Public Health issues advisory related to COVID-19 outbreak at Mary River Mine

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is issuing an advisory to any individuals who have arrived in Waterloo Region from the Mary River Mine site in Nunavut (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation) since April 30, 2021 to begin self-isolation immediately and contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400.

A large COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the Mary River Mine site of the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation in early May, involving the B.1.617.2 variant first detected in India. Any individuals who have returned since April 30 are considered high risk contacts based on their potential exposure to COVID-19.

To date, Region of Waterloo Public Health has been notified of one local case and seven high risk contacts related to the mine. This advisory is being issued to ensure that anyone else who may have arrived in Waterloo Region from the Mary River Mine site is aware of the need to self-isolate immediately and contact Public Health.

Anyone who has returned from the Mary River Mine site within the last 14 days is advised to self-isolate for 14 days, seek testing immediately, and get tested again on their tenth day of isolation. Anyone who has returned more than 14 days ago and has not yet been tested should seek testing immediately and self-isolate until negative test results are received. For individuals who are not tested, a 24-day self-isolation period is required.

If you cannot safely self-isolate at home you can contact the Safe Voluntary Isolation Site. For details visit regionofwaterloo.ca/IsolationSite

To book an appointment for testing at a local assessment centre visit regionofwaterloo.ca/COVID19testing

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For media information, please contact:

Kerri Hutchinson
Health Communications, Supervisor
kehutchinson@regionofwaterloo.ca