The Palmer Rapids Broomball league held its season-ending playoff tournament on March 15 in the Palmer Rapids arena. It featured the four teams that had competed in the league throughout the season. With players, fans and volunteers in the building, approximately 100 people were gathered at the arena.
An individual from out of town who played in the tournament has fallen ill, and was tested for COVID-19 on Friday March 27. The test was confirmed positive on Saturday March 28.
Dr. Rob Cushman from the Renfrew County District Health Unit comments as follows:
“The good news is that this occurred more than two weeks ago, so the immediate and most important time to self-monitor has passed.
However, it is extremely important that anyone who was at the arena, or in contact with someone who played in the tournament, who is exhibiting cold or flu like symptoms, is advised to self-isolate for 14 days from the onset of symptoms.”
Anyone who is sick and requires further assessment should telephone your family doctor first or the Virtual Triage & Assessment Centre (VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 if you can’t reach your own, or don’t have a family physician.
There is a lesson to be learned from this, namely that physical distancing is our best weapon in the war against COVID-19. It should be noted that social events now contravene Ontario’s emergency measures. The limitations on the size of any group changes from day to day and should be limited at home to the number of people under one roof. Stores and worksites may provide essential services to small numbers of customers all the while paying strict attention to 2 metre physical distancing.
Coughlin,H. Renfrew County District Health Unit(2020,Mar.30) Year-end tournaments ends with COVID-19 case [media release]
Bad decisions to have a tournament.
Best wishes to all.
Bad decision to hold the tournament😞