The Grey Bruce Health Unit says it has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases in eastern Grey County resulting from some individuals failing to adhere to social gathering recommendations, regulations and basic COVID-19 preventive guidelines.
The Health Unit says a number of active cases share a common association.
In the last few days, Grey Bruce Heath Unit contact tracing has followed up with approximately 100 contacts, including 32 known high risk close contacts, within the one cluster.
Public Health says subsequent testing confirmed five individuals positive for COVID-19.
Those people, as well as all the close contacts in this cluster, have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Health Unit says it is expected a few more people currently being monitored by the health unit as a result of the cluster could test positive for the virus in the coming days.
Cases will continue to be identified on the Health Unit’s daily situation report.
Public Health says this cluster will be posted on a secure national monitoring site, accessed only by public health agencies, to assist in identifying any potential COVID-19 links or cases outside Grey Bruce.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra says, “In this case, we are confident we have reached the close contacts of this cluster and we’re managing them and it’s not beyond our capacity. So, there is no need to post a business or post the name or location.”
He adds, “While the outbreak is in several communities, the one thing in common is that people lowered their guards. It is mainly related to people over-extending social gatherings and having too many contacts.”
Public Health says, although not connected to this cluster, similar cases of people failing to heed limits on contacts continue to emerge.
Public Health says it is the only authority that can identify close contacts. If you are not contacted by Public Health you need not worry about the need to be tested.
The Health Unit says, to break the spread of COVID-19, it is important to continue to follow current public health guidance, including:
· Watch your distance and maintain physical distancing of 2 metres between yourself and others
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
· Wear face coverings correctly in indoor public spaces