UPDATE: INTERNATIONAL: The World Health Organization has declared the COVID virus is now considered a pandemic.
REGIONALLY: “I am confirming that based on our investigations so far, the individual was not infectious while attending the PDAC 2020 conference March 2 and 3 in Toronto,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury & District Medical Officer of Health. “Our working hypothesis at this time is that this individual was exposed to COVID-19 while at the conference and therefore we are advising those who attended the conference to monitor for symptoms for 14 days since leaving this event,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.
Laurentian University has also cancelled all classes and moved them online. The move comes into play today in an effort to prevent any possible potential spread of the virus.
NATIONALLY: Saying “We will make sure you have everything you need” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a 1-billion-dollar federal response plan to COVID 19. The government will be waving the mandatory 1-week waiting period for Employment Insurance for any Canadian that has to be quarantined because of the virus. On top of that the feds will take special measures under the Work-Share Program to support businesses that fall on hard times and allow easier access to credit for companies that have a short-term cash crunch. Trudeau ended that Canada is among the best prepared countries and “we will get through this.”
Public Health Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, has confirmed the first positive case of the coronavirus in the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts
Having a confirmed case in our area is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus around the world, says Dr. Sutcliffe.
She says a man in his 50s presented himself at the emergency department of Health Sciences North on Sunday.
Following testing, Dr. Sutcliffe says the man was discharged home where he remains in self-isolation.
While the investigation is ongoing, she adds it is known that on March 2nd and 3rd he attended the Prospectors& Developers Association of Canada 2020 convention in Toronto.
Dr. Sutcliffe emphasizes the unit is actively involved in follow up and is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the local health system.
Our focus is on breaking the chain of transmission to limit the spread of infection and as a precautionary measure, we are asking those who attended the convention to monitor for symptoms for 14 days,” Dr. Sutcliffe said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health advise 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 professionals or public health to make arrangements to be tested.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). Complications from the COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.
IMPORTANT: If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, call Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1.866.797.0000 (TTY 1.866.797.0007) or Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you visited. If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them that you have a respiratory illness. You may be asked to wear a mask while waiting for or receiving treatment to prevent the spread of illness. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
At this time, the virus is not circulating locally. However, this is a rapidly changing situation requiring that our agency, community, and individuals be prepared for the potential wider spread of the infection in the community.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for information about how you can prepare for the spread of COVID-19, how to monitor your health, and what to do if you think you are sick. For additional information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
