Two COVID-19 outbreaks confirmed in Gananoque

Two Public Health Units have come forward to inform the public of an outbreak in COVID-19 cases in Gananoque.

Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) District Health Unit, and Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health sent out a joint press release on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. This release was sent out to let the public know both Health Units are following up on an outbreak of cases at:

• Gananoque Chev Buick GMC Cadillac (including sales, parts, and service/garage)
  439 King Street East, Gananoque
• CSN Gananoque Collision Centre
  380 Herbert Street, Gananoque

All customers from the Gananoque Chev Buick GMC Cadillac Dealership or the CSN Gananoque Collision Centre location from Wednesday, Dec. 2 to Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020 are advised to assess their interactions. Persons who interacted with staff during this time may have been exposed to COVID-19, the Health Units said. Both Health Units are recommending that customers with interactions at either outlet monitor themselves for symptoms, and get tested should any symptoms develop. Those who are concerned about a high risk exposure, where either they or a staff member was in close proximity and not masked, should isolate and contact your local public health unit for further information. Both KFL&A and LGL Public Health Units have already identified and reached out to many of the high-risk contacts, the press release said.

“The well-being of the customers and staff is most important,” said Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the LGL Health Unit. “To protect the health of the public and prevent community spread, the Health Unit is following up with the workplace and conducting contact tracing.”

The Public Health officials advise:

• If you have had a high risk exposure, then self isolate for 14 days from the day of your interaction. This means staying at home, avoiding contact with others, and following public health precautions to prevent COVID-19
• Self-monitor for symptomsusing the Provincial screening tool
• If you are experiencing or develop symptoms, even mild ones, make an appointment for testing at a local Assessment Centre.
•  Follow the advice provided by the Assessment Centre and public health
•  If you are not symptomatic and have not been advised by public health to get tested please do not go for testing, as a test completed too early may not provide you with accurate results.

The Leeds Grenville Community Paramedic Outreach Program is arranging for pop-up testing in Gananoque on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 in the Upstairs Hall at the Gananoque & TLTI Recreation Centre at 600 King Street East from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is required, and residents are asked to enter through the north side entrance. To find your closest Ontario testing location to get a COVID?19 test visit Ontario’s COVID-19 Testing Centre Location webpage or visit the Health Unit website. Assessment centres are open daily and appointments can be booked online or by phone.

Anyone with any concerns or questions regarding the outbreak at Gananoque Chev Buick GMC Cadillac Dealership or the CSN Gananoque Collision Centre location may call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit 1-800-660-5853.