DRYDEN, Ont. – The Northwestern Health Unit has declared a workplace outbreak of COVID-19 at Walmart in Dryden, warning those who shopped there over a period of several weeks of possible low-risk exposure.
The declaration means at least two cases were detected in the workplace, transmission at the store cannot be ruled out, and others in the setting could have been exposed, the health unit said in a statement issued Sunday.
The health unit did not disclose the total number of cases associated with the outbreak.
Anyone who shopped at the store over a more than two-week period in March could have faced low-risk exposure, the NWHU warned.
“Though the risk to the public remains low, anyone who shopped at Walmart in Dryden between March 9 and March 27 who has developed cold- or flu-like symptoms may have been infected with COVID-19 without knowing it.”
Others who had high-risk exposure have been notified and given instructions, the health unit said.
The agency is conducting contact tracing and will reach out to anyone identified as close contact, it noted. It is also working with Walmart to put heightened measures in place.
Anyone who experiences even one symptom of COVID-19 is directed to immediately self-isolate along with their household and seek testing, the health unit said.
Residents can contact the Dryden assessment centre at 223-3737 or assess@drhc.on.ca.Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story.
“This is a good reminder to the public that we must remain vigilant with prevention measures,” the health unit stated. “Wearing a mask, staying two meters from others, and washing our hands often are proven methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
