York Region's 6th case of COVID-19 identified in Richmond Hill March 1

70-year-old woman returned from Egypt tour last month, tested positive 10 days later

Yorkregion.com
March 4, 2020
John Cudmore

Health officials in York Region have been notified of a sixth positive case of COVID-19.

The individual is a woman in her 70s from Richmond Hill who returned from travelling in Egypt Feb. 20.

She was travelling in a small group that included other people from York Region and Toronto who have since tested positive for coronavirus.

The woman tested positive March 1 and has since remained at home in self-isolation as directed by York Region Public Health. The region announced the case late in the afternoon of March 3.

Protect yourself from the new coronavirus: What York Region hospitals are doing
The risk to York Region residents of COVID-19 remains low, public health said. There is no evidence of community spread within 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 break the chain of transmission and protect themselves and others from the disease:

• 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;

• stay home if you are sick;

• increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces like toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, and countertops using regular household cleaners; and

• avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks and towels.