Chatham-Kent confirms second case of COVID-19

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit (CKPHU) has confirmed its second case of COVID-19 in fewer than 12 hours, reporting that an 81-year-old woman who recently travelled to the U.S. has been diagnosed.

The woman was admitted to hospital on March 16 and remains in stable condition, according to a media release published on Wednesday afternoon. 

CK Public Health officials have already informed people who have had close contact with the patient to self-isolate at home for 14 days. 

"Having our second positive case does not mean that we are losing this battle at a local level," said Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent's medical officer of health. "We had anticipated this virus travelling to our community and we are working to identify and isolate cases and their contacts to break the chain of infection.  This is why the closures, bans and directions came when they did."

Chatham-Kent's health unit confirmed earlier on Wednesday that a 52-year-old man with a travel history where they contracted the illness, was also diagnosed with COVID-19.

Colby says he recently went on a Carribean cruise.

"The patient arrived at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's emergency department, where they were safely screened and tested for the illness," read the statement. 

"The patient has been isolated at home since."

Colby said the two cases are not epidemiologically related in "any way that we can link."

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Alliance advises people to continue to monitor their own health, practice proper hand hygiene often, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and to practice social distancing.

If you are concerned you may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent, please do one of the following:

• Contact your primary care provider
• Call Telehealth Ontario at 1.866.797.0000
• Call the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit COVID-19 intake line at 519.355.1071 x 1900

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Alliance is urging people not to come to CKHA's emergency department unless they are acutely ill. If you have fever and cough, but are otherwise able to breathe normally outside of coughing spells, are able to drink liquids and are able to move about your home, do not go to the hospital.

CKHA asks that you stay home and isolate yourself for 14 days to prevent the spread of infection and make sure you maintain adequate hydration.

To read previous news releases in regards to COVID-19 and CKHA's response, click here.