News

Second Positive Case of COVID-19 in EOHU Region

2020-03-18

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), has confirmed a second positive case of COVID-19 in the EOHU area. The male in his 60’s is from Prescott-Russell, and was tested on March 14, 2020.

Following testing, the individual was discharged home where he remains in self-isolation, following Public Health direction. The individual experienced mild symptoms of fever, cough, headache and generalized aches and pain. Late in the day on March 17, the individual’s test came back positive for COVID-19.

While the public health investigation is ongoing, it is known that the individual returned from a trip to the United Kingdom on March 11, 2020 and developed symptoms later that day. The EOHU is actively engaged in the process of contact tracing for other individuals who may have been in close contact with the man.

“Having another confirmed case in our area is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus around the world,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU. “This case is also imported from outside of Canada. Our current containment process aims to identify and isolate individuals to limit the spread into our community and it is working.”

Dr. Roumeliotis adds that at this point, there is no evidence of local community spread, and the risk remains low for the region. “We will continue to work collectively through personal hygiene precautions and community-based public health measures in keeping with the provincial government’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Ontario.” He adds that these measures may expand, depending on circumstances. At this time, measures include social distancing, limits on mass gatherings, closure of public and private schools, licensed daycares, churches, public libraries and many businesses such as gyms, cinemas, dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs. For a full list of closures, visit www.eohu.ca/en/article/2020-03-17-1.

The EOHU continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health, local hospitals, healthcare providers, as well as provincial and national partners to monitor, detect and contain any cases of COVID-19 in the community.

To reduce the spread of germs including the flu and COVID-19, the EOHU recommends that you:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand
  • Practise social distancing; do your best to keep at least 2 metres away from others
  • Stay/work at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential outings
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • If you are over the age of 70, stay at home unless absolutely necessary