Vaughan wedding, stag linked to COVID outbreak

So far there are six COVID cases associated with the wedding and two cases linked to the stag

Torontosun.com
Sept. 13, 2021
Liz Braun

A stag party and wedding held two weeks ago in Vaughan have ignited a COVID-19 outbreak.

York Region Public Health has issued a notice about the stag party held Aug. 27 at Paramount Event Space on Rowntree Dairy Rd. and a wedding the next day at Royalton Hospitality on Weston Rd.

So far there are six COVID cases associated with the wedding and two cases linked to the stag.

According to a statement from Patrick Casey, director of corporate communications in York Region, masking and physical distancing were not consistently observed and the event is deemed a high-risk exposure.

He said contact tracing has been hampered by “difficulties obtaining the guest list” from the venues, bride and groom, or host of the stag.

Public Health is currently exploring charges related to this exposure.

As of Sept. 4, York Region had two Section 22 orders on the books. One relates to isolating with COVID symptoms or after exposure to someone with COVID. The other, which is new, pertains to social gatherings and states that the host of an event is obligated to follow all public health rules and local regulations, and keep a list of names and contact info on all attendees.

That list is to be provided to York Region Public Health within 24 hours of the request.

Hosts are likewise obligated to provide York Region Public Health with any other information that will help with case management and contact tracing, again, within 24 hours of the request.

Failure to comply with these new health measures may result in charges under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, with fines of up to $5,000 for every day the offence occurs.