WINDSOR — Windsor-Essex remains at low risk for the Coronavirus, and the local medical officer of health is strongly encouraging measures to keep it low.
So far, 62 people have been tested for COVID-19, all of the results so far have been negative and 13 are still pending.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed says people need to avoid large gatherings of 250 people or more, practice social distancing which is keeping a metre away from people and good thorough hand washing.
"We recognize in these types of pandemic situation, that we will have a case. It is not that we are immune to it," he says. "We will have a case, we just want to make sure that at least our measures and our efforts are directed in the way to prevent a large scale spread of those cases in our community."
Dr. Ahmed says all non-essential travel outside of Canada, including the U.S, should be suspended.
If someone in your household must cross the border for work, they should take some precautions when they are at home including social distancing according to Dr. Ahmed.
"People who are doing those essential travels for whatever reason, I think they need to be careful as well, so I think some of the measures that I would strongly encourage that if someone is coming back that their hands are nice and washed thoroughly."
Dr. Ahmed says travellers who have recently returned to Canada from a cruise, may get be contacted by the health unit.
"There are a number of cruise ships that have been identified with positive cases of COVID-19 after passengers had disembarked to return home," he says. "We will be notified by the ministry by all of the effected person that resides in Windsor-Essex by public health Ontario and we will contact all these passengers directly to provide direction and instruction as needed."
Given St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow, Dr. Ahmed says guidelines will be released today to prevent a large scale spread of cases.
Dr. Ahmed is asking workplaces to increase cleanings and create an emergency preparedness plan.
As well, if someone is sick, they should stay home.