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First COVID-19 case in Canada now cleared of the virus: health officials

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: WHO says ‘window of opportunity remains open’ to contain outbreak'
Coronavirus outbreak: WHO says ‘window of opportunity remains open’ to contain outbreak
WATCH: WHO says ‘window of opportunity remains open’ to contain outbreak – Feb 20, 2020

The first person in Canada to test positive for the novel coronavirus has now been completely cleared of the virus.

Ontario health officials say the man in his 50s has now had two negative tests 24 hours apart, which is the standard for being cleared.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: WHO says 74,675 cases reported in China'
Coronavirus outbreak: WHO says 74,675 cases reported in China

Associate chief medical officer of health Dr. Barbara Yaffe says the man is no longer infectious to others and has recovered.

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The man returned to Toronto in January from the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak, and had to be hospitalized.

His wife, who had travelled with him, also fell ill, but had less severe symptoms and is still in self-isolation at home.

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Yaffe says the woman is doing well and is expected to be cleared soon.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: Passengers express joy leaving quarantined Diamond Princess ship'
Coronavirus outbreak: Passengers express joy leaving quarantined Diamond Princess ship

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