Lethbridge Family Services (LFS), a local health and social services organization, said Monday it had confirmed “positive cases of COVID-19” at one of its north-side offices.
In a news release Monday morning, LFS confirmed the building on 1107 2A Ave. N. was closed after the cases were reported. Both the Immigrant Services and DeCapo Disability Services offices are located at this address.
“With these few cases confirmed, LFS closed our north office on Friday, in addition to today, out of an abundance of caution,” Monday’s release read.
Although it would not say exactly how many cases were reported, LFS said Alberta Health Services informed it an outbreak would be declared.
AHS publicly declares COVID-19 outbreaks in acute care and continuing care facilities when there are two or more cases, and at other facilities when five or more positive cases exist. AHS only declares outbreaks on Tuesdays and Fridays.
In a statement to Global News on Monday afternoon, AHS said it was investigating the an outbreak at LFS “in which four lab-confirmed cases have been identified as of 3 p.m.”
“AHS is working closely with the organization to limit the spread of the virus, and has reviewed COVID-19 precautions with LFS management and will be conducting an on-site inspection,” the health authority said. “Contact tracing is also underway to identify individuals who may have been exposed.
“Only those contacted directly by AHS are considered exposed to any case. If you are not contacted directly by AHS, you are not considered exposed. Albertans with symptoms can book a COVID-19 test online at https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/ or by calling 811.”
Over the weekend, LFS says it completed a deep cleaning, and says its three departments have been separated since March, working in “tight containment” without contact with one another.
“We will continue to be honest with our employees, clients and the community. Every effort is being taken.
“We are working closely with Alberta Health Services to assist them with contact tracing.”
LFS has around 380 staff who provide supports to more than 7,200 individuals and families.