News Release: Repatriated Travellers Confirmed Positive for COVID-19 in Health Unit District

NORTH BAY, ON - Two individuals from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) region were repatriated from a cruise ship by the Canadian Government. The two individuals, a female and male both in their 70s, were transported to the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton on March 10. While in quarantine they developed symptoms and were isolated and tested positive for COVID-19. They are now recovering at home and will continue to isolate until 14 days after their symptoms started. The two individuals are the second and third confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in our Health Unit district.

On March 25, the Federal Minister of Health, announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.

“It is expected that there will be more individuals who test positive for COVID-19 within the Health Unit’s district. The public plays an important role in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing (two meters) will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives” said Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health.

Protect yourself and those around you by regularly washing your hands or using alcohol-based sanitizers, not touching your face, covering your cough or sneeze and staying home when sick. Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. It is important to remember that four out of five people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild symptoms. People who are mildly ill should isolate and care for themselves at home. Most will recover in one to two weeks by simply treating the symptoms.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance call your health care provider or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. This will help keep the emergency room resources available for trauma and emergent care patients. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and mention your travel history and your symptoms.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

For more information please visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca