Grey and Bruce counties still have no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, but several people have been tested for it and results are pending.
Media Relations Coordinator for the Grey Bruce Health Unit Drew Ferguson says about a dozen people with recent travel histories to affected areas abroad have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results.
Bayshore Broadcasting News has reached out to Public Health Ontario for the exact number who have undergone testing in our area and is awaiting a response.
Ferguson says the criteria for testing is set by the province and currently, it depends on travel or contact with someone who has travelled to areas impacted by the outbreak.
He says those who meet the criteria would be screened and asked their health status.
“If they have no symptoms they would likely be asked to simply self-isolate and monitor themselves,” Ferguson explains. “If they do have symptoms, that may be the trigger that would put them into getting a swab and tested.”
Ferguson reminds the symptoms of the new coronavirus are very similar to flu-like: coughing, sore throat and lung congestion.
“For certain individuals, frail or immuno-compromised, people with underlying health conditions, these kinds of infections can be very dangerous and life-threatening as they can complicate existing health issues,” Ferguson says. “It's not the healthy individuals that are going to be most seriously affected by this. It's those that are frail and those that are compromised that are going to be most affected.”
For those with recent travel histories to affected areas — or close contact to someone who travelled — Ferguson says if you have symptoms to contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit's dedicated COVID-19 health line at 1-800-263-3456 ext. 3000 or Ontario Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
“They will talk you through what would be your best procedure,” Ferguson explains. “If they're directed to assessment or to get a nasal swab, they will be directed to their local hospital where swabs will be available.”
Ferguson notes there is direction from the province that hospitals will begin to move to setup assessment centres located offsite from emergency rooms.
“That will alleviate the stress on emergency rooms and it will prevent any spread of infection should people present with the infection,” Ferguson notes. “That is in the making right now.”
Ferguson stresses the best preventative measure people can take to protect themselves is to practice good hygiene.
This includes:
-Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
-Use alcohol based hand sanitizers
-Sneeze and cough into your sleeve, or a tissue that gets immediately discarded
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
-Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently
-Avoid contact with sick people
-Stay home if you're sick
“COVID-19 doesn't have legs, it doesn't have wings, it doesn't walk and it doesn't fly,” Ferguson adds. “The most likely way someone is going to catch it is by acquiring it from a contaminated person.”
Earlier today, public health officials confirmed 17 new cases of the new coronavirus in Ontario — raising the total to 59 including recoveries.