What to expect if you (or someone else) is diagnosed with coronavirus in Brampton

Published March 5, 2020 at 8:17 pm

While there are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Region of Peel–which is comprised of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon–Peel Public Health is working to educate people on what w

While there are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Region of Peel–which is comprised of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon–Peel Public Health is working to educate people on what will happen if a resident is diagnosed with the virus. 

Dr. Jessica Hopkins, medical officer of health with the region, recently took to social media to let people know what to expect in the event of a local diagnosis. 

“First of all, it’s important to know that there are many different organizations and people who will be involved in the response,” Hopkins said in a video posted on Twitter.  

“Public health works very closely with hospitals and paramedics who will be looking after the person clinically and making sure they’re getting the right care to get better.”

Hopkins said that, in the event of a local diagnosis, Peel Public Health will follow up with the affected person to find out where they’ve been and who they interacted with in order to ensure the virus does not spread within the community. 

While no Brampton or Mississauga residents are currently among the 22 cases of coronavirus in the province (four of which have been resolved), the region did recently announce that it is investigating a recent workplace exposure to COVID-19

“With support of the workplace owners, Peel Public Health has been in contact with all potentially impacted individuals within our outbreak control efforts,” the agency said in an earlier statement. 

“Of the 75 employees, the vast majority were not exposed to the case and are being cleared to return to normal activities. A small minority of employees with more significant contact are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.”

Peel Public Health says it has determined that there is no broader risk to the wider community associated with this incident.

The agency has not disclosed the name or location of the affected business at this time. 

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health expanded the list of coronavirus-impacted areas beyond mainland China to include South Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, Iran and Japan.

The government of Canada has issued COVID-19 travel health advisories for each of these areas and is discouraging all non-essential travel to Iran. 

If you have just returned from a COVID-19 impacted area, Peel public Health says to be sure to monitor your health for flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing) for 14 days upon return.

If flu-like symptoms develop, contact Peel Public Health immediately and refer to Peel Public Health’s guide on how and where to get medical help. You do not need to contact Peel Public Health if you are well.

If you or your family have returned from Hubei province in China in the last 14 days, you are asked to stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in your home, for 14 days after leaving the impacted area. You should also contact Peel Public Health for further instructions and important information.

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