The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit is contact tracing after a symptomatic individual was socializing with students and other people in Dundalk on Halloween night.
Public health is in the process of identifying who might be at risk of transmission, because it was likely the infected person was shedding the virus.
However, contacts without symptoms should not go get tested as the results are unreliable. Public Health will direct any contacts who need to get tested or to self isolate.
In a media release, Cheif Medical Officer, Dr. Ian Arra, said a number of the partygoers are students attending Grey Highlands Secondary School in the Municipality of Grey Highlands. He added they have been in contact with the school and Board officials, and there is no need for any extraordinary measures in the school. Those at risk of infection will be contacted within 24 hours.
Currently, there are no COVID-19 outbreaks, that is, evidence of transmission from person to person, in any schools or childcare centres in Grey Bruce.
The person who tested positive has been contacted directly by the Public Health COVID-19 Case and Contact Management Team and is self-isolating. Public health is working with that individual and the Bluewater District School Board to identify others, both in and out of the school environment, who may have been exposed and determine their risk level.
Arra said, "all contact tracing and determination of individual and community risk is made by public health. This is true of all cases, whether in schools, workplaces or the community. A health care provider or school official cannot make this decision."
People who attended a party in Dundalk on Halloween night with a number of students, should check for messages from public health or contact public health at 1-800-263-3456 ext 3000 or contactus@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
