Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario, confirmed a new positive case of COVID-19, formerly known at the coronavirus, in Toronto.
This is the fifth confirmation of the virus in the province.
The sample is awaiting confirmation and it has been sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.
Provincial officials say on February 24, 2020, a woman in her 60s presented herself at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s emergency department with a travel history to Iran.
As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as she was tested for COVID-19, provincial officials say.
The woman was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where she remains.
Toronto Public Health is actively engaging in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and her close contacts.
Dr. Williams will be joined by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto, to provide an update on the situation at 12:30 p.m. today (February 26) at the Queen’s Park media studio.
COVID-19 has impacted more than 80,000 people and killed over 2,700 across the world.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is closely monitoring COVID-19 and they have issued some information for Chatham-Kent residents.
“Common symptoms of infection include fever, cough and respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties,” Chatham-Kent Public Health officials stated.
“Please note that there is a low mortality rate associated with the virus, especially in comparison to SARS. Most individuals infected by the virus will recover. Thus far, fatalities have been mainly people with underlying serious health problems.”
Chatham-Kent Public Health officials say the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada and for Canadian travelers.
“Please note that the Public Health risk is reassessed on a continual basis as new information becomes available,” Chatham-Kent Public Health officials say.
“CK Public Health is following the lead of the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada in responding to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. CK Public Health has a strong partnership with local hospitals that have put measures in place to screen individuals who are suspected of being infected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Please read signs and follow all instructions when visiting a hospital.”
Chatham-Kent Public Health officials say to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, including COVID-19, CK Public Health advises Chatham-Kent residents to:
– Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
– Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hand
– Stay home if you are sick
– Avoid contact with people who are sick
– Visit your Health Care Provider or nearest pharmacy to get your flu shot
– Avoid non-essential travel to China
