Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Feb 20, 2021 – Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who visited Shoppers Drug Mart at 405 Dundas Street East, Belleville on February 14, 17, or 18, that they may have had a low risk exposure to COVID-19. Anyone who visited the store on these dates must self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, they must isolate immediately and seek testing, even if symptoms are very mild. Impacted individuals are encouraged to review the attached letter for more information.
An individual who was at the store during these dates has tested positive for COVID-19. While HPEPH does not typically disclose the location of COVID-19 cases in order to protect individuals’ privacy, this information is disclosed when needed in order 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 identifying and contacting all high-risk contacts related to this case. All high-risk contacts will be instructed by HPEPH to self-isolate immediately and to get tested. High-risk contacts are required to remain in isolation for a minimum of 14 days after their exposure, regardless of test results.
While low-risk contacts are instructed to monitor for symptoms, they are not required to isolate unless symptoms develop or they are otherwise instructed to do so by HPEPH. Any individuals who develop symptoms must isolate immediately, book an appointment at an assessment centre, and get tested. It is understood that individuals will need to leave isolation to seek testing.
“Individuals who visited the store on these dates are asked to monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, and seek testing if symptoms develop,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “Prompt isolation and testing is essential to avoid spreading illness to others and to keep our community safe.”
Information about where you can get tested can be found at hpePublicHealth.ca. To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit hpePublicHealth.ca or visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how to protect yourself and stop the spread COVID-19. All residents are also reminded that no one is immune to the virus 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.
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Media contacts
Emily Tubbs
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
