Brant County Health Unit monitoring 25 probable cases of novel coronavirus

The Brant County Health Unit is waiting on the results of 25 tests ordered to confirm if any are positive for the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 in Brantford and the County of Brant.
Over the weekend, BCHU was notified of the 25 probable cases of COVID-19 in Brantford and Brant that meet the new definition of what is considered a case, set by Ontario’s Ministry of Health last week.
These cases are being considered probable cases, without lab testing confirmation, as per the Ministry of Health’s new directives. Lab testing has been for ordered for all 25 cases. The results are still pending. These individuals are being consulted with as if they are confirmed cases until their test results are received.
As of today, Brantford and Brant County still have no lab confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Staying at home until you feel well is still the best course of action anyone can take to avoid spreading COVID-19, according to the BCHU.
If your symptoms require medical attention, residents are asked to:
• call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
• call your health-care provider
• call 911, if immediate medical assistance is needed
• go to the emergency department, being sure to call ahead at 519-751-5818
The Ministry of Health has developed a self-assessment tool to help determine if residents should seek further care. All probable cases should be reported to BCHU, via phone (519-753-4937 and press ‘1’) or email, in order for staff to conduct contact tracing as well as to keep an accurate picture of how the virus is affecting our community.
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19, public health units across the province are now recommending that all residents practice social distancing. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come in close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The BCHU COVID-19 call centre continues to experience high call volumes, and has responded by adding more staff and have increased the line’s hours of operation.
For more information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), visit http://www.bchu.org.