February 1, 2020 COVID-19 report

Dear RNAO member,

Here is the latest situational report #8 dated Feb. 01, 2020, from the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) about the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The number of confirmed cases in our province remains at three. A woman in London in her twenties, with mild symptoms and who is recovering at home in self-isolation. The other two positive cases, a Toronto couple in their fifties, continue to recover well at home in self-isolation.

The only other Canadian case involves a man in B.C. who also is recovering at home in self-isolation.

There are no new cases reported to us today by the EOC. As the saying goes, “no news is good news.”

A reminder that the ministry has set up a health provider hotline and a website to answer questions you and other health sector employers may have regarding the outbreak, protocols, preparedness, etc. The toll free number is 1-866-212-2272, and the health provider website, updated regularly with useful resources, can be accessed here. Please remember that the health provider website and the toll free number are for you – as a health professional – and not for members of the general public. 

The ministry’s public website on the novel coronavirus exists to inform the general public. Please feel free to let family and friends in your community know about this public website.

Have a great rest of the weekend. If we receive a situational report tomorrow Sunday, we will make sure to pass it on to you. 

Meanwhile, we are sending virtual hugs, and we thank for your commitment to the profession and the day-to-day work you do on behalf of Ontarians to ensure they are getting excellent care.

With warm regards!

Doris Grinspun, RN,MSN, PhD, LLD(hon), Dr(hc), FAAN, O.ONT
Chief Executive Officer / RNAO