The first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Windsor-Essex has been confirmed by the region's medical officer of health.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) issued a statement late Friday night and said a man in his 60s has tested positive for the virus.
"The [health unit] continued to stress that it would only be a matter of time before Windsor-Essex had its first case," WECHU said in a news release. "This highlights the importance for all residents to follow public health recommendations.
The man returned to Canada after travelling on a Caribbean cruise. He arrived back in Windsor on March 10, developed symptoms the following day and was tested for COVID-19 at Windsor Regional Hospital on March 16. The man is currently recovering at home with mild symptoms.
During a press conference Saturday morning, Ahmed said the patient followed proper protocols.
"He did all the things right in terms of following the directions of public health, staying home and not going outside," said Ahmed.
The health unit said the man was in close contact with a family member who has also tested positive for the virus outside of Windsor-Essex
Ahmed said the Health Unit is confident in their processes of preventing a community spread.
"The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is continuing to investigate and monitor all individuals who are at risk of exposure. We continue to encourage residents to take appropriate preventative measures to ensure they stay healthy including regularly washing hands with soap and water, coughing or sneezing into tissue and handwashing, disinfecting and most importantly staying home if you are ill," said Dr. Ahmed.
As of Friday morning, a total of 260 people in the region have been tested, and the results of around 150 tests are pending. The wait time to get results back is currently seven days.
