As of March 10, there have been 36 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario, all of which were linked to travel outside Canada.
In a recent Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) media release, while there have not been any cases in the Grey Bruce region, GBHU recognizes the potential of the spread of this disease may eventually result in local cases and is therefore escalating its response to safeguard the health of the communities it serves.
"We are currently in a Containment Phase; the goal is to contain and eliminate the spread of the virus in Grey Bruce. As efforts ramp up, we may move to a Mitigation and Response Phase; responding to infectious diseases and outbreaks in our community," read the release, adding that their message is one of prevention.
The COVID-19 virus is most commonly spread through contaminated saliva, which comes from coughs, runny noses, etc.
Everyone should practice good basic hygiene as a preventative measure to protect against the novel coronavirus and other viruses in this cold and flu season.
• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• stay home if you are sick
"We encourage preparedness," read the release. A general overview of preparedness strategies for individuals and families can be found at canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html.
Residents who have returned from recent international travel and become ill with respiratory symptoms such as a cough and fever should report their travel history to any health professional or any emergency room before they visit. Please contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for questions specific to an individual health concern.
Travel advice is available at canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html.
Visit ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus to learn more from the Ministry of Health including updates on confirmed cases in the province.
