Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/April 1, 2021
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the City Belle Pub (Belleville). At least three individuals who visited the pub have tested positive for COVID-19. Any individuals who were at the pub between March 20 – March 29, 2021 are advised they may have had low risk exposure to COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, all patrons who visited the pub during these dates are asked to:
- Seek testing immediately, and reference investigation number 2238-2021-37003
- Monitor for symptoms for 14 days from your last visit at the pub. If symptoms develop, please isolate at home and away from others, and seek testing again, even if you were negative the first time. You must stay isolated at home until test results come back.
Impacted individuals are encouraged to review the attached letter for more information. Any individuals who develop symptoms must isolate immediately, book an appointment at an assessment centre, and get tested, even if they tested negative the first time. It is understood that individuals will need to leave isolation to seek testing.
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 identified 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.
“Out of an abundance of caution, individuals who attended the pub on these dates are encouraged to seek testing, even if they do not have symptoms,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “If symptoms develop, the symptomatic individual must isolate immediately and seek testing. All household members must isolate until the symptomatic individual receives negative test results or an alternate diagnosis.”
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
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
