The Regional Municipality of York reports seventh positive case of COVID-19

York.ca
March 9, 2020

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

The individual is a female in her 60s from the City of Richmond Hill. This travel-related case returned home from Iran on Monday, March 2.

She has remained in self-isolation since returning home and tested positive on Thursday, March 5. York Region Public Health is actively following up on all close contacts.

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.

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.

As advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada, all individuals that have travelled to Iran or Hubei province (China) in the last 14 days should contact York Region Public Health and self-isolate for 14 days.

Residents returning from international travel should self-monitor for 14 days and watch for signs and symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath. Visit a health care provider and call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 should any of these symptoms develop. Please remember to call the health care provider in advance of visiting and take a private vehicle, wherever possible.

Residents can take the following steps to break the chain of transmission and protect themselves and others from this new and emerging 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
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks or 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