, 2020
Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Wellington Legion. At the time of this release, HPEPH has confirmed fourcases of COVID-19 connected to the site.
Anyone who attended the Wellington Legion between November 30 and December 18 and has not been in contact with HPEPH is considered to have potential high-risk exposure and should:
- self-isolate immediately;
- only leave isolation to get tested as soon as possible, and;
- contact HPEPH at 613-966-5500 or complete our online form for a risk assessment and to determine isolation dates.
“I want to remind everyone that if you have any symptoms, no matter how minor, you must stay home and only leave your property to seek testing. The spike in cases that we are seeing in our community can be directly attributed to people going to work and socializing while symptomatic and not getting tested for COVID-19,” said Dr Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, Dr. Oglaza issued a Class Order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act earlier this year. This order enables HPEPH to enforce self-isolation requirements for all individuals who have been advised to do so. Individuals who ignore the class order to self-isolate can be charged and fined up to $5,000 per day and police may be called to assist. Please review our Class Order fact sheet for more information.
All residents are reminded that COVID-19 is highly contagious and some individuals may be exposed despite their best efforts. Be kind to one another as we work together to stop the spread of this virus. To reduce your risk and the risk to those you care about:
- stay home when you are sick, even with mild symptoms;
- always physical distance from those outside your household;
- wear a mask when physical distancing is difficult or not possible;
- wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces;
- monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek testing if symptoms develop.
To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Media contacts
HPEPH:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
