The region’s latest confirmed COVID-19 case came from a patient tested at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH).
The man in his 60s presented at OSMH on March 16, and the test came back positive today, according to a press release from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
The man is self-isolating at home, and the health unit said this case is related to travel out of the country.
“The health unit is following up with the contacts of this new case to determine who should self-isolate,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health.
OSMH president and CEO, Carmine Stumpo said the hospital staff should be commended for their handling of the case.
“I want to thank our front-line teams for their expertise and professionalism in caring for this individual while ensuring the safety of staff and others around them,” said Stumpo.
This Orillia case was the only one in the region reported in this morning's provincial update.
This is the fifth case in the Simcoe Muskoka region with three others out of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie and one in a Bradford woman.
Of the three cases in Barrie, one has died, and the coronavirus was discovered in him after his death.
The health unit is reminding people to protect themselves and others by including staying at least two metres distance from others, avoiding crowds, staying at home if you are sick, avoiding people who are obviously ill and continuing with frequent hand washing.
For more information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, which has extended hours, or see www.smdhu.org.
More to come.
