Today, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health, is reporting that a woman in her 40s is the third confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. The case is travel-related and not related to the previously reported cases.
“Seeing a travel-related case in our community serves as a critical reminder that if you’ve recently travelled outside of the country, you must self-isolate for 14 days to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Sutcliffe. “We are working closely with the individual to identify contacts who require follow-up from Public Health,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.
The individual travelled on international and domestic flights.
International flight:
- March 10, 2020: Geneva into Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on Air Canada flight AC835. Passengers in rows 18-22 and flight crew that may have served these rows are considered close contacts of the confirmed case. These individuals in addition to all people who have travelled outside of Canada are directed to self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival in Canada.
Domestic flights include the following:
- March 10, 2020: Montréal into Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Air Canada, flight AC421. Passengers in rows 40-44 and flight crew that may have served these rows are considered close contacts of the confirmed case and are asked to self-isolate for 14 days and contact their local public health authority for assessment and direction.
- March 11, 2020: Toronto into the Greater Sudbury Airport on Porter flight PD533. Passengers in rows 16-20 and flight crew that may have served these rows are considered close contacts of the confirmed case and are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. All other persons on this flight are directed to self-monitor for 14 days and contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts or their local public health authority for assessment and direction.
All travellers outside of Canada are reminded of the direction to self-isolate for 14 days from their arrival in Canada.
The individual was assessed and tested at Health Sciences North’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre on March 18, 2020. Staff took all necessary precautions for infection control, testing, and assessment. The individual followed the directions of Public Health and remains in self-isolation at home.
Public Health conducts case and contact management to help identify anyone who may be a close contact. If you are considered a close contact of this individual, you will be contacted by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
Our agency is closely monitoring the situation as it evolves. The changing situation requires that our individuals take steps to minimize close contact and limit potential exposure to COVID-19. Individuals are asked to practise social distancing to reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread from person to person and to protect our health care system and vulnerable populations.
COVID-19 Assessment Centre: Health Sciences North
For clients who require further in-person assessment and testing.
- Health Sciences North (HSN) is running a COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
- Clients MUST call 705.671.7373 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days per week and are directed to NOT present at HSN’s Emergency Department.
- The Assessment Centre is by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be seen.
- Not everyone who attends the clinic will be tested.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts call centre – for general information about COVID-19
- Call 705.522.9200, toll-free 1.866.522.9200.
- Availability: during regular business hours, and extended hours on evenings and weekends (subject to change based on call volumes).
- Callers can leave messages and Public Health staff will call back within 24 hours, unless extenuating circumstances. At times, call volumes are high, and your patience is appreciated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). Complications from the COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.
IMPORTANT: If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you visited.
If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them if you have a respiratory illness. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.
At this time, there is no evidence that the virus is circulating locally. This is a rapidly changing situation requiring that our agency, community, and individuals be prepared for the potential wider spread of the infection in the community.
Public Health has a strong commitment to interpret and communicate local, provincial, and federal guidance.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for information about social distancing, how you can prepare for the spread of COVID-19, how to monitor your health, how to self-isolate, and what to do if you think you are sick. For additional information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). The Public Health COVID-19 website also specific guidance for employers, guidance for health care providers, travel-related information, and additional COVID-19 resources.
