30 COVID-19 Cases in Ottawa Paramedic Service, 93 Possibly Exposed Patients – Ottawa | The Canadian News

A COVID-19 outbreak at an Ottawa paramedics off-duty gathering has resulted in dozens of cases on duty and nearly 100 patients with a “low to moderate” risk of exposure, according to a memorandum sent to city hall Tuesday night. . .

Chief Pierre Poirier said in the memo that there are currently 30 known cases of COVID-19 within the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

He said the exposures occurred at an “off-duty social gathering” on December 15.

A paramedic developed symptoms and tested positive for the virus three days later, at which point all attendees were tested.

Poirier said 93 patients have been considered close contacts with staff who were asymptomatic at the time.

However, he added that due to infection control measures and personal protective equipment, “the risk of exposure is considered low to moderate.”

Service levels have not been affected as a result of the cases, Poirier said in the memo, but the paramedic service is monitoring possible impacts.

Ottawa Public Health has confirmed that everyone in the facility was tested and all high-risk contacts were contacted.

“We continue to closely monitor operations as the situation evolves and will institute more contingency plans if necessary,” Poirier said.

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