550 people may have been exposed to coronavirus at Toronto strip club

Around 550 people may have been exposed to COVID-19 at a Toronto strip club.

On Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said they notified guests who visited the Brass Rail Tavern, located at 701 Yonge Street, about a potential exposure to the virus.

According the health unit, a tavern employee who tested positive for COVID-19 attended the strip club on these dates and times:

August 4 from 7 pm to 2:30 am (August 5)
August 5 from 8 pm to 3 am (August 6)
August 7 from 9 pm to 3 am (August 8)
August 8 from 7 pm to 2:30 am (August 9)

“There was no risk to anyone attending the Brass Rail Tavern outside of these dates and times,” the release says.

“As a precaution, TPH is advising anyone who attended the Brass Rail Tavern during these dates and times to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms for the 14 days after their last visit during this time period.”

The public health unit also said they have followed up with all known close contacts and asked these individuals to self-isolate for 14 days and to go for testing.

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TPH is also notifying individuals directly who provided their name and contact information in the establishment’s contact tracing log.

“The establishment is collaborating with TPH to ensure all COVID-19 Stage 3 reopening protocols are in place in this setting. including staff and patrons wearing masks, infection prevention and control measures are in place, and appropriate physical distancing measures are followed,” the release adds.

For individuals who do not develop symptoms, the health units say there is no need to self-isolate.

But, if an individual does develop symptoms, they are asked to contact TPH, seek testing and immediately self-isolate.

The health unit is reminding residents that as the virus continues to circulate in the community, residents are reminded to continue following public health advice to wash hands often, practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wear a mask in indoor settings, or when physical distance cannot be maintained and remain at home when ill.