The Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) has received laboratory confirmation of two cases of COVID-19 in Grey and Bruce counties. In a GBHU update, the illness was likely acquired from contact aboard a cruise ship.

The confirmed cases are a related couple, a 58 year old male and a 58 year old female, both residents of Grey Bruce. They were notified as part of contact tracing from a confirmed case on a cruise ship and presented to a local healthcare facility where testing was ordered.

Hospital staff took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and other patients. Both individuals continue to self-isolate at home and the Grey Bruce Health Unit is investigating any potential contacts they may have had.

“As appropriate infection control measures were followed, this first case does not change the over-all low likelihood of individuals in Grey Bruce catching the virus," said Medical Office of Health Dr Ian Arra. “Residents should continue to protect themselves and others around them from the spread of germs and viruses by taking the usual precautions including frequent handwashing."

GBHU advises that if you think you have 2019 COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, before calling healthcare agencies, visit ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment, a self assessment website designed to help determine if you need to seek further care.