Brant County Health Unit confirms first local case of COVID-19

A County of Brant resident is the first to be confirmed with a case of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) received laboratory confirmation on March 17 of the case of COVID-19 in a woman in her 40s. 

Health officials learned she acquired the illness during a recent trip to Mexico, and that this is not a case of community spread.

The woman returned to Canada on March 8 at John C. Munro Airport in Hamilton from the Mayan Riviera region. 

Between March 9 and March 11, she reported to work at Woodstock General Hospital (WGH). She became symptomatic on March 11 and began to self-isolate. Her duties at WGH require her to have limited patient contact.

On March 14, she contacted Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) to inform them of her symptoms and travel history. BCHS arranged for assessment and testing on March 14. Hospital staff took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and other patients. On March 14 and 15, BCHU followed up with the individual abiding by typical case management protocols. She has been self-isolating since March 11 and will continue to do so.

On March 17, BCHU notified her that her test indicated a positive confirmation for COVID-19. The patient is currently experiencing mild symptoms and continues to self-isolate at home. BCHU has initiated our case contact management. Southwestern Public Health will conduct case and contact protocols for those in their jurisdiction.

BCHU will notify the public of any further lab confirmed positive cases. Of the 25 people being followed up on, announced on March 16, six have come back negative. We are still awaiting results for 18 tests.  

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.

For more information about the novel coronavirus, visit the BCHU’s website.