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News conference has been delayed to 2:45 EST and is being carried on many sources for example, you can watch here: https://www.680news.com/video/
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...ronavirus.html Ontario Confirms Third Case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus
Province Adds New Reporting Category to More Accurately Reflect Current Status
January 31, 2020 2:59 P.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO - Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed Ontario's third case of 2019 novel coronavirus. The case is located in London, Ontario.
Given the newness of the 2019 novel coronavirus and as part of the continuing cooperative efforts between Public Health Ontario (PHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Ontario has been sharing all test samples with the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. As part of the National Microbiology Lab's efforts to ensure quality control, additional testing was performed on the samples provided. As a result of this additional testing, a case that was previously deemed negative by PHO's lab has now been found to be positive by the National Microbiology Lab, which uses a more sensitive test that can identify the smallest trace presence of the virus. The majority of cases previously considered negative have been confirmed as negative by the National Microbiology Lab.
To provide the public with the greatest certainty, Ontario's reporting will now include a new category that more accurately reflects the province's status: presumptive negative. That said, for any person found presumptively negative by the PHO lab, there is an extremely low risk of transmitting the virus.
The newly confirmed case, a female in her 20s, arrived asymptomatic in Toronto on January 23, 2020 and was transported to London by way of a private vehicle. On January 24, 2020, the individual started to exhibit symptoms and that same day was assessed and tested at London Health Sciences Centre. She was released with follow up by the Middlesex-London Health Unit. This individual has had limited exposure to other individuals and has otherwise been in isolation since January 24, 2020, with regular contact by the Middlesex-London Health Unit to monitor her condition. She is now recovered and is well.
"I want to re-emphasize that the risk to Ontarians remains low," said Dr. Williams. "It is clear that we are learning more and more about the coronavirus each day, and our testing procedures are evolving and getting more and more precise, which is good news for everyone throughout Ontario and Canada. By working hand-in-hand with our partners across the health care system we are in a very good position to contain the virus and better protect the health and wellbeing of individuals and families across the province."
While requiring validation by the National Microbiology Lab, PHO's lab will continue to offer the province's public health system an early indication of a case's status, allowing the province and local public health officials to quickly and effectively implement all necessary protocols to contain and treat any individuals who have 2019 novel coronavirus.Media Contacts- Travis Kann
Office of the Deputy Premier & Minister of Health
travis.kann@ontario.ca
647-388-5845 - David Jensen
Ministry of Health
media.moh@ontario.ca
416-314-6197
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- Travis Kann
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Summary
Asymptomatic patient female in 20's and thankfully went into self-isolation upon return to Canada from left Wuhan on Jan 22, arrive Canada Jan 23 midday. Went to hospital on 24th. Not admitted and sent home for monitoring. University hospital London. Western University student but was not on campus at all. (ironically University Hospital is on the Western Campus so I don't know how they can say that)
The initial test on the sample last week was negative but the sample was retested this week when the test was improved and came back with a positive test with very low viral load. They are still re-running tests on all the earlier cases that have been deemed negative to make sure there aren't any false negatives.
Bottom line is that the patient was asymptomatic on the flight and she was wearing a mask so there is no risk to anyone else on the flight because Public Health Ontario's view is that the evidence for asymptomatic transmission is weak. At least they don't have any evidence to that case but they are not coasting on that, they are double checking and checking with their partners.
Guidelines for releasing from self-isolation are 2 negative tests 24 hours apart but they are working on seeing if that is appropriate.
Question from a reporter regarding ensuring hospitals have enough stock of masks: We have regular lines with the hospitals about stock lines of masks and gowns and if there are any gaps in services we would like to know, the hospitals are going to have to work internally to maintain their existing stock on masks. The reporter stating that Ontario hospitals do not have enough masks but the Chief Medical Officer is not aware of the report the reporter was asking about.
Various Notes from News conference
Both parents had mild only illness so they were not tested in China
Anyone who has been to Wuhan should be watching symptoms and notifying public health.
Confirming 3rd case - a little bit different
female in 20's arrived asymptomatic from wuhan
23 jan came to canada and went to london
during her time in london she noticed symptoms
was seen and throughout this time protocols and procedures were followed
samples submitted to ontario had come back negative
moving quickly to improve testing and cross referencing
was confirmed positive from Canada but low level of viral load
dr. mackie was notified and they continued to monitor the situation
system is moving fast to up the aspects of the testing
BC Quebec,
Bottom line is that the patient was asymptomatic on the flight and she was wearing a mask so there is no risk to anyone else on the flight.
majority of cases that have previouslyu been negative are still negative except this one
the risk continues to be very low
patient went above and beyond wearing surgical mask
the only time she was out of home she went to hospital to
fully recovered in 2-3 days, low viral load and always wore mask
2-4000 people come in from China every dayComment
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...-covid-19.html
News Release
Ontario Confirms Presumptive Case of COVID-19
All Protocols Followed and Risk to Ontarians Remains Low
February 23, 2020 5:35 P.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed a new presumptive positive case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Toronto. Ontario's first three cases are all resolved, with each of those patients having two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
On February 21, an adult woman arrived to Canada from China and presented at North York General Hospital's emergency department at the advice of Telehealth Ontario with an intermittent cough that was improving.
As per established infection, prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at North York General Hospital using all appropriate precautions including being isolated and was tested for COVID-19. Being mildly ill, the woman was discharged home and, per protocols, went into self-isolation.
Toronto Public Health was notified and has been following up with the patient since. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory confirmed today (February 23) that the laboratory testing for COVID-19 is presumptive positive, with the sample now having been sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg for confirmation.
Given the individual's clinical assessment and history, there is a low risk that she was infectious. The individual followed all protocols and wore a mask throughout her travels back to Toronto and, since landing, the woman has had very limited exposure to other individuals. The province is coordinating with local public health units to ensure that passengers in close proximity to the woman on the plane are contacted and monitored.
"Because of all the proper protocols and procedures that are in place to contain this virus and exposure to others was limited, I want to assure the public that the risk to Ontarians remains low," said Dr. Williams. "Protecting the health and well-being of individuals and families across the province remains our top priority and we continue to vigilantly monitor for and contain any and all new cases."
Dr. David Williams and Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be joined by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto, to provide an update on the situation at a 9:00 a.m. briefing tomorrow (February 24) at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Media Contacts- David Jensen
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca
416-314-6197 - Hayley Chazan
Senior Manager, Media Relations
hayley.chazan@ontario.ca
416-726-9941
Comment
- David Jensen
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Source: https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-co...iran-1.4828083
Toronto confirms fifth case of COVID-19, woman returned from Iran
Coronavirus
Web Staff, CP24.com
Published Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:10AM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:11AM EST
Public health officials say a woman in her 60s who recently returned home from Iran is the city's fifth presumptive positive coronavirus case.
Doctors say the woman went to Sunnybrook Hospital on Monday reporting symptoms consistent with the respiratory illness and disclosed she recently returned from Iran...Comment
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...ovid-19-1.html
News Release
Ontario Confirms Positive Case of COVID-19
Contact Tracing and Case Management Underway
February 26, 2020 7:00 A.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed a new positive case of COVID-19 in Toronto.
On February 24, 2020, a woman in her 60s presented herself at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's emergency department with a travel history to Iran. As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as she was tested for COVID-19. The woman was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where she remains.
Toronto Public Health is actively engaging in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and her close contacts.
Dr. Williams will be joined by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto, to provide an update on the situation at 12:30pm today (February 26) at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Media Contacts..
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...-covid-19.html
Ontario Confirms Positive Case of COVID-19
The Husband of Ontario’s Fifth Case Now Confirmed Positive
February 27, 2020 8:00 A.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed that the husband of Ontario's fifth case of COVID-19 has tested positive for the virus. The man, in his 60s, is currently in self-isolation.
"We are working alongside Toronto Public Health, who is now and will continue to be in regular contact with this individual during their self-isolation period," said Dr. Williams.
Toronto Public Health continues to actively engage in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and his close contacts. The risk of being infected with COVID-19 continues to be very low for Canadians and for Ontarians in particular.
Dr. Williams will be joined by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto, to provide an update on the situation at the regularly scheduled 3:00 p.m. media briefing on Thursday, February 27 at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Comment
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...-covid-19.html
Ontario Confirms New Positive Case of COVID-19
All Protocols Followed and Risk to Ontarians Continues to Remain Low
February 28, 2020 11:03 A.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed a new positive case of COVID-19 in Toronto, the seventh case in Ontario.
After arriving in Toronto on February 25, 2020, a man in his 50s presented himself at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's emergency department on February 26, 2020 with a travel history to Iran. The established infection prevention and control protocols were initiated; the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was being tested for COVID-19. The man was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where he remains.
Toronto Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management. There are now currently four positive cases in the province. However, the risk of being infected with COVID-19 in Ontario remains very low.
Dr. Williams will be joined by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for Toronto, to provide an update on the situation at the regularly scheduled media briefing on Monday, March 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Comment
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Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/6612317/c...-case-ontario/
Ontario government announces 8th COVID-19 case, man with travel history to Egypt
By Nick Westoll Global News
Posted February 28, 2020 10:33 pm
Updated February 28, 2020 10:35 pm
The Ontario government has announced a man in his 80s has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the province’s eighth confirmed case.
According to a statement issued by Ontario health officials Friday night, the man arrived in Toronto on Feb. 20.
On Thursday, the patient went to the emergency room at Scarborough Health Network’s General Hospital and reported he had previously travelled to Egypt...Comment
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...ovid-19-1.html Ontario Confirms New Positive Case of COVID-19
All Protocols Followed and Risk to Ontarians Remains Low
February 28, 2020 9:56 P.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed a new positive case of COVID-19 in Toronto. This is the eighth case in Ontario. Ontario's first three cases are all resolved, with each of those patients having two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
After arriving in Toronto on February 20, 2020, a man in his 80s presented himself at Scarborough Health Network's General Hospital's emergency department on February 27, 2020, with a travel history to Egypt. As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was tested for COVID-19. The man was discharged home the same day feeling well and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where he remains.
Throughout his travels, the man wore a mask. Toronto Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management.
At this time the virus is not circulating locally, however given the global circumstances, Ontario is actively working with city and health partners to plan for the potential of local spread. The province continues to carefully monitor this situation and encourage residents to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources.
Dr. Williams will provide an update on the situation at the regularly scheduled media briefing on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Comment
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Source: https://www.cp24.com/news/staff-and-...irus-1.4833205
Staff and students at midtown ESL centre may have been exposed to individual with COVID-19 virus
COVID-19 virus
Chris Fox, CP24.com
Published Saturday, February 29, 2020 7:11AM EST
Last Updated Saturday, February 29, 2020 7:16AM EST
Staff and students at a midtown centre that provides language instruction to newcomers to Canada may have been exposed to someone with the COVID-19 virus.
Toronto Public Health sent out a letter to those enrolled at the ESL and LINC Centre located at 90 Eglinton Avenue East on Thursday, warning them that they “may have been exposed to someone who has the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID – 19).”
The letter goes on to say that anyone from the centre who develops systems prior to March 11 should follow self-isolation guidelines. It also says that anyone who does seek medical treatment should call their healthcare provider first, so they can take necessary precautions.
The centre is operated by the Toronto Catholic District School Board...Comment
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...utm_campaign=m
Ontario Confirms New Positive Cases of COVID-19
All Protocols Followed and Risk to Ontarians Remains Low
February 29, 2020 2:50 P.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed three new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 11. Of these, the first three cases are all resolved, with each of those patients having two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
After arriving in Toronto on February 26, 2020, a 34-year-old female presented herself to Mackenzie Health on February 27, 2020, with a travel history to Iran. York Region Public Health connected with Mackenzie Health and coordinated an arrival time for the patient. The patient was wearing a mask on arrival.
The patient arrived at Mackenzie Health with a dry cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and headache and was put on airborne/droplet/contact precautions. Due to the low severity of symptoms and the condition of the patient, the patient was not admitted to hospital. The patient is in self-isolation, per protocols, where she remains.
Two patients have also tested positive for COVID-19 at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering.
A 51-year-old woman returned to Toronto from Iran on February 22, 2020. On February 28, 2020, she went to an Ajax clinic with symptoms of a cough, body aches and chills. The patient was masked and isolated. Durham Region Health Department contacted Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering and coordinated an arrival time for the patient. The patient arrived at the hospital wearing a mask where she was tested for COVID-19. She was discharged home and put in self-isolation, per protocols, where she remains.
The husband of the woman who returned from Iran on February 22, 2020, also tested positive for COVID-19 on February 28, 2020. The 69-year-old man experienced a cough but does not have a recent travel history to Iran. He accompanied his wife to the Ajax Clinic and Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering, where he was masked and isolated. He was tested for COVID-19 and discharged home. He has also been put in self-isolation, where he remains.
At this time the virus is not circulating locally. However, given the global circumstances, Ontario is actively working with city and health partners to plan for the potential of local spread. The province continues to carefully monitor this situation and encourage residents to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources.
Dr. Williams will provide an update on the situation at the regularly scheduled media briefing on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.Comment
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Source: https://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkh...5#.XlrVo0Nryik
...York Region Public Health has been notified of a positive case of COVID-19 in the City of Richmond Hill.
The case is travel-related and comes as a result of travel from Iran on Tuesday, February 25, with a layover in Denmark.
The individual, a woman in her 30s, developed symptoms prior to their return and was symptomatic on her flights.
The individual is currently in self-isolation recovering at home. As a result of the coordinated efforts of our healthcare and public health system, the individual was quickly assessed and isolated.
York Region Public Health continues active follow-up of all close contacts of this positive case. Individuals that were not in direct or close contact with the individual are not considered at risk of becoming infected.
Individuals who traveled in the business class sections of Qatar Airways flights QR 483 or QR 163 on Tuesday, February 25, or in the business class section of Air Canada flight AC 883 or the upper deck of GO Bus 40 (travelling eastbound) on Wednesday, February 26 (at approximately 3:55 p.m.), may have been exposed to this positive case of COVID-19 and are asked to contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further assessment.
*For the weekend of Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1, York Region Public Health’s Health Connection call centre hours have been extended and will be running from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The risk to York Region residents continues to remain low and there is no evidence of community spread within York Region and the risk of acquiring the virus in the community remains low for York Region residents.
For more information on COVID-19 visit: Ministry of Health
ي (Arabic) | 中文 (简体) (Simplified Chinese) | 中文 (繁體) (Traditional Chinese) | ارسی (Farsi) | Fran?ais (French)
*The Ministry of Health FAQ is translated into 19 different languages.
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Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/20...ovid-19-1.html
Ontario Confirms New Positive Cases of COVID-19
All Protocols Followed and Risk to Ontarians Remains Low
March 1, 2020 6:01 P.M.Ministry of Health
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ontario to 15. Of these, the first three cases in the province are all resolved, with each of those patients having two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
The latest confirmed positive case is a male in his 50s and a Toronto resident temporarily living in Vaughan. He is the brother of one of Toronto's recently reported cases who travelled to Iran. He did not develop symptoms until after arrival in Canada. He is currently in self-isolation and has had no community exposure. He was assessed and tested at Mackenzie Health Hospital in Richmond Hill on Friday, February 28.
Another positive case is a male in his 40s and the spouse of York Region's first Iran travel-related case announced yesterday. He had travelled with his wife and toddler but was asymptomatic on all flights. He was tested and assessed at Mackenzie Health Hospital on Friday, February 28. He had self-isolated prior to developing symptoms and has had no community exposure while symptomatic.
A third male in his 60s - who returned from Iran on Sunday, February 23, 2020. He presented himself to North York General Hospital's emergency department on Friday, February 28 where he informed the hospital of a cough and recent travel history. He was assessed and discharged home on the same day. As per protocols, he went into self-isolation where he remains with minimal contact with others. Toronto Public Health is actively engaged in contact tracing and case management.
The fourth person is a female in her 70s from Newmarket and a contact of the recently reported positive Egypt travel-related Toronto case. She was in Egypt with the known Toronto case. She was tested and assessed at Southlake Regional Health Centre on Saturday, February 29. Since testing, she has been in self-isolation. York Region Public Health is working diligently on its usual process of risk assessment and contact follow up.
As a result of the coordinated efforts of our health care and public health system, all individuals who have tested positive have been quickly assessed and isolated.
At this time, the virus is not circulating locally. However, given the global circumstances, Ontario is actively working with city and health partners to plan for the potential of local spread. The province continues to carefully monitor this situation and encourage residents to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible information sources.
Dr. Williams will provide an update on the situation at the regularly scheduled media briefing on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at the Queen's Park media studio.
Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Source: https://www.cp24.com/news/york-regio...d-19-1.4834117
York Region reports three new positive cases of COVID-19
Mackenzie Health
Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com
Published Sunday, March 1, 2020 6:00PM EST
Three new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in York Region on Sunday afternoon, health officials said.
All three people had a history of travel to countries where the virus has spread and were in contact with people who have been tested positive, Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, said.
The first new case involves the husband of York Region’s first case, which was announced yesterday. He travelled to Iran with his wife and child and returned to Toronto on Wednesday...
...A man in his 50s, who is the brother of one of Toronto's recently reported cases, tested positive for COVID-19, Kurji said. He arrived in Toronto from Iran on February 25. The man is temporarily residing in Vaughan...
...A Newmarket woman in her 70s is the third new case of COVID-19. Kurji said she was on the same tour in Egypt as the Toronto man who was announced on Friday as Ontario's eighth case of the virus...
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Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/6618753/c...o-coronavirus/
3 new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario, province total now at 18
By Staff The Canadian Press
Posted March 2, 2020 12:14 pm
TORONTO – Ontario is reporting three new cases of the novel coronavirus today, bringing the total in the province to 18.
The province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, is expected to provide details about the new cases at a news conference this afternoon...Comment
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