KAWARTHA LAKES-Toronto has the first case of suspected coronavirus in Canada.
The patient is a male in his 50’s who had travelled to Wuhan China. Sunnybrook says the patient is in stable condition and is in isolation.
Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health was joined by Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Dr. Peter Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Public Health Ontario, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, to make the announcement at 5:30 today.
The suspected case was found at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto and officials have sent samples to the health lab in Winnipeg for confirmation.
Millions of people in China have been quarantined, approximately 1,400 have been sickened and many have died.
Symptoms of the novel coronavirus may include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell.
Anyone experiencing symptoms who had traveled to areas of concern, or been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before arriving for treatment.
While there is currently no vaccine for this novel coronavirus but preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
photo credit: Christoph Scholz Virus – rot via photopin (license)
