THUNDER BAY -- The first case of COVID-19 has been reported in Thunder Bay.
Janet DeMille, the chief medical officer of health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit confirmed the diagnosis on Friday in a release issued to local media.
A male in his 60s, who lives in Thunder Bay, was diagnosed with the disease and his spouse is considered a probable case.
The couple had recently returned from a trip to Florida, remaining in isolation after their return. After developing symptoms, they phoned the health unit and were tested the following day at the assessment centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The spouse's results are still pending, but have been expedited.
The discovery reinforces what the Health Unit has been saying for some time.
“Travellers returning to the Thunder Bay District from other countries, including the United States, pose a risk in that they can bring the COVID-19 virus back to this area,” said DeMille.
“All returning travellers must take the appropriate precautions to ensure that they are not spreading the virus to others when they return to the Thunder Bay District.”
Earlier in the week, Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced strict restrictions on returning travelers to Canada, ordering them to self-isolate under the Quarantine Act for 14 days or face significant penalties.
If individuals in self-isolation develop symptoms, they should contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630.
