Despite the fact increased screening measures have been put in place at airports around the world, York Region’s first COVID-19 related death “escaped detection” on her return to Canada from the U.S.

“One would have assumed that her symptoms might have led to her being detected either in terms of getting onto the plane or maybe as she got off here,” York Region medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji said at a 5 p.m. media conference March 22.

“From what I can judge, her symptoms included shortness of breath and a cough, but they may have included something further,” he said. “When it comes to symptoms, science and detection of those, sometimes these individuals escape detection.”

Kurji said roughly 42 per cent of individuals who may be infectious tend to get through screening measures, according to the most recent modelling studies of the virus.

The 72-year-old woman, who had returned from Los Angeles Saturday, collapsed at her son’s place in Toronto shortly after being picked up at the airport following a period of “acute illness”, Kurji said.

“We are talking about just hours,” he added. She died a short time later.

Prior to her stay in Los Angeles, the woman had also been in France and Tahiti.

“We don’t know where she would have acquired the infection from,” Kurji said, adding there is no information as of now as to whether or not the woman had any underlying health issues.

There is no risk of exposure to York Region residents, he said.

Extending his condolences on behalf of the region and council to the woman’s loved ones, Kurji said today’s news is an unfortunate and somber reminder of the seriousness of the current situation, which continues to evolve.

“Now, more than ever, we need to follow the advice of public health to protect ourselves and our community.”

A spike in coronavirus cases in the region during the past few days to 53 as of late Sunday is “to be expected” Kurji said with people returning from vacations abroad.

But he conceded local transmission is a reality in York, similar to other neighbouring municipalities, including the cities of Toronto and Barrie.

“We have seen increasing evidence of this in York Region now.”

Therefore, social distancing is “extremely important”, he said.

Essentially, that means keeping a two-metre distance from other people, avoiding crowds and working from home where possible.

This is particularly important for vulnerable individual,s such as the elderly or people with compromised immune systems, even for what many would consider minor conditions such as high blood pressure, Kurji said.

The region also updated the situation at Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham, where the facility has now been declared in COVID-19 outbreak.

After initial reports the woman in her 70s who tested positive for COVID-19 was doing well in self-isolation in her room, Kurji confirmed she was sent to hospital late Saturday.

She has since been returned back to the facility, Kurji said, adding the region is in conversation with local hospitals to determine “better ways” to deal with individuals who need follow up assessments.

Kurji said the past record of Markhaven is excellent and that they have managed many outbreaks before diligently and adhere to best practices.

Despite the sad news, Kurji said “there is hope out there.”

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One of the region’s first cases has reached the point where both sets of swabs, 24 hours apart, have come back negative, and can be “discharged” from investigation, according to both federal and provincial criteria.

“Our first case has now fully recovered and there are several other individuals who are now completely asymptomatic and we hope in the days ahead they too will be considered recovered,” he said.

In addition, he said York Region residents have been very compliant with the various measures designed to safeguard the public from the spread of the infection and acted responsibly in terms of guidance and directives from York public health.

“Together, we can get through these difficult times and I have every confidence we can do so.”

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