MOUNT FOREST – The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Wellington County.
On March 22, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) announced that a 66-year-old man tested positive for the virus and is recovering at Louise Marshall Hospital “under all appropriate precautions.”
Officials say the man did not have a travel history or contact with a known case.
“This is evidence that the COVID-19 virus is circulating in our community and you can get it from another person,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
“It is very important for individuals to maintain social distancing. That means staying two arm lengths or six feet from anyone except immediate family.”
The new Wellington County case was one of 47 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario on March 22, bringing the provincial total to 424.
The local case is also the second confirmed in the region by WDGPH.
On March 16, public health announced that a man in his 40s tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from Atlanta, Georgia. He was tested at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville, is in self-isolation at home and is being followed by WDGPH.
Public health follows up with the contacts of known or presumed cases to ensure those who need to self-isolate are doing so and have the means to look after themselves.
“As this situation develops, WDG Public Health is again asking that everyone limit trips outside the home to only what is necessary such as groceries or medical care,” states a WDGPH press release.
“Everyone should be aware that the coronavirus, COVID-19, is in our community.
“Wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing; if you have symptoms stay home and call your doctor for a telephone appointment. Together we can protect each other.”
The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are to:
- stay home except for essential trips for food/medicine;
- wash your hands often with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub;
- cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
- clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily (use a disinfectant and follow manufacturer’s instructions); and
- call ahead if visiting your health care provider for infectious symptoms so they can plan to protect others from spread.
For the latest health information regarding COVID-19, visit the public health website.
For the latest local news on COVID-19 click here or follow the Advertiser on Twitter, @wellyadvertiser.
