After a workplace in Peel Region was exposed to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is asking for the public to remain vigilant.

The exposure, which was announced on March 3 following an investigation by Peel Public Health, led to no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Peel at the time, the regional health agency said.

In a statement, Brown said he was “encouraged” by the work of Peel Public Health officials and that the impacted workplace is not in Brampton. The affected resident, he said, was not from Peel Region.

“The fast spread of COVID-19 dictates why we all need to be on high alert and taking proper precautions,” Brown said. “I am cautiously optimistic that our health professionals are prepared for this threat.”

The virus, which can have symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, continues to spread to new areas in the world.

In a March 4 report, the World Health Organization (WHO) said reported cases of COVID-19 had arrived in Chile, Argentina, Poland and Ukraine, adding to more than 93,000 confirmed cases across the globe.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said that with the spread of COVID-19 around the world, residents in the city are “understandably concerned.”

“I share those concerns and want to assure them that our medical professionals and first responders are working in unison, 24-7, to protect Peel and limit the spread of the virus,” she said in an emailed statement to media.

Citing the privacy of those impacted, staff from Crombie’s office did not confirm whether or not the workplace exposed to COVID-19 was in Mississauga.

On March 5, Ontario’s chief medical officer announced two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 22.