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OUTBREAK IN BROOKS

COVID-19 confirmed at Brooks beef plant, continuing care centre

Apr 16, 2020 | 2:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City of Brooks is confirming multiple cases of COVID-19 at the JBS Food Canada plant in that city and one case among the staff of Sunrise Gardens continuing care centre.

A release from the City of Brooks, states that AHS is working very diligently with both locations to track close contacts and put strict measures in place to control the spread.

“AHS has directly contacted individuals who are considered to be a close contact, or what is considered to be a person who may have been exposed to the positive COVID-19 cases. Only individuals contacted directly by AHS are considered to be a close contact. If you are not contacted directly by AHS, you are not considered exposed,” reads the release.

“As these are now confirmed community transmitted cases, we are reminding residents that it is crucial we all continue to be socially responsible,” the release continues. “Stay home, practice social distancing, self-isolate and practice good hygiene; wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your face. Monitor symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing. If you think you may have COVID-19, take the self-assessment test at Myhealth.Alberta.ca and follow instructions. Do not go to the emergency room unless you have severe symptoms.”

With the recent increase in testing eligibility, Brooks officials expect to see a spike in cases in the coming days.

On Wednesday, the City of Brooks confirmed three cases in the city following back and forth between officials from the city and AHS about the addresses of those with confirmed cases.

Discussing outbreaks at plants in High River and Calgary during her address to the province on Wednesday, chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw reminded Albertans that COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness.

For more information about COVID-19 support and programs in Brooks visit brooks.ca.