Public Health confirms first confirmed case of community transmission in the region (1)

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of an eleventh case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region. This is the first case in Waterloo Region believed to be contracted through local transmission.

The confirmed case is a female in her 20s and is a resident of Waterloo Region and does not have a history of recent travel or contact with a confirmed case. She developed symptoms on March 11 and was tested at St. Mary’s General Hospital on March 13. She was released to self-isolate at home on the same day.

It has been determined that this individual is an employee of St. Mary’s General Hospital and was symptomatic while at work on March 13. The individual does not provide direct patient care. In collaboration with St-Mary’s General Hospital, Public Health is working to identify any individuals who may have been in close contact with the individual during the period she was symptomatic before self-isolation began.

“We were expecting this, we have been preparing for this,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Region of Waterloo’s Acting Medical Officer of Health.

“In anticipation of community circulation, we have implemented measures to restrict gatherings and promote social distancing. While we will see more cases in the coming days and weeks, these measures will help slow down the spread of COVID-19. I ask everyone to do their part to help us ‘flatten the curve,” said Dr. Wang.

“As always, the health and safety of our employees and patients is our priority,” said Lee Fairclough, President of St. Mary’s. “We have introduced new measures to help reduce exposure by controlling entry of visitors to the hospital and actively screening staff and visitors. Given this is an example of community spread, it only reinforces how important it is for people to not come to work if they are experiencing any symptoms.”

Residents are reminded to follow the federal travel health advisories, avoid large gatherings of 50 or more people and practice social distancing when they are around others. We all have a role to play and by working together, we can make a difference.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19 ontario.ca/coronavirus  

For local information visit regionfofwaterloo.ca/COVID19 

Media contact:

TJ Flynn, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, tflynn@regionofwaterloo.ca

General inquiries:

519-575-4400