Toronto Public Health (TPH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the provincially-run Toronto East Detention Centre, with one confirmed case of COVID-19 linked to this setting. TPH has declared an outbreak out of an abundance of caution as the individual who has tested positive is currently under investigation by Durham Region Health Department with a suspected case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
There is no evidence of transmission within the setting at this time. TPH is working closely with the facility and the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General to ensure the appropriate measures are taken to minimize the risk to staff and inmates, as well as conduct case and contact management.
TPH began investigating this setting on November 26 after a notification of a possible COVID-19 exposure. The Toronto East Detention Centre voluntarily redirected new admissions starting November 29. As there are no public-facing operations at this time, the risk to public remains low.
Given the emergence of the new Omicron variant and the ongoing transmission of the Delta variant, it is more important than ever to seek vaccination if you have not done so already. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will lower the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death, while protecting yourself, loved ones and your community from getting sick. If you are eligible for a third dose, please book an appointment today to ensure you have an extra layer of protection from COVID-19, as we head into the colder months. Find out if you are eligible for the booster shot on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated page.
As the vaccination campaign progresses, residents are also urged to continue to follow public health measures such as mask wearing, good hand hygiene, physical distancing and staying at home if you are sick.
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