Carleton Place investigates potential COVID-19 outbreak at town childcare centre

CARLETON PLACE – Health experts are investigating a possible COVID-19 outbreak at Carleton Place’s municipal childcare centre.

“The Town of Carleton Place is working with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit to respond to a case of possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus for a small group of children and staff at the municipal childcare centre at 3 Francis St.,” town staff released in a statement Friday (Aug. 28). “Any person considered high risk has been contacted by public health and provided with direction. In addition, all parents at the Francis Street centre have received a letter from the health unit.”

The affected children and staff are staying at home and will be tested.

“I am very pleased with the infection control measures implemented in the centre,” medical officer of health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Dr. Paula Stewart said. “As a direct result of the safety measures in place since the reopening the risk to the rest of the Centre is considered low.”

The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit has recommended the following precautions to all individuals in attendance at the Francis Street Childcare Centre on Monday, Aug. 24, including staff and parents:

• Monitor for symptoms
• If symptoms develop:
• Immediately self-isolate
• Contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
• Get tested

If anyone has questions or concerns, please call the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853, extension 2222.