Niagara has its second confirmed case of COVID-19.
A 55-year-old woman, who had recently traveled to Egypt, tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Niagara Health’s St. Catharines site, according to Niagara Region Public Health.
Acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji said the patient is recovering at home in self-isolation. She is said to have only interacted with a family member during the time she may have been contagious and it’s believed she has not exposed anyone in the community.
“Her family member is isolated,” he said, adding they are being monitored for symptoms. He said isolation at home is preferred when possible because not only is it significantly more comfortable for the patient, it also helps to conserve health care resources at hospitals.
To protect the privacy of the patient, Niagara Region Public Health is not revealing where in Niagara they reside, indicating only that the woman is a resident of Niagara.
Hirji said the patient reached out to her family physician after exhibiting symptoms and arrangements were made so she could get tested and return home, as a way to minimize her exposure to other members of the public. He said this is what people who are exhibiting symptoms should do – reach out to health care providers before visiting – to help minimize the spread.
All protocols were followed by health care providers, said Niagara Public Health, resulting in no exposure to them nor other patients.
“As we continue to see growing COVID-19 cases around the world, we expect to continue to see travel-related cases in Niagara,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, medical officer of health (acting), Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services. “However, we are not seeing any local circulation of the virus, and so our risk remains low. Everyone should feel comfortable continuing with their daily activities.”
This is the second confirmed case in Niagara. On Tuesday, an 84-year-old St. Catharines man was transferred to the hospital on another matter and tested positive for COVID-19 late Thursday.
While it’s not believed he travelled abroad, he is said to have had contact with a family member who had recently travelled. That family member is still waiting to be tested, said Hirji.
