The following is a press release issued from Loyalist Township:
On Wednesday, June 24, Loyalist Township was notified that an individual working for the contractor responsible for the construction of the Amherst Island Ferry Dock has tested positive for COVID-19. Following consultation with KFL&A Public Health, the employee who tested positive, as well as others in their immediate work area, were tested.
To protect the health of the public and prevent community spread, KFL&A Public Health is investigating and following up with close contacts. For the safety of the public, ferry crew and dock construction personnel, the Amherst Island Ferry Dock construction project has been halted until further notice.
“This reinforces the reality of COVID-19 in our community and I urge individuals to do everything they can to prevent its spread. Please remember to be vigilant by practising physical distancing, washing your hands frequently, staying at home when you are sick, and getting tested if you are experiencing symptoms.” stated Medical Officer of Health of KFL&A Public Health, Dr. Kieran Moore.
Loyalist Township staff are working closely with KFL&A Public Health, the Ministry of Transportation, and the general contractor regarding this situation. Should the township receive additional direction or guidance from KFL&A Public Health officials, it will act swiftly and accordingly.
Since the declaration of a local state of emergency, Loyalist Township has taken a number of steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the suspension of fare collection aboard the Amherst Island Ferry, the closure of public washrooms aboard the ferry, measures that promote physical distancing and the requirement of non-medical masks or face coverings for walk-on passengers aboard the ferry if physical distancing can not be maintained. Additionally, the contractor responsible for the construction of the dock project continues to implement measures such daily screening for all employees and visitors to the job site. As a precaution, employees that worked in close contact with the individual that tested positive will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. All other workers on the site will not be able to return to the worksite until they can provide proof of a negative test.
It is important to note, while this region has been afforded greater freedoms by moving to Stage 2 of the Framework for Reopening the Province, it is critical that everyone remain vigilant by continuing to practice proper physical distancing and infection prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“While we recognize that having a case in our community causes anxiety and concern, we have great confidence in the multi-pronged public health strategy of case investigation and contact tracing for identifying and mitigating cases of COVID-19,” stated Loyalist Township mayor, Ric Bresee.