York Region reports fifth positive case of COVID-19

The woman in her 60s is from Richmond Hill and recently returned from Egypt

Bradfrodtoday.ca
March 3, 2020

The Regional Municipality of York has been notified of a fifth positive case of COVID-19.

This positive case is a female in her 60s from the City of Richmond Hill. This case is travel related who returned home from Egypt on Thursday, Feb. 20.

She became symptomatic on Sunday, February 23. Since onset of symptoms, she has remained at home in self-isolation with no community exposures of concern.

As a result of the coordinated efforts of our healthcare and public health system, all individuals who have tested positive to date have been quickly assessed and isolated.

The risk to York Region residents of COVID-19 continues to remain low and there is no evidence of community spread within York Region.

York Region Public Health continues to collaborate with local hospitals, emergency services and other health agencies to ensure prompt reporting and follow up of all individuals who may require testing for COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves from this new and emerging disease:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, including between your fingers, under your fingernails and your wrists. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough or sneeze using a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve, being sure to cover your mouth. Put used tissue in the garbage and wash your hands after or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your symptoms resolve. If symptoms get worse, you may need to seek medical attention. Call your health care provider first, when possible
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
• Increase cleaning and disinfection frequency of high-touch surfaces such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, countertops, light switches and other shared items using regular household cleaners
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with saliva such as toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks, water bottles and towels

Visit york.ca/covid19 or Ontario.ca/coronavirus for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

You may also contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for medical advice. Telehealth Ontario is a free confidential service you can call to receive health advice or information. A registered nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices