New confirmed coronavirus cases in Ontario, no cases in Windsor

Ontario Ministry of Health confirmed four new positive cases of COVID-19 Monday, none of which were found in Windsor Essex. As per health protocols, all of the patients testing positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus have been placed in self-isolation, where they have minimal to no contact with others, according to a press release from the Ministry.

This is the largest number of positive cases reported in a single day, and brings the provincial total to 15.

Windsor Regional Hospital has urged residents to ignore false claims made on social media of positive COVID-19 testing in the region.

Please ignore social media claims to indicate there are positive COVID-19 cases in our region and they are not being disclosed. This creates undo panic and increases anxiety for some unknown personal attention. Thank you @WindsorPolice. The latest info https://t.co/YX0cjVuWBX

— Windsor Regional Hospital (@WRHospital) March 1, 2020

Travellers returning from affected areas are urged to contact their local public health unit within 24 hours of arriving in Canada. Among the countries affected are mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

No vaccine is currently available protecting against COVID-19, but Ontario health officials have identified some everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus.

• Washing your hands with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneezing and coughing into your sleeve.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Keeping a distance from people who are sick.
• Staying home if you are sick.

A local emergency response team will meet later this week to discuss preparedness for a possible local outbreak, according to Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens.

“While there are currently no cases of the novel coronavirus in #YQG and the overall risk is low for our residents, I have convened a meeting for our emergency response team and health officials to provide an update Friday on our preparedness to contain # COVID19 if it arrives here,” said Dilkens on Twitter.