A pair of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward County has Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) asking individuals that attended the Wellington Legion over the last 18 days to monitor for symptoms.

HPEPH announced this weekend it has traced two confirmed cases COVID-19 at the Wellington Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160. While HPEPH is in the process of completing a thorough investigation, at this time all individuals who attended the Legion between November 30 – December 18 are currently considered to have potential high-risk exposure. Individuals who attended the legion on these dates and are required to:

• self-isolate immediately
• seek testing as soon as possible, and
• await further direction from public health

While HPEPH is investigating these cases and assessing the risk of all potential contacts, all individuals that attended the legion on the dates mentioned above are required to seek testing while waiting for further direction. Any individual who visited the Legion on these dates, who has not received a call from HPEPH by end of day on Sunday December 20, is asked to contact HPEPH at 613-966-5500 or complete our online form for a risk assessment and to determine isolation dates.

While the risk of transmission through food or other objects is relatively low, individuals who received food or packages from the Legion on the above mentioned dates are also advised to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.  These individuals are considered low-risk contacts at the current time and are not required to isolate unless they are otherwise instructed to do so by HPEPH. Any low-risk contacts who develop symptoms are advised isolate immediately, book an appointment at an assessment centre and get tested.

“The team at HPEPH is working diligently to identify and notify individuals who are known to have been at the facility on these dates,” said Dr. Oglaza. “As we work through the case investigation and contact tracing process, we ask for cooperation of impacted individuals to isolate immediately and seek testing in order to prevent further local transmission of COVID-19.”

All residents are 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. 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 Ontario’s website.