The Ontario government has announced a man in his 80s has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the province’s eighth confirmed case.
According to a statement issued by Ontario health officials Friday night, the man arrived in Toronto on Feb. 20.
On Thursday, the patient went to the emergency room at Scarborough Health Network’s General Hospital and reported he had previously travelled to Egypt.
“As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was tested for COVID-19,” the statement said.
Officials said the man was discharged on the same day “feeling well.” The statement said he went into self-isolation as a result.
The news comes hours after the Ontario government announced a man in his 50s, who recently travelled to Iran, tested positive for COVID-19.
On Friday, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott stressed the low risk to the public. However, she also said the province is prepared if the situation escalates.
“We are ready should the situation change from what it is now, but as I’ve indicated, the risk remains very low,” she said.
“But it is important for all Ontarians to know we are prepared. Our hospitals are prepared. We have the protective equipment we need to protect our health officials and we are ready to move immediately should the situation change at any time.”
Friday night’s announcement means there are seven confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Toronto. The only other case outside of Toronto, within Ontario, was a Western University student in London.
About 60 countries have reported cases of the virus, and the global number of cases has risen to approximately 83,000.
Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, is scheduled to provide an update about the province’s efforts to combat COVID-19 during a previously announced news conference at Queen’s Park on Monday.
— With files from Gabby Rodrigues and The Canadian Press
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