Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is advising the community of a low-level risk exposure of COVID-19 at a local winery.

On Sunday, Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH  announced individuals who visited Sandbanks Winery on the afternoon of March 20 may have had a low risk exposure to COVID-19.

“Anyone who visited the facility on this date must self-monitor and if symptoms of COVID-19 develop, seek testing, even if symptoms are very mild. Impacted individuals are encouraged to review the attached letter for more information,” Dr. Oglaza said in a statement.

Dr. Piotr Oglaza. (HPEPH photo)

According to HPEPH, an individual who was at the facility on this date has tested positive for COVID-19 and has screened positive for a Variant of Concern (VOC).

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.

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.

“While the risk to patrons is relatively low, promptly identifying cases of COVID-19, and in particular cases of VOC, is critical to slow the spread in our area” added Dr. Oglaza. “To avoid spreading illness to others, anyone who visited Sandbanks Winery on the afternoon of March 20 must monitor closely for symptoms and seek testing if symptoms develop – even if symptoms are very mild.”

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.

-Staff