Public health authorities have identified a first probable case of COVID-19 in Quebec. This is a woman who returned last Monday from Iran, one of the most important centers of the virus epidemic outside of China.
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The information first reported by our Investigation Bureau late Thursday afternoon was confirmed in the evening by Health and Social Services Minister Danielle McCann.
In a press briefing in Montreal, the minister wanted to preserve the anonymity of the person possibly affected by COVID-19 by confirming only that it is a woman from the Montreal region and that she is well . She was returning from Iran on a flight that made a stopover in Doha, Qatar, before setting sail for Montreal.
According to our information, the woman was treated at the Verdun Hospital, in the borough of the same name, in Montreal.
Since her return to the country, the woman has not traveled on public transport and has not worked.
Dr. Yves Jalbert, Deputy Director of Public Health Protection, said the woman, who had mild symptoms of the disease, was taken to solitary confinement immediately before being discharged. She returned home to undergo voluntary quarantine. His relatives would also apply these preventive measures.
“The detection of this case demonstrates that our system is efficient, it is reliable, and that our management protocols are well established,” said Ms. McCann.
“Despite this probable case, I especially want to remind the population that all measures are currently deployed in the network to detect, manage and limit the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. There is nothing to worry about, “she said.
Dr. Jalbert went on to say that “the overall risk is still low”.
“We will continue to be transparent and keep the population informed of the development of the situation,” he added.
A search for close contacts of the infected person is in progress. “We will apply the necessary protective measures in the community. A similar process is also underway with regard to traveling by plane; we will take the necessary measures to identify the people who were ready for this person on the plane, and also intervene with these people, “said Dr. Jalbert.
Simple steps to take
Certain measures can be taken by each person to protect themselves.
“The most important thing today is to practice breathing etiquette, like covering your mouth and nose during sneezing, and also, as we say, washing your hands frequently. It is a simple, but extremely effective measure to prevent the respiratory infections and gastroenteritis which plagues a lot. “
In recent years, authorities have prepared for COVID-19 by developing protocols following the experiences of the SARS, H1N1 and Ebola episodes. Quebec, according to Ms. McCann, coordinates with Ottawa and all the provinces.
It was the Quebec Public Health Laboratory that confirmed this first probable case in Quebec. However, the National Microbiology Laboratory, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, must officially confirm any case of coronavirus. The results may be available as early as Sunday, said Minister McCann.
21 cases under investigation
Thursday evening, the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services indicated that 21 people in Belle Province are under investigation for the coronavirus.
-With Jean-Louis Fortin
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