The Health Unit is working with Carolina Retirement Residence in Perth to manage a COVID-19 outbreak. One resident and one staff member have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Infection control measures have been put in place to manage the outbreak and are being monitored by the Health Unit. Staff who have been in contact with the resident have been instructed to wear Personal Protective Equipment at all times and to self-monitor for symptoms. The staff member who is at home on self-isolation.

“This outbreak reminds us that we all need to follow the recommended actions to decrease the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the community, says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health. “This incudes staying at home as much as possible, and staying 6 feet, or two arms lengths away, from others when in public places to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer for the Province, has recommended that all people over age 70 and people who have chronic illnesses stay at home as much as possible.

A quarantine period of 14 days is now mandatory for all Canadians returning from travel outside of the country. Returning travellers must go straight home upon their return to the country, and rely on help from family, friends, their municipality and local agencies for anything they need.

The best way to get reliable information about COVID-19 is by visiting www.healthunit.org. Please call the Health Unit if you have any questions at 1-800-660-5853 x 2499 from 8:30 to 4:30 every day. You can also get important public health updates by connecting with LGLHealthunit on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have respiratory symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who does, self-isolate at home and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool for their recommendations. If you need further assistance, call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your health care provider.

Visit Ontario’s website, www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Our total number of COVID-19 cases, as of 2:30pm, is posted on our website: https://healthunit.org/coronavirus/

For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or