Six lab-confirmed COVID-19 case in the area; info line hours extended

UPDATE MARCH 26: Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit now reporting six laboratory test confirmed cases – two are from close contact, four are reported to be related to travel.

UPDATE MARCH 23: Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit now reporting five laboratory test confirmed cases – two are from close contact, three are reported to be related to travel.

UPDATE MARCH 20 – A third laboratory test case of COVID-19 has been confirmed.

UPDATE MARCH 20 – Ontario Public Health Laboratory tests have confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, unrelated to the case announced yesterday or those in quarantine at CFB Trenton. The individual recently returned from travel outside of Canada, developed symptoms of COVID-19, sought medical care, and remains in self-isolation at home.

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MARCH 19 – The first lab confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties in an individual who has recently returned from travel outside of Canada.

“This individual developed symptoms of COVID-19, sought medical care immediately, and remains in self-isolation at home,” said Veronica Montgomery, Foundational Standards Manager. “This case confirms that COVID-19 is in our community, reinforcing the need for all individuals to engage in social distancing, remain home if sick, and implement regular infection control practices.”

As announced by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) on March 16, there are also more than 35 probable cases of COVID-19 in the community.

Probable cases are advised to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. A probable case is defined as a person with a fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and/or a cough and any of the following within 14 days prior to onset of illness:
– travel to an impacted area, or
– close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or
– close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to an impacted area.

“Testing is being prioritized based on Ontario Ministry of Health criteria and our local surveillance needs,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH, “All cases are instructed to remain in self-isolation until they are no longer infectious as determined by public health”.

Travellers returning from anywhere outside Canada have been directed to self-isolate for 14 days following their return and to contact HPEPH if they develop symptoms.

In response to the increased need for community screening and information, the HPEPH COVID-19 information line will be extending its hours. Effective today, the call line will operate 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekends.

Callers are assessed for risk of COVID-19 based on their travel history, symptoms, and the Ministry of Health case definitions.

The HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca is continuously updated and contains current information and answers for many questions about COVID-19, infection control, and outbreak preparedness.

Residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties who still have questions about COVID-19 after reviewing the online content can call the COVID-19 information line at 613-966-5500.