Niagara Region Public Health have confirmed 23 more cases of COVID-19.
The last time Niagara saw a number this high was April 22nd, where there were 20 new cases in one day.
Earlier today, Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji confirmed 20 of these 23 cases are due to an outbreak of the virus at Pioneer Flower Farms in St. Catharines.
Public Health says they will be "testing other employees who have symptoms or are at increased risk, and all employees who have been exposed to the infection have been isolated or are working separately from others to prevent further spread."
Public Health says there is no increased risk to customers of Pioneer Farms.
Listen to Dr. Hirji's interview on CKTB by clicking here.
In a post on their Facebook page, Pioneer Flower Farms say:
"Testing of 80+ workers started this morning May 31, 2020 at 9:30am and completed by 1pm. Testing results came back for a large majority at 7:30pm tonight [May 31st], and they have confirmed that the spread of COVID-19 has indeed been through the greenhouse at 1900 Seventh Street, with 18 more positive minimum to asymptomatic cases."
To recap the weekend, Saturday saw six new cases of COVID-19, and Sunday saw one.
Of Niagara's 666 total cases, 559 patients have recovered, and 59 patients have died.
Outbreaks at a number of Niagara health care facilities, including Lundy Manor in Niagara Falls, have ended.
Currently, Niagara has 48 active cases of COVID-19
To see today's full breakdown from Niagara Region Public Health, click here.
From Niagara Region Public Health
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 is to:
- Avoid non-essential trips into the community
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary close interaction with others (stay 2 metres apart)
- Wear a cloth face mask in public when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily. Use a disinfectant and follow manufacturer’s instructions.