News

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) performed an inspection on November 17^th, 2022, at Fancy Face – Fancy It Up, located at 250 Owen St., in the Town of Simcoe after internal surveillance efforts resulted in a compliance inspection.

The Ontario Ministry of Health requires that Public Health Units investigate and publicly disclose information regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) lapses if identified during their investigations. This information is shared with the public to ensure that individuals who received services at the identified premises are informed of the potential health risk and can respond accordingly. Fancy Face – Fancy It Up is a standalone aesthetician (personal service) business where the operator is the sole provider of services including microblading, microshading, and permanent makeup. The business has been operating without public health unit inspection or approval from 2018 – November 9^th, 2022. The summary of the IPAC Lapse investigated at this premise is as follows:

• Inadequate cleaning and disinfection of semi-critical equipment and instruments that are reused on clients—the micro-blade holder was not being processed between clients.
• Infection risk: There is a risk of Blood Borne Infection (BBI) as well as the risk of transmitting skin infections from one client to another. While the infection risk is low, procedures involving the use of a micro-blade carry risk. Blood does not need to be visibly present for the transmission of microorganisms to occur.

On November 9, 2022, the aesthetics business was ordered closed by Norfolk County. It will remain closed until all infractions are corrected and a municipal business license with public health’s approval is acquired.

“Although the risk of infection here is quite low,” said Dr. Matt Strauss, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “We recommend that clients who received services, such as microblading, microshading and permanent makeup at this location between 2018 and November 9, 2022, consult with their healthcare provider about testing for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis and HIV.”

When seeking personal services clients are advised to ask to confirm that the operator has a valid municipal business license. For publicly disclosed health inspection results, clients can visit Inspect Our Community portal at https://inspectourcommunity.hnhss.ca/portal/

For more information regarding IPAC lapses, please contact the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit, Infectious Diseases Program at 519-426-6170, ext. 3438. To speak to a Public Health Inspector, please call 519-426-6170, ext. 3477.