New Liskeard event may have exposed public to COVID

SUDBURY -- The Timiskaming Health Unit is advising the public of an event where they could have been exposed to COVID-19.

In a news release Thursday, the health unit said the exposure was at a gathering Dec. 5 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Riverside Place in New Liskeard.

"With the combination of COVID-19 measures that were in place and the level of contact, the event is considered a low-risk exposure to those who attended the sit-down meal, the take-out meal, or received delivery," the health unit said.

Anyone who attended this event needs to self-monitor for 14 days for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms appear, residents should immediately self-isolate and call your local assessment centre to arrange testing.

"If any high-risk contacts are identified, they will be contacted directly by public health," the release said.

If you are concerned about your exposure or if you self-identify as a high-risk contact, self-isolate and call the health unit.

“If you are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait to get tested for COVID-19,” Dr. Glenn Corneil, acting medical officer of health and CEO for the Timiskaming Health Unit, said in the release. “Getting testing immediately is a vital step to protecting our community.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear in two to seven days, but may appear as long as 14 days after exposure.

“As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to keep our guard up regarding COVID-19. Avoid holiday gatherings with people outside of your household and continue to follow public health measures,” said Corneil.

District residents are reminded to:

- Continue practicing physical distancing.

- Wear a mask or face covering in public indoor spaces.

- Wash hands with warm water or use alcohol based sanitizers and do not touch your face.

- Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

- Do not gather in large groups, no more than 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.

- Do not gather with people outside of your household.

- Avoid non-essential travel outside of our district, especially to high transmission areas.

- Stay home if unwell and contact your local Assessment Centre (AC) to schedule an appointment for testing.

- Respect public health and any additional safety measures businesses have put in place.

- Reach out to vulnerable people in your community who may need support.

For more information on COVID-19, go to the health unit's website or visit Ontario’s website.