Brant County Health Unit confirms first case of COVID-19 in Brant
March 18, 2020
Brantford,
ON – The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) received laboratory
confirmation of a case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brant. The illness
was acquired during recent travel to Mexico. This is not a case of community
spread.
The confirmed case is a female in her 40’s and a resident of
Brant. The individual arrived back at John C. Munro Airport in Hamilton
from the Mayan Riviera region of Mexico on March 8. Between March 9 and March
11 she reported to work at Woodstock General Hospital (WGH). She became symptomatic
on March 11 and began to self-isolate. The individual’s duties at WGH require
her to have limited patient contact.
On March 14, the individual contacted Brant Community
Healthcare System (BCHS) to inform them of her symptoms and travel history. BCHS
arranged for assessment and testing on March 14. Hospital staff took all
necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and other patients. On
March 14 and 15, BCHU followed up with the individual abiding by typical case
management protocols. She has been self-isolating since March 11 and will
continue to do so.
On March 17, BCHU notified her that her test indicated a
positive confirmation for COVID-19. The patient is currently experiencing mild
symptoms and continues to self-isolate at home. BCHU has initiated our case
contact management. Southwestern Public Health will conduct case and contact
protocols for those in their jurisdiction.
BCHU will notify the public of any further lab confirmed
positive cases. Of the 25 people being followed up on, announced on March 16,
six have come back negative. We are still awaiting results for 18
tests.
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19, public health
units across the province are now recommending that all residents practice social
distancing. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of
people you come in close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of
COVID-19 in the community.
For more information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
please visit our website.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn
more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
