The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Grey Bruce.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit says it has received laboratory confirmation of two positive cases that were likely acquired from contact aboard a cruise ship.
The two cases are a related couple: a 58-year-old man and 58-year-old woman. Both are self-isolating at home.
“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,” the Grey Bruce Health Unit says in a statement. “Hospital staff took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and other patients.”
One of the individuals works at the Owen Sound Hospital but does not provide patient care, and was not experiencing any symptoms while working at says Grey Bruce Health Services.
The Health Unit says the couple was notified they could have the virus after it was confirmed to be on their cruise ship.
The couple presented to a local healthcare facility where testing was ordered.
The Health Unit says Hospital staff took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and other patients.
Currently the Grey Bruce Health Unit says it 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,” says Grey Bruce Medical Officer 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 hand washing.”