THE CANADIAN PRESS / Nathan Denette
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Federal authorities have sought to reassure Canadians following the discovery of the first case of the new Chinese coronavirus in Canada, saying that the risk of contracting it remains low.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam praised Ontario authorities for the speed of their response to containing the first known known suspected case that was reported in Toronto on Saturday.
She recalled that close human-to-human contact was necessary to spread the virus.
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The Ontario patient traveled to Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus. He presented initial symptoms during the flight bringing him back to Canada.
Authorities are seeking to contact everyone who was on the plane.
The disease has killed 56 people in this country. Nearly 2,000 cases have been reported worldwide.
Deputy Administrator of Public Health Dr. Howard Njoo said he would not be surprised if other cases were reported in the short term in Canada, “given the travel patterns” of Canadians.
SEE ALSO: Already 56 coronavirus deaths in China
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