Chatham-Kent’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Colby, announced this morning that Chatham-Kent has its first coronavirus victim.

At a press conference at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, Colby said a 52-year-old man has tested positive for the virus.

Officials report the man is doing fine and is self-isolating at home.

It is believed he contracted the illness on a cruise ship.

CK Public Health officials said staff are following up with his close contacts, who will be advised to self-isolate at home for the next 14 days.

“This does not change, in any way, what we have been asking of the public,” Colby said in a media release. “We must continue to closely abide by the measures that have been directed in order to halt the further spread of this virus within our community.”

Effective Thursday, the CKHA will open an assessment centre, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

To date, officials say 52 people have been tested in C-K, with 38 coming up negative and the remaining 14 awaiting results.

CK Public Health officials direct the following actions to not only help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Exercise social distancing: avoid non-essential trips in the community limit, postpone or cancel group gatherings conduct meetings virtually wherever possible keep a physical distance of at least 2 metres between yourself and others keep children away from group settings Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to access soap and water, use 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or into your elbow, not into your hand. Now and in any cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces



As a reminder if you’ve returned to Canada from travel (including from the United States) in the last 14 days, you need to self-isolate at home.

CK Public Health offiicals said staff continues to actively monitor this developing situation actively, in collaboration with national and provincial health agencies, as well as local community partners.

For more information about COVID-19, residents are asked to please visit www.ckpublichealth.com/covid19 or call the CK Public Health COVID-19 intake line at 519-355-1071 ext. 1900.

More details to come.

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