The Northwestern Health Unit says there is no risk of the Coronavirus from the reported suspicious package from Wuhan, China at Kenora's post office.



“The risk of the virus spreading is person-to-person. It is not spread through inanimate objects. So, a package through the mail could not spread the Coronavirus,” explained Donna Stanley, the manager of infectious disease control for the Northwestern Health Unit.



The Kenora OPP, Kenora Fire and Emergency Services and Northwest EMS paramedics are all assisting with the situation and evacuation at the post office, which began at roughly 1:30 p.m. today. Employees are reported to be feeling unwell after handling the package.



“There are many viruses and influenza in our community right now. It is much more highly likely that -- if people are having symptoms -- it’s another virus,” added Stanley. “We want people to look after their health and do what they would always do, if they feel unwell, but not fear that they got Coronavirus from a package.”



Stanley reminds residents that it is never too late to get your flu shot. Residents are asked to avoid the post office area to allow emergency responders to perform their work.



For more information:

Suspicious Chinese package at Post Office

Evacuation at Post Office