Update, 3 p.m.: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has now confirmed a second death in the region, and a ninth confirmed case, this one possibly from community spread. The ninth case is a Bradford woman who has been hospitalized in serious condition.
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This morning, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital has confirmed they’ve conducted approximately 37 COVID-19 tests since March 16.
Tests are only being done on patients who are showing symptoms and have travelled out of the country recently or been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID 19, or someone who is sick with respiratory symptoms and has recently travelled.
Test results are being confirmed anywhere between two and seven days after a test is conducted. In the case of Collingwood’s first COVID-19 positive result, the man was tested on March 13 and the result came to the hospital on March 19. The hospital reported it March 20.
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) announced the first positive result in the community yesterday in a man in his 50s who had travelled out of country.
The Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit (SMDHU) later confirmed the man had been to the United States.
The man was sent home after being tested to self-isolate.
“It is important to note that many patients who test positive for COVID-19 will not require hospitalization,” said Norah Holder, CGMH president and CEO. “Self-isolation at home, following strict public health guidelines will be appropriate for a large number of these patients who will be confirmed in the coming days and weeks.”
While the SMDHU has confirmed eight cases, and so far only one is confirmed in Collingwood, Holder said the situation is “fluid.”
“We anticipate this is only our first confirmed case of COVID-19,” said Holder. “In the days and weeks to come, others will be confirmed.”
The SMDHU also confirmed not everyone with symptoms and a likely case of COVID-19 is being tested. Some are being told to go home and self-isolate as a “probable” case, which will not be tested.
Simcoe County announced transit would be free for passengers and urged people to only use it for essential travel. The county is also providing funding to area homeless shelters to help occupants find temporary shelter in local hotels and motels.
The county also changed a few rules regarding curbside waste collection requiring residents to make sure green bin organic materials are bagged and sealed inside the bin. The contents can be sealed in either a compost bag or a plastic bag for now.
The local tourism industry has been devastated by COVID-19 and are working together on relief efforts for the impacted business owners and a survey for those impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns.
In national news, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged not every Canadian currently abroad will be able to return to the country. He asked those out of country to stay safe and make smart choices.
Premier Doug Ford made an urgent plea to Ontario businesses to, if they are able, retool their businesses to manufacture essential items such as hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and testing kits. He said there is a shortage and if a business can help, the government needs to hear from them and will find funding to help with the switch.
If you know of a local business or person going above and beyond the call of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic in Collingwood, suggest a story or news tip to [email protected].
