Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is encouraging people to continue following public health guidelines as it has declared a community outbreak of COVID-19 in Trenton.
Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health says the outbreak currently involves 18 people and acquisition has been traced to multiple linked social gatherings.
He says that while related cases have been confirmed in school-aged children, at this time, there is no evidence these individuals acquired COVID-19 in the school setting.
Over the last two days, Hastings Prince Edward District Public School Board reported five students cases at Trenton High School and two at Trent River Public School.
High-risk contacts have been notified and letters have been sent to low-risk contacts.
The schools remain open.
Dr. Toumishey adds that case investigations continue to show that people are not always following public health guidance when they have symptoms, perhaps assuming they have a cold or allergies and, in turn, are delaying testing.
The health unit recommends to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any illness, practice four fundamental actions:
- Get fully vaccinated and get a booster dose if you are eligible.
- Limit indoor social gatherings and close contacts.
- Stay two metres apart and wear a mask in indoor public spaces or any time physical distancing is not possible.
- Stay home, isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated.
