Waterloo Region confirms 2 new coronavirus cases, total rises to 14 active cases

Region of Waterloo Public Health has announced two new cases of the novel coronavirus, including a man in his 70s who is now hospitalized.

Officials said on Friday that the man is also the third case of community transmission in the region.

According to an online list of confirmed cases, a woman in her 50s, who was recently on a cruise, is now self-isolating at home after testing positive for COVID-19.

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Public Health said two people who were previously hospitalized are now recovering at home.

The latest cases come after two positive tests were announced on Thursday, including a woman in her 20s who works at St. Mary’s Hospital.

She is considered the region’s first community transmission case and is self-isolating at home.

The hospital said the woman’s work does not include contact with patients, but Public Health said she was symptomatic while at work on March 13.

They are still investigating how many others had close contact with her.

More to come.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.