Point Edward, ON - Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating two new workplace outbreaks, both declared on Friday December 18. LPH has received two laboratory-confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 linked to the first workplace, and two linked to the second.
A workplace outbreak is declared when there are two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in staff (employees, contractors, volunteers) or other visitors in a workplace with an epidemiological link, within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the workplace.
“Declaring an outbreak means that there is evidence of transmission of the virus in the workplace,” explains Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County. “The first steps involve immediately isolating affected individuals and working with the site location to ensure infection prevention and control measures are maintained or enhanced."
The individuals who tested positive have been notified of their results and LPH is continuing to conduct case and contact management as part of the investigation. LPH will continue to monitor the situation and work with the stakeholders involved to limit further transmission in the setting and the broader community.
No additional details will be provided at this time based on the current needs of the investigation. All individuals impacted have been notified.
This news release has been issued to provide notification of the outbreak. During standard operating hours the reporting notification is supported through our website dashboard and detailed reports, unless the investigation requires additional information sharing.
We all have a role to play to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Limit all non-essential social activities and stay home if you are sick. If Lambton Public Health contacts you, be honest and understand that isolating close contacts is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
To learn more about public health's COVID-19 response in Lambton County visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca.
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