GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has confirmed the first case COVID-19 in Guelph.
Officials say a man in his 80s living at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph tested positive and is in stable condition.
“We are working very closely with St. Joseph’s Health Centre to ensure that all appropriate infection control measures are being taken,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of WDGPH.
“We know that COVID-19 is circulating in our community and this incident further emphasizes the importance of social distancing.
“We are asking members of our community to stay home as much as possible and to avoid visits to hospitals, long-term care facilities, or retirement homes unless absolutely essential.”
The public health press release noted WDGPH “has extensive experience managing facility outbreaks and is prepared to address a COVID-19 outbreak should it occur within our community.”
Officials are reminding members of the public to wash their hands and clean high-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches, counter tops, stove and oven dials, phones) with disinfectants like soap and household cleaners.
Public health is offering the following advice for those who think they may be infected:
- if no symptoms are present, people should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms and get information online from reliable sources;
- for mild symptoms, stay home and self-isolate (the online self-assessment tool can help determine if individuals need to seek further care. Continue to monitor symptoms and get information online from reliable sources);
- for moderate symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact a family doctor to arrange an over-the-phone assessment (they may direct individuals to an assessment clinic);
- individuals who are sent to an assessment clinic will be seen by a clinician who will provide further instruction (if a test is required, the clinician will make the arrangements);
- for severe symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
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.
