Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 8, 2021

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended The Duke Pub, 248 Front St., Belleville on December 2, 3, 4 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating multiple cases of COVID-19 who were present at the pub on these dates.

All individuals who attended the Duke Pub on December 2, December 3, December 4 are advised to:

• Monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19.
• If symptoms develop, even mild ones such as a runny nose or sore throat, isolate at home and away from others, and only leave isolation to seek testing or medical care.
  • To seek testing, book an appointment online for the Belleville or Trenton testing centre. You can also call 613-961-5544.
  • For other testing options, please visit hpepublichealth.ca/getting-tested-for-covid-19/.
  • When seeking testing, please provide investigation number 2238-2021-52160 to the testing centre.

While HPEPH does not typically disclose the location of COVID-19 cases in order to protect individuals’ privacy, this information is disclosed when needed to meet public health objectives such as prompt notification of potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission. HPEPH is in the process of contacting high-risk contacts related to this case. All high-risk contacts will be instructed by HPEPH to self-isolate immediately and to get tested.

“We are continuing to see a very concerning increase in COVID-19 cases in our region.  Anyone who attended The Duke Pub on these dates should closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and if symptoms develop they should isolate immediately and only leave isolation to get tested or seek urgent medical care,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “To protect yourself and those you care about, please get vaccinated or get your booster as soon as you are eligible. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.”

• To book your appointment for COVID-19 vaccination at an HPEPH clinic, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.
• Many pharmacies also offer COVID-19 vaccination and offer evening and weekend hours. Find pharmacies offering vaccine at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.