Twelfth COVID-19 case confirmed in Canada

Buzz
02-27-2020 11:28 am
Christine Hogg

Christine Hogg

Christine Hogg is the Associate Digital Editor at PAX Global Media. Prior to joining PAX, she obtained her Honours BA in Journalism from the University of Toronto. Upon graduating, she went on to write for several travel publications while travelling the world. Her longest trip was a three-week stint in Europe, and the shortest was a 16-hour adventure in Iceland. Get in touch: christine@paxglobalmedia.com.

This article was updated as of 8:15 a.m. EST on Feb. 27, 2020.

Canada’s 12th case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Feb. 26.

The news comes just hours after an eleventh case was identified in the province of Ontario, bringing the total number of cases across the country to 12.

There have now been five confirmed cases in Ontario and seven in British Columbia.

Despite this, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, is adamant that Canada is doing a good job at detecting possible COVID-19 cases, further preventing the spread of the highly infectious virus.

On Feb. 11, a second chartered flight from Wuhan, China landed at CFB Trenton; the first chartered flight arrived in Canada on Feb. 7.

Following the initial COVID-19 outbreak, the Canadian government stepped in and arranged the chartered flights to transport Canadians who were still in China, back home to Canada. On the first flight, thirty-four Canadians were assessed by health officials, and those who showed symptoms of coronavirus were transferred to the local health care system. Those with no symptoms were to remain at Canadian Forces Base Trenton for up to 14 days for further health assessment and observation and be provided with all medical and other support needed.

Taking to Twitter, Dr. Tam wrote, of the second chartered flight, "I have assessed individuals in quarantine at the NAV CENTRE pursuant to an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act and determined that they do not pose a risk of significant harm to public health.

I have authorized the release of 15 flight crew members who accompanied the returning travellers on the third Canada-chartered flight from Japan to CFB Trenton to the NAV CENTRE in Cornwall, Ontario. In my assessment, I took into account the fact that they followed appropriate infection prevention and control protocols (including the use of personal protective equipment), and that they did not have unprotected contact with passengers or persons at risk of having the novel coronavirus. As a result of this assessment, I have determined that their continued quarantine is not required."

For latest updates on Canada’s response to COVID-19, click here.

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