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Health Unit Says Surge In Cases Could Lead To Tighter Restrictions

The health unit hopes the surge in COVID-19 cases will not mean tighter restrictions for the region.

Earlier this week, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported a significant increase in cases with 20 people infected with COVID-19 in and around Pakenham, Almonte and Carleton Place.

Additionally, it was reported Wednesday that a resident in East Lanark had tested positive for a variant of concern. 

Medical Officer Dr. Paula Stewart says the outbreak is completely unrelated to the variant case. 

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“The person in East Lanark was infected outside of our region, came into our region, but was very careful to isolate, so we’re not expecting that to spread beyond that,” Dr. Stewart said. “It’s totally unrelated to the situation happening in Carleton Place, Almonte, and Pakenham.”

The health unit says the surge in cases stemmed from social gathering in Carleton Place, where public health guidelines were not being followed.

According to Dr. Stewart, the case count for the outbreak has likely increased since it was initially reported, which may impact the region’s colour code going forward.

“That increase in numbers would put us into the yellow-category,” Dr. Stewart said. “It’s very isolated though, so it depends whether we can get on top of it, and whether the community responds to really control the spread before we know if it would move us into yellow or not.” 

Dr. Stewart says the health unit will continue to discourage social gatherings but says it’s up to residents to follow precautions.

She says we should have a better idea on Friday, if the health unit will move into “yellow-protect” restrictions.

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