Two COVID outbreaks in Sudbury: one from a Halloween Party, the other at Pioneer Manor

Pioneer Manor in Sudbury. (June 2017/CTV Northern Ontario)

Sudbury — A Halloween party Oct. 31 in Sudbury exposed residents to COVID-19, Public Health Sudbury & Districts reported Tuesday evening.

That event and a positive test among a staff member at Pioneer manor has prompted the health unit to declared two outbreaks. A total of five new cases have been confirmed, all from Greater Sudbury.

"Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk exposure to COVID-19 to anyone who attended a Halloween party … Oct. 31 at 955 Meadowside Ave. in Greater Sudbury," the health unit said in a news release. "This party occurred without the homeowner’s knowledge."

Anyone who attended this gathering is advised to immediately self-isolate, contact Public Health, and seek testing for COVID-19.

"Self-isolation means not leaving home for work or school, not using public transportation, and avoiding contact with others." The release said.

Public Health is making the advisory public because it doesn't have contact information for everyone attended the party.

Follow guidance, prevent the spread

"It is imperative that anyone who attended this party follow public health guidance to prevent further spread of the virus," the health unit said.

And the outbreak at Pioneer Manor comes after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Lilac and Mallard Units only are affected by this outbreak, the release said.

With the five new cases, there has now been 186 cases in the health unit's coverage area, with the number of cases spiking in the last two weeks.

"Four are close contacts of known cases, and the one remaining is still under investigation," the health unit said. "All are following Public Health direction and are self-isolating."

Public Health reminds everyone the safest ways to avoid infection are to avoid non-essential travel, limit indoor gatherings to your own household, and otherwise be outdoors or go virtual, practise physical distancing, masking, and handwashing, and stay away if you have any symptoms.

"As much as possible, Ontarians are encouraged to limit outings to essentials like going to work or school, picking up groceries, attending a medical appointment, or engaging in outdoor physical activity," the release said. "For all outings, continue to practise COVID-safe behaviours like distancing and wearing a face covering."