Novel Coronavirus
On December 21, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.
The risk to Brantford and Brant County residents remains low at this time. The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) continues to actively monitor the situation in collaboration with provincial and national health agencies and stakeholders, including the local hospital and community agencies.
BCHU is working with our partners in the health care system to monitor, detect, and if needed, isolate any possible novel coronavirus case.
The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care has added novel coronavirus as a designated disease reportable under Ontario's public health legislation. This means BCHU is able to quickly and effectively take all necessary measures to investigate, complete lab tests and do case and contact management to prevent and control further spread of infection.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe cases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not.
Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:
- older adults
- people with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)
To reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of respiratory illnesses, including coronaviruses, you should follow usual health precautions.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Stay home when you are ill.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, them immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
- If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touch objects and surfaces.
If residents have recently returned from a trip to the affected areas take the appropriate precautions to ensure proper containment of the potential virus.
Below is information for travellers arriving from specific areas.
Travellers from Hubei
- Self-isolate 14 days, stay at home
- Monitor for symptoms
- Report to BCHU (519-753-4937) within 24 hours of return
Travellers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
- Symptomatic travellers: self-identify, call BCHU (519-753-4937) immediately or Telehealth
- Travellers with known close contact with a case: self isolate for 14 days from last known exposure, call BCHU (519-753-4937) within 24 hours of return
- Travellers with known non-close contact with a case: self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days from last known exposure, avoid crowded public spaces and places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill, call BCHU (519-753-4937)
Westerdam Cruise Ship
- Upon return to Canada, travellers from the Malaysia flight are asked to self-isolate 14 days, stay at home
- Report to BCHU (519-753-4937), within 24 hours of return
- Monitor for symptoms
