21 Mar 2020 The Intelligencer (Belleville) DEREK BALDWIN

Latest case not related to 10 confirmed cases at CFB Trenton.

A second positive case of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 has emerged in Quinte in as many days, the local health unit said Friday.

The latest case is unrelated to all 10 cases of COVID-19 identified in repatriated Canadians now in isolation at the quarantyine zone at CFB Trenton, said Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.

“The individual recently returned from travel outside of Canada, developed symptoms of COVID-19, sought medical care, and remains in self-isolation at home,” said the health unit in a media advisory.

“The best method for us to combat COVID-19 in our community is to stay home if possible, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and remain diligent with handwashing and infection control practices,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health.

“The best method for us to combat COVID-19 in our community is to stay home if possible, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and remain diligent with handwashing and infection control practices,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health.

“The responsibility lies with each of us to do everything we can to keep ourselves, our families and our neighbours healthy,” Oglaza said.

There have been no deaths reported from the illness in Quinte.

By midday Friday, there were roughly 950 confirmed and presumptive cases across the country, 12 deaths and 11 cases of people who have recovered.

Globally, more than 10,000 people have died as reported cases climbed, Friday, to 250,000.

The local health unit said it will no longer issue press releases.

Instead, the health unit said to keep the public informed, individuals can look up the information themselves on their website where any new cases will be logged and published.

“Given the understanding that COVID-19 is now present in our community, effective immediately, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will report new local lab-confirmed cases of COVID -19 on the hpepublichealth. ca website, rather than issuing individual media releases,” the health unit said.

The information will be located on the main COVID-19 page and updated daily at 2 p.m.

The health unit made no mention of whether it will be listing presumptive cases across Quinte as is being done on the official Canadian government website including probable case numbers.

In response to the increased need for community screening and information, the health unit’s COVID-19 information line is operating 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekends.

Callers are assessed for risk of COVID-19 based on their travel history, symptoms, and the Ministry of Health case definitions.

Health unit officials can be reached by calling 613-966-5500.