As Peterborough comes to grips with word that the first case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in the city, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra says Peterborough Public Health has “a very detailed list of his activities” and is doing a thorough follow-up.
Speaking Monday afternoon (March 16), Dr. Salvaterra said the 30-year-old man returned from Spain and Portugal on Monday, February 24th but did not develop symptoms of COVID-19 until Sunday, March 1st.
On Thursday, March 12th, he sought testing at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and was diagnosed with COVID-19.
He has since been in self-isolation at his home and, according to Dr. Salvaterra, “has been improving.”
As for people with whom the man had contact before he was tested and diagnosed, Dr. Salvaterra explained Peterborough Public Health has identified 12 close contacts and are testing those people who have symptoms.
“If you have not been contacted by Peterborough Public Health, it means you are not considered a close contact and your risk is no greater than that of any other member of the public,” Dr. Salvaterra said.
While there was a lengthy period between the man showing symptoms and his being tested at PRHC, Dr. Salvaterra said he “worked for the most part at home” during that period, adding “We have a full list of his activities during that time and have reviewed them and, depending on what happens with the contacts we’re testing, we may or may not take further action.”
Julie Davis, Trent University vice-president of external affairs and advancement, confirmed via a conference call during Monday’s gathering that the man had contact with members of the Trent community.
In a previous statement issued on Sunday (March 15), university president Dr. Leo Groarke communicated that a case of COVID-19 “has been associated with our Peterborough campus,” adding Peterborough Public Health “has conducted a detailed investigation and has reached out to those who had close contact with this individual and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms.”
Out of an abundance of caution, Trent has closed most of its Peterborough and Durham campus buildings as of the end of the day Monday (March 16).
While this is the only case of COVID-19 confirmed in Peterborough Public Health’s catchment area of the City of Peterborough, Hiawatha and Curve Lake, the latest numbers show, as of Monday, March 16th at noon, 62 tests have come back negative with no institutional outbreaks reported.
Residents can now visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca where that local situational report, which also lists Canada-wide numbers, will be updated daily.
In addition, Peterborough Public Health will hold a daily media briefing at 11 a.m. from Monday to Friday, effective immediately, to keep the public informed as circumstances change quickly.
Meanwhile, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, present at Monday’s gathering, noted City Hall is open for now but that is a matter of daily review. In addition, with City Council set to meet next on Monday, March 23rd, a decision will be made if that meeting will go ahead once the date draws nearer.
Also effective Monday, PRHC implemented a number of new screening and access measures.
Generally, Dr. Salvaterra’s message remains one of reassurance mixed with vigilance.
“For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild and self-limiting illness, not unlike a cold or flu,” she said. “Research from other parts of the world shows that about 80 per cent of people will have a relatively mild version (of COVID-19).”
“It’s our advice that people use the online tools and information to self-isolate if they develop respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, or a cough or fever,” she added. “Now is a great time for all of us to be practising good respiratory etiquette — washing our hands, covering our coughs, and staying home if we’re ill.”
“It’s also the time to be using social distancing as the best way to prevent transmission. Know your risks. If you are at greater risk for COVID-19 — if you’re older or have chronic underlying medical conditions — take additional measures to limit your visitors and your social interactions. This is the time to go virtual.”
For the most recent information on COVID-19 in Ontario and the Peterborough area, visit ontario.ca/coronavirus (where a recommended self-assessment is available if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms) or peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
PRHC is also providing news, updates, information and resources on its website at prhc.on.ca.
