The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is warning about a COVID-19 exposure that may be connected to dozens of new cases.
Over 40 cases have been tied to the Elite Restaurant on Main Street in Kingsville, according to Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai.
Nesathurai told WindsorNewsToday.ca Friday afternoon that the infections appear to be connected to a party that was held at the eatery.
"We're still continuing with our epidemiological assessment, but to the best of our ability, we believe that these more than 40 cases are associated with one particular event," said Nesathurai.
The assessment has not yet identified any potential variants that may be in play.
The health unit is asking anyone who visited the restaurant between November 18 and December 2 to get a COVID-19 test if they feel symptoms, even mild ones. This also applies to people living in the same home as someone who attended.
Employers in the Kingsville and Leamington area are also being urged by the health unit to screen their employees each day as there is risk in the community.
When asked why there was such a long time period for potential exposure, Nesathurai said the health unit is using that approach as the best way to keep any spread in check.
"Sometimes the risk has a greater time period," said Nesathurai. "To the best of our assessment, we think that individuals who attended events at this restaurant during this time period would be at heightened risk for being exposed to COVID, and if they're exposed, they may transmit COVID as well."
The health unit placed Friday as the date of notification, so anyone who attended an event at the restaurant during the stated time frame should self-monitor for symptoms through December 16. If they feel ill, they should get tested immediately and contact their health care provider for further instructions.