A resident from Quebec working in Renfrew County has been tested positive for COVID-19
The Renfrew County District Health Unit says they have been working with the employer and have identified workers in the County who could have been exposed. These people have been given instruction by the Unit to self-isolate and self monitor for symptoms.
The RCDHU says testing is limited due to a shortage of testing material. They say as a result this means testing will be reserved for the most vulnerable in the population.
The RCDHU will assume the workers are possible cases if they develop a fever over 38 degrees Celsius and the onset of a cough. If 14 days prior they had travelled to an impacted area, had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or had close contact with a person with respiratory issues who has been to an infected area, they will be assumed to have contracted the disease.
The Health Unit is reminding residents that social distancing will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They say to avoid non-essential trips into the community, keep windows down if you are travelling by taxi or ride share, and to avoid visiting long term care homes, retirement homes, hospitals or other care settings. They also say to talk to your supervisor, manager or employer about working from home, do meetings virtually instead of in person, avoid sending children to daycare and above all, stay home. They also say to frequently wash your hands with soap or alcohol based hand rub, cover your mouth or nose when you sneeze or cough, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid contact with sick people and stay home if you are ill.