North Bay has yet to confirm its first positive COVID-19 case but it will likely be just a matter of time, according to health professionals.

An excerpt from an internal memorandum sent by Chief of Staff Dr. Donald Fung and obtained by MyNorthBayNow.com, states two patients at NBRHC are “being treated as possible positive,” for COVID-19.

Dated Wednesday, Fung writes staff are awaiting results from testing on a symptomatic CCU (Critical Care Unit) patient who attended the same PDAC event as the positive COVID-19 Sudbury case. “We have another patient at risk on a medical unit.”

Fung adds, “Many of you are aware of the COVID-19 positive patient in Sudbury (currently home and self-isolating) and others that are suspected there and here locally.”

The memo is addressed to general medical staff and copies the NBRHC senior leadership team, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico, and Dr. Paul Preston, VP Clinical Ontario Health-North, NBRHC Infection Control.

“We are anticipating a rising footprint locally. If we are similar to the rest of Canada, we can keep this footprint small but, like flu, cases will begin to occur,” writes Fung. “Most cases have mild to no symptoms. Treatment is supportive.”

NBRHC Communication Manager Kim McElroy responded to an inquiry about COVID-19 patients with, “I can assure you at this time that the hospital does not have a positive COVID-19 case.”

McElroy reiterated the best practices outlined by the local Health Unit in relation to the pandemic.

NBRHC: No COVID-19 cases but increased precautions in place

“To help keep our emergency room resources available for trauma and emergent care patients, patients who suspect COVID-19 exposure should first call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext 5229 to speak to a public health nurse, or call their health care provider. Health care officials will direct them on what action to take.”