11 COVID-19 cases linked to birthday party in Vaughan

A Vaughan homeowner has been fined after 11 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed following a birthday party attended by 22 people at a private home earlier this month.

Nine of the positive cases are York Region residents, and two cases are from Toronto, ranging in age from three to 54, according to the public notice issued by York Region Public Health today. 

Eighteen people were indoors at the party held Sunday, Dec. 6, when the region was in the red control zone and indoor gatherings were limited to five people.

A York Region Public Health inspector issued the ticket, $750 plus a surcharge totalling $880, to the homeowner today.

Of the 22 attendees, seven have been identified as high-risk contacts and four are considered low-risk contacts, with the remaining 11 attendees confirmed cases, the notice said.

Individuals who dropped presents at the door and stayed outside, socially distanced from the porch, are considered low risk. Attendees deemed high risk were advised to isolate and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 until Monday, Dec. 21.

All close contacts have been identified and contacted, according to the notice, and there have been no school-related dismissals associated with positive school-aged children who attended the party.

York Region Public Health is continuing to monitor the situation as there is the potential for more cases to be identified.

The risk to the general public is considered low. 

"This serves as a reminder how social gatherings, including birthday parties and holiday celebrations, may seem harmless but they have the potential to spread COVID-19 to children and vulnerable adults. By law, indoor gatherings can only include members of your immediate household, regardless of the reason for gathering. Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other household," the notice states.