Public health officials in Ontario have confirmed two more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the province's total number of confirmed cases to 22.
The two new cases involve a woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said in a news release issued Thursday morning.
The woman had returned to Canada from Italy on Tuesday. She then went to the emergency department at Kitchener's Grand River Hospital with symptoms consistent with the virus.
"The patient is experiencing mild symptoms and remains in self-isolation at home with minimal contact with others. The hospital followed standard operating procedures and continues taking necessary precautions," health officials said.
Region of Waterloo Public Health is said to be "actively monitoring" the situation, including tracing back anyone the woman may have come into contact with.
This is the first case of COVID-19 to be confirmed in the Kitchener area.
The man in his 60s now diagnosed with the virus had returned home from Iran last Saturday. He went to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's emergency department in Toronto on Tuesday. He was assessed and discharged home on the same day.
He also remains in self-isolation at home with Toronto Public Health monitoring the case.
Despite the increasing number of cases of COVID-19, public health officials continue to reassure the risk to Ontarians remains low.
"At this time, the virus is not circulating locally," health officials said. "However, given the global circumstances, Ontario is actively working with city and health partners to plan for the potential of local spread."
Of the 22 people in the province confirmed to have contracted the virus, four have since fully recovered. They had to have two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart in order to be given the all-clear.
On Thursday, the federal government issued a travel advisory urging all Canadians to avoid travel to Iran due to restrictions imposed following the spread of coronavirus. The advisory states it is increasingly difficult to leave the country.
"Many airlines have suspended or reduced flights to and from Iran or imposed strict travel restrictions. Seat availability may be extremely limited and ticket costs may be high. All neighbouring countries have closed their borders with Iran," the warning reads. "Consider leaving the country by commercial means while these are still available. The Government of Canada may have little to no ability to assist your departure from Iran."
