KENORA, Ont. —Health officials are cautioning area residents about a COVID-19 outbreak in the Emo area, west of Fort Frances.
The Northwestern Health Unit issued the advisory Monday afternoon,.
It cited an increase in COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated individuals.
The NWHU has declared an outbreak associated with Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program (SCAP) and SonShine Christian Kindergarten, affecting what it described only as "many households and age groups."
Ontario regulations require an outbreak to be declared when there are two or more COVID-19 cases in a facility, and spread of the virus within the setting cannot be ruled out.
All individuals identified as high-risk contacts will receive instructions from the health unit directly.
However, the school and childcare facility both remain open.
The NWHU said low-risk students and vaccinated staff who are not contacted can continue to attend.
"NWHU, Rainy River District School Board, SCAP and SonShine Christian Kindergarten are working together to ensure that the facility is safe and that all possible control measures are put in place," the statement said.
It said taking a cautious approach and declaring an outbreak is aimed at protecting students, staff and the community at large.
According to data published by the NWHU, as of Monday afternoon there were eight active COVID-19 cases in the District of Rainy River, where Emo is situated.
