Saturday March 14, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
~ West Shore Voice News
At this time, the public health risk associated with COVID-19 is low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly.
This information from the Health Canada page entitled Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update.
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:
- aged 65 and over
- with compromised immune systems
- with underlying medical conditions
There are also increased health risks for Canadian travellers abroad. Because of these risks, the Government of Canada advises you to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, this includes cruise ships.
It is important for all travellers to:
- self-isolate for 14 days after your return from travel outside of Canada
- some provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups such as health care workers
- Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
We continue to reassess the public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.
============ CHRONOLOGY:
This chronology was published by Health Canada on their page entitled Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update:
- On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declares the global outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic.
- On March 9, 2020, Canada confirms its first death related to COVID-19.
- On February 20, 2020, Canada confirms its first case related to travel outside mainland China.
- On February 9, 2020, Canada expands COVID-19 screening requirements for travellers returning from affected areas to 10 airports across 6 provinces.
- On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declares the outbreak of COVID-19 a public health event of international concern.
- On January 25, 2020, Canada confirms its first case of COVID-19 related to travel in Wuhan, China.
- On January 22, 2020, Canada implements screening requirements related to COVID-19 for travellers returning from China to major airports in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver.
- On January 15, 2020, the Public Health Agency of Canada activates the Emergency Operation Centre to support Canada’s response to COVID-19.
- On January 7, 2020, China confirmed COVID-19.
- On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The virus did not match any other known virus.