Niagara Region health officials have confirmed an 84-year-old man has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
It is the region’s first case of the virus, also known as coronavirus.
Officials say the patient was taken to hospital by EMS for another medical problem on Tuesday.
Niagara Region’s acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji says once medical staff learned the man had been showing some symptoms on Monday, he was isolated and tested for the virus.
The results came back positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Health care providers and paramedics who interacted with the senior will be self-isolating “out of an abundance of caution.”
The man is currently in an isolation room undergoing treatment by the infectious diseases team to manage his symptoms. He is in stable condition.
Hirji says despite Niagara having its first case, there continues to be no evidence of local circulation of the virus. He says the risk to residents remains low at this time.
Health officials and emergency services personnel are actively investigating the case and are following up with anyone who may have been in close contact with the man.
He had not travelled recently but one of his family members just returned from Portugal.
Health officials say they believe the relative is the source of the infection. The family member has now also been isolated.
Ontario reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the provincial total to 79.
For more information about COVID-19 and what to do if you may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms visit: publichealthontario.ca
RELATED STORY
Here’s how to self-monitor for COVID-19 and self-isolate if you have it
