News Release: COVID-19 Assessment and Testing

COVID-19 ASSESSMENT AND TESTING

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is working with local hospitals and other primary health care providers to help assess and test, if necessary, for COVID-19. Individuals are encouraged to call their health care provider or the Health Unit if they believe they may have or been exposed to COVID-19.

An assessment for COVID-19 will be done by a primary health care provider, they will then decide if a test for COVID-19 is required. Considerations include an individual with a fever – over 38 degrees Celsius – and/or a cough and any of the following exposures within 14 days prior to onset of illness:

• Travelled outside of Canada or
• Was in close contact with a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19 (determined by a health care professional) or
• Was in close contact with a person who has been to an impacted area and has breathing issues (acute respiratory illness)

Of the test results received to date by the Health Unit, there have been zero confirmed cases. All individuals who are tested are asked to self-isolate.

It is expected that there will be positive cases within the Health Unit district at some point. It is not known when that will happen. Social distancing measures are in place for you to follow to help slow the spread so people do not get sick all at the same time.

Keep in mind that there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and, at this time, there is no vaccine. However, a vaccine is being developed. It is important to remember that four out of five people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild symptoms. People who are mildly ill should isolate and care for themselves at home. Most will recover in one to two weeks by simply treating the symptoms.

The community should continue to exercise emergency department etiquette, by calling the Health Unit before presenting to the emergency department if you suspect you have COVID-19. If you have severe symptoms and need immediate medical attention call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

Please visit the Ministry of Health’s website for COVID-19 case definition or the Health Unit’s website for more information.

Be informed. Be prepared. Be protected.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca