Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Nov 27, 2021
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended Shoeless Joe’s (Belleville) on November 20 and 21 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating multiple cases of COVID-19 that were present at the restaurant on these dates. Shoeless Joe’s (Belleville) has closed voluntarily and temporarily while the investigation is underway.
All individuals who attended Shoeless Joe’s (Belleville) on November 20 and 21 are:
- Advised to seek testing immediately for COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms.
- Book an appointment online for the Belleville or Trenton testing centre. You can also call 613-961-5544.
- For other testing options, please visit hpepublichealth.ca/getting-tested-for-covid-19/
- When seeking testing, please provide investigation number 2238-2021-51274 to the testing centre.
- Monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19.
- If symptoms develop, even mild ones such as a runny nose or sore throat, isolate at home and away from others, and seek testing again, even if you were negative the first time.
While HPEPH does not typically disclose the location of COVID-19 cases in order to protect individuals’ privacy, this information is disclosed when needed to meet public health objectives such as prompt notification of potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission. HPEPH is in the process of contacting identified high-risk contacts related to these cases. All high-risk contacts will be instructed by HPEPH to self-isolate immediately and to get tested.
“The current increase in COVID-19 cases in our region is very concerning and is resulting in greater risk of community transmission. I am urging individuals who attended Shoeless Joe’s on these dates to seek testing, in order to protect those around them,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “To protect one another, residents must take immediate action. If you have symptoms, even mild ones, get tested. If you must gather, keep it small and ensure you are symptom-free. If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible. Your choices will impact the health and wellbeing of those around you – so please make responsible ones.”
- To book your appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at an HPEPH clinic, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.
- Many pharmacies also offer COVID-19 vaccination and offer evening and weekend hours. Find pharmacies offering vaccine, here covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
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Media Contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist,
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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