SUDBURY -- Sudbury public health officials say the second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Sudbury.
Dr. Penny Sutcilffe, Sudbury & Districts' Medical Officer of Health, says that a woman in her 60s is the second confirmed case in the region.
The first confirmed case of the virus, a man in his 50s, was announced Tuesday and this woman was in close contact with him.
“While this is unfortunate, it is not unexpected. This person was a close contact of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in our area,” said Dr. Sutcliffe. “The individual has followed the directions of public health and remains in self-isolation at home where she has been isolated since being tested at the Health Sciences North emergency department on Wednesday, March 11, 2020."
Dr. Sutcliffe says the hospital took all necessary precautions for infection control, testing and assessment.
Health officials say there is no evidence to suggest that the virus is circulating locally, however, due to the rapidly changing situation around the world, everyone should be prepared to help prevent the spread of the virus.
"I really want to emphasize there are no concerns or any other actions with regards to any other contacts, places of work associated with this second confirmed case," Dr. Sutcliffe.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever (over 38C), 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.
Health Sciences North set up a COVID-19 Assessment Centre this week to reduce the burden on hospital resources.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you must call 705.671.7373 first between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Do not go to the hospital emergency department.
The assessment centre is by appointment only, walk-ins will not be seen, and not everyone who attends the clinic will be tested.
If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, call 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 if you have a respiratory illness. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.Strict visitor restrictions are in place for long-term care homes and many health facilities, like hospitals, are also introducing restrictions. Visit their websites or call ahead for information.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
COVID-19 stats as of March 16, 2020 at 6:54 a.m.
CANADA:
Cases: 341
Recovered: 11 (5 in Ontario, 6 in B.C.)
Deaths: 1
Cases: 169,387
Recoveries: 77, 257
Deaths: 6,513
Correction:
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has issued a correction about the age of Sudbury's second confirmed case of COVID-19. She is in her 60s, rather than her 50s, as initially reported.
