Host to provide contact information Durham Region if involved in COVID investigation

Durham Region’s Medical Officer of Health has had to reassure residents that hosts of social gatherings will only have to provide their guest’s contact information to Durham’s Health department if they’re involved in an ongoing COVID-19 investigation.

The clarification comes amid pushback from some residents who decried the move as an overreach, but Dr. Robert Kyle said Durham Health only opens an investigation once they confirm a COVID-19 case is connected to a gathering.

The original order was clear in that hosts must provide contact information “upon request” but there appeared to be some confusion from many residents, leading to a spread of misinformation.

In a new statement issued around 3 pm, Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Chief Medical Officer called Order 22 a tool to ensure efficient case management. He said while most hosts comply with Health Department, some do not. “We expect the tool will rarely be used.”

The Region cited examples like wedding and sports tournaments as likely candidates for investigation. The order applies to any gathering of two more people.

Dr. Kyle is authorized to make these orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.