During a press conference on Saturday, Huron Perth Public Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the area.
Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth Public Health Dr. Miriam Klassen, confirmed the person who tested positive is a 64-year-old St. Mary’s man who had just returned from Mexico.
HPPH was not able to provide the exact location that the man traveled to in Mexico but will provide more details when available.
HPPH is working with partners to identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to the virus and assess any potential health risks.
Dr. Klassen says despite the positive test, the risk remains low for people in Huron and Perth Counties.
CEO of Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, Andrew Williams went over his treatment plan.
The Coronavirus page at Ontario.ca has also confirmed that a 50-year-old Middlesex County woman has also tested positive.
Current recommendations for residents
· At this time, the virus is not circulating locally. However, this is a rapidly changing situation requiring that the community and individuals be prepared for potential wider spread of the infection in the community.
· The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health are advising all travellers to monitor their health for fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for 14 days after arriving back in Canada. If symptoms develop within 14 days, returning travellers are directed to self-isolate as quickly as possible and immediately call their health care provider or public health.
· Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing (shortness of breath).
Who should be tested for COVID-19?
Testing is only being considered for high-risk individuals, including:
· Symptomatic contacts of confirmed cases, until community transmission, is confirmed
· Individuals admitted to hospital with acute respiratory illness
· Health care workers with acute respiratory illness
· Individuals with acute respiratory who reside in long-term care homes and retirement homes
· Individuals with acute respiratory illness who reside in other institutions and as directed by local public health
· Health care workers as part of a health care institutional outbreak and as directed by local public health.
If you are experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, you are advised to stay home and self-isolate and testing is not required. If you have additional questions, contact your healthcare provider or public health by phone.
