The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is now making test numbers public.
The move follows a story Friday on BayToday that the Unit would only release the number of calls, but not how many tests were performed.
Today we know.
The Unit reveals that, to their knowledge, 60 tests had been done, and fortunately none have come back positive.
Of the total, 33 of the 60 have come back negative and 27 results are still pending.
Testing results for COVID-19 as of March 20, 2020 at 5 p.m.
| Positive result for COVID-19 | 0 |
| Negative result for COVID-19 | 33 |
| Pending result | 27 |
| Total tested* | 60 |
You can now check the numbers for yourself here.
See: Local health unit logs 12 hundred calls on COVID-19, but keeps test numbers a secret
“Since March 9 the Health Unit has received 1,165 calls regarding COVID-19.,” said Public Relations Specialist Alex McDermid, “The majority of these calls are individuals who are looking for additional information on COVID-19, such as closures, event cancellations, and travel. Those who were assessed and deemed appropriate were referred to a primary health care provider for further assessment and possibly testing.”
The Health Unit continues to advise people on testing.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 OR has traveled from a high-risk country in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of COVID-19 call the Health Unit or a health care provider. A health care provider will then decide whether you need to be tested.
There is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. People with mild symptoms may be asked to self-isolate and care for themselves at home.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 positive cases have ranged from mild to severe illness and death.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you show mild symptoms and have called the Health Unit or your health care provider you should:
- Stay at home
- Self-isolate (limit your contact with other people)
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get rest and sleep as much as possible
- Try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
If you develop severe symptoms call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Severe symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Make sure you mention your travel history and symptoms.
