Algoma Public Health confirms second resident to test positive for COVID-19 with travel to Michigan

By
Content Team
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54
Algoma Public Health

Late in the evening of Friday March 27th, Algoma Public Health (APH) confirmed the second Algoma resident to test positive for COVID-19.

A woman in her 40s with recent travel to Michigan developed respiratory symptoms on the night of Saturday March 21st.  She went to Sault Area Hospital on the late night of March 23rd and was tested on March 24th.

Hospital staff took all necessary infection prevention and control precautions. Following testing, the individual was discharged home where she remains in self-isolation, following public health guidance and monitoring.

Whenever an Algoma resident tests positive for COVID-19, Algoma Public Health conducts a thorough investigation to determine how they became exposed, and whether anyone else may be at risk of exposure.  For the COVID-19 disease, we identify and notify anyone who would have had close contact with the ill individual during the 14 days since they began showing symptoms.  We also identify and follow-up with anyone who had close contact with the ill individual during the 48 hours before they got sick.

In this specific situation, Algoma Public Health has identified and notified all the close contacts of this individual.  Although this individual did run an errand in Sault Ste. Marie two days before she became ill, there were no close contacts that were identified as a result of that single activity.

“As we prepare to see more people with COVID-19 in Algoma, this is an important reminder that anyone who is returning from recent travel could have been exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Jennifer Loo, Associate Medical Officer of Health.  “To protect ourselves, we should all be practicing physical distancing by avoiding close contact with those outside of our immediate families and staying 2 metres away from other people.  To protect our community, returning travellers must stay home for 14 days.  And anyone who is ill with even mild symptoms, should stay home.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing (shortness of breath).

To protect loved ones and those around them, Algoma residents who are feeling sick should stay home until they no longer have any symptoms.

Any Algoma resident with possible COVID-19 must stay home for 14 days.

  • If you are feeling unwell and have recently returned from travel:
    • Take a self-assessment online using the Ministry of Health self-assessment tool
    • Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
    • Consult your family physician or nurse practitioner
    • Call Algoma Public Health at 705-759-5404 or TF 1-866-892-0172, ext. 5404
  • If you need immediate medical assistance, please call 911, and tell first responders about your symptoms and any recent travel, so that appropriate precautions can be put in place.

To help protect the capacity of our Algoma clinics and hospitals so that they can continue to care for those who need urgent treatment every day, please understand that COVID-19 testing is not recommended or appropriate for everyone.

COVID-19 testing is not helpful if you are not sick and have no symptoms.

To reduce the spread of germs including the flu and COVID-19, APH recommends that you:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand
    Stay home if you are sick
  • Practice physical distancing by avoiding close contact with people outside your immediate families.  This means staying 2 metres apart from others while at work, and while running errands or attending appointments in the community.   Learn more about physical distancing.

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54 COMMENTS

  2. This is just the second confirmed case.. they have tested only 200 out of 17000. And something.
    Its inevitable there are many unconfirmed cases. Do your part in keeping your families safe. I pray this person is well and her family is well also. God bless

  3. First more in-depth information as to her travels in Michigan, what are of the Soo her she lives all would be nice,
    But in the end she is still human and we should hope the best for her recovery

  4. Algoma Public Health More information would be nice, and a better timeline. When was she in Michigan? For how long? What date(s)? Where in Michigan? Where in town did she run her errand?

  8. Does everyone really no see that we should be making sure that she is ok rather than bashing her. I’m sure she did t want to hurt anyone or ask to get the virus in the first place.

  9. I’m sure everyone that’s posted on here hasn’t left their home in the last week or so?? is anyone concerned that they hope this person survives? Especially if it’s someone you know…Instead everyone is bashing, ridiculing. Nobody wants to get this stuff, but passing anger and unkindness around on here isn’t helping anything or anyone except adding gas to the fire. 🤔

    • April Evetts Barnes I hope that she ok. But I thought that there was some stipulations when coming to Canada. Going straight home and isalate herself for 14 days. She failed to do that. thats what is making people angry.

    • Ali N Ron Rowlinson All I’m saying is..yeah there are stipulations and I get that…there are people who can not risk getting the virus absolutely. But if we are going be people that say put them in jail, fine them, I’m gonna wait at their house and make sure they go nowhere, what next when the next virus comes??…watch people at gun point?? I don’t know why the person had to go across…maybe they had to watch their grandkids because their parent is essential worker?? Maybe to pharmacy to diabetic meds because its cheaper?? Who know…maybe to get milk?? Sometimes we see things differently than they really are..and before the person gets crucified maybe have a little bit more compassion. That’s all.

    • Hi Samantha. You have every right to remind her that Social Distancing is in place due to the Covid 19 issue, and that you and her have to keep 2 meters apart, for your health and hers. I think sometimes people forget…they see you move up in line, so they in turn move up in line. Granted, you think we’d all know by know, but we’re creatures of habit. Next time, suggest you politely say something.

  13. Yes it’s horrible that she didn’t listen do what she was supposed to do. But we all knew there were going to be more cases right? If you didn’t, your going to be in for a big surprise over the next couple weeks.

  15. Just a thought.
    Would it not be a good idea to know who they are. If I came into contact with the individual and that person left me out then I could not step up and get tested to prevent spredding it more. We are taking their word that they remembered everyone that they came into contact with. It’s not to belittle the people. Its for others to protect themselves.

  20. That is not what needs to be done, their privacy is theirs, but a place for vivid-19 quarantine is seriously to be considered and monitored by security for the quarantine time. Like a motel with one floor in mind.

  26. I think everyone coming home from ABROAD or US, should have their picture, name and address published . So we can help them stay in for 14 days and help protect our love ones and city!

Comments are closed.