Today, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) released details about the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Muskoka.
A man in his 20s from Huntsville contracted the virus while travelling in Austria/Switzerland, according to the health unit. He is currently self-isolating at home. He was tested on March 22 and results were received at the health until on March 25.
According to a friend of the family, the man returned home as soon as possible and he self-isolated immediately. His family members are self-isolating as well and are awaiting test results.
All laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 are currently required to completely recover from their symptoms, and in the case of healthcare workers they must have two negative tests 24 hours apart, before they can leave self-isolation.
Of the 29 laboratory-confirmed cases in Simcoe Muskoka to date, 16 are in self-isolation, five are hospitalized, three are deceased, and five are pending and details have not been released yet.
Dr. Gardner, medical officer of health for SMDHU, said that more and more cases in the coming days will be via community transmission, and he stressed the need for people to only go out when necessary, abide by physical distancing recommendations, stay home if ill for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms and 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, and handwash thoroughly and frequently.
He said that the health unit is not notified about all of the tests conducted in the region, but based on both positive and negative results they have received to date, a greater number of tests are being conducted in Simcoe County versus Muskoka—the rate of testing in Simcoe County is 12.8 tests per 10,000 residents while in Muskoka it is 8.8 per 10,000. That’s a statistically significant difference, said Dr. Gardner, adding that the opening of assessment centres in Muskoka will help to increase the amount of testing.
Assessment centres for Huntsville and Bracebridge may be in operation by next week.
This post was updated on March 28th to include date of testing and additional details about the case from a friend of the family.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Craig Nakamoto says
So if “8.8 per 10,000” is the number for Muskoka, that means we have tested less than 20 people in all of Huntsville (at best). To me, this means we have NO IDEA how many people have, or have had, the virus in Huntsville. Ontario really has to get its testing up to speed.
Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says
Agreed on the need for more testing, Craig, but note that this is a somewhat incomplete picture. According to Dr. Gardner, the health unit is not receiving details on all tests being conducted within Simcoe Muskoka (these would be negative results – they do receive all positive results).
Wendy Brown says
Did he self isolate as soon as he got home? Or not until he got diagnosed? Was he anywhere in town or other people?
Rosemary Mundy says
I would like to know where this 20 year old was prior to his self isolation. What stores did he go to, what exactly were his movements from when he stepped off the plane! I think we need to know this. I work in a grocery store here in Muskoka. I’d like to know if I or someone I worked with were in contact with him!
Travis Creighton says
Are they able to tell us if he has been around town at all and possibly exposed anyone before he was diagnosed?
Travis Creighton says
I hope he recovers quickly and the rest of his family and friends are safe and healthy!
Karen Litchfield says
I know the person who has been identified as having the virus & know that other family members likely have it (they are waiting for test results). I also know of others from Huntsville who travelled to Australia & have the symptoms; they have not yet been tested. Very likely they have it, as a family member who lives in NYC who travelled with them has been tested positive. It’s alarming to know that there are far more cases of the virus in our community than is being reported. We need to be testing more people
Karen Litchfield says
He self-isolated right away
Karen Litchfield says
He self isolated right away
Kathy Patterson says
At this point in time the best strategy for everyone is to assume Covid 19 has affected many in our community and stay home as much as possible. Many have returned from travel from all parts of the world and there has been much movement within the province as well. We don’t need test results to confirm this reality. Test kits are at a premium and being used by medical staff when deemed necessary. The hardest part for people to accept in this difficult time is that not only do we need to stay home but also not interact with family and friends socially. There is no way of knowing who has been exposed. This message has been repeatedly communicated by government officials and medical experts for the past few weeks. What part of this some folks still aren’t getting is mind boggling!
Martin Barkey says
Travis …great response. Nice to see someone caring for another’s well being.
Helen detlor says
Yes to that Kathy.
Just this week, my Bank manager daughter witnessed 27 people in the back machine vestibule , a space big enough for 6!! Despite signage & media. Resolved by a passing OPP officer.
I just read The Atlantic.. com / health article 2020/3. Great explanation on Covid.19
Karen Litchfield says
That’s Austria not Australia
Madison Levesque says
Besides the required self distancing, and self isolation upon return from travel, why, why, why…….did people feel it was appropriate to even leave the country and travel in March. We returned from out of the country on March 25th, but left as a snow bird. It took us over two weeks to get a flight back. Our plane was full of families with children returning from one and two week vacations.
People that flew out for March break, that were already aware of the risks, are irresponsible and could potentially be responsible for upcoming corona virus deaths.
How disturbing is it that Ontarians would fly with their children and out the entire province at risk upon return.
Additionally if those guilty parties didn’t travel, it would have made room for those struggling to get back.