Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of a potential high-risk public exposure on Ontario Northland bus to a person who is under investigation for the Omicron variant of COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk exposure to the highly transmissible COVID-19 Omicron variant, specifically for anyone who was a passenger on Ontario Northland bus (trip number 1506) from Ottawa to Sudbury on December 8 from 10:25 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to the findings of Public Health’s investigation and the high risk of transmission, anyone who was present on the bus on December 8 from 10:25 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. must self-isolate immediately regardless of your immunization status or whether you have symptoms and seek testing if symptoms develop. Self-isolation means you must stay home and isolate away from others in your home.

Actions to take for potential exposure:

Any individual who was present on the bus on the date and time listed in the potential exposure above is advised to follow public health guidance:

• Self-isolate immediately regardless of your immunization status or whether you have symptoms.
• Seek testing on day 7 or later. Seek testing sooner if symptoms develop. Regardless of your immunization status.

COVID-19 testing appointments can be arranged through the Health Sciences North Assessment Centre: the preferred option is to request an appointment online (Health Sciences North, https://secure.hsnsudbury.ca/COVID19AppointmentRequest) or call 705.671.7373 during regular business hours.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the more transmissible variants of concern. Though no single measure on its own is 100% perfect, wearing a mask and ensuring you are fully vaccinated will reduce your risk of contracting or experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. With the threat of the Omicron variant, it is highly recommended to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious disease from COVID-19. By using many layers of protection against COVID-19 you lower your risks of getting or spreading COVID-19. The safest options are to limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, work from home if possible, avoid non-essential travel, and remember to practise physical distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands. For all outings, continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.

For a list of low-risk COVID-19 exposures in the community, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/data. For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).