Windsor doctor being tested for COVID-19

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Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare holds press conference about COVID-19 in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, March 12, 2020. (Michelle Maluske / CTV Windsor)

WINDSOR, ONT. -- Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) says a physician has developed symptoms that are similar to COVID-19 after travelling out of country to a non-impacted area.

This physician did not meet the case definition outlined by the World Health Organization so they reported to work on Monday, March 9.

Since Monday, hospital officials say the physician’s symptoms have worsened, and the physician has self-isolated at home.

The doctor is currently working with the Windsor-Essex County Public Health Unit (WECHU) in order to get tested. They will not have the results for at least 24 hours.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit medical officer of health, held a news conference Thursday evening to offer some reassurance to the region.

He says that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in the region at this time, though close to 50 people have been tested.

Ahmed says all tests have come back negative.

There are, however, 163 cases of confirmed influenza reported in the region.

Health unit officials say staff is working night and day to keep the public is informed, noting call volumes are at an all-time high.

Hospital implements precautions

Hospital officials say to maintain the health and safety of their organization, staff and patients, they have chosen to send anyone who has had direct contact with the physician being tested home.

The 22 staff members are self-isolating until HDGH receive results from the testing.

Sixteen patients were in contact with this physician and the hospital has notified them.

HDGH officials say they have been planning for the organizational response to COVID-19, along with other local health partners.

Effective Friday, March 13 at 5:30 a.m. HDGH staff, patients and visitors will notice the following entry points to the main campus will be limited to the Tayfour Building main entrance and Emara main entrance. Signage will be placed at all entry points notifying as such.

Upon entering our hospital, each person will be actively screened. This means visitors will be asked of any respiratory signs, symptoms, and travel history.

There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus so far in Windsor.

- With files from CTV's Chris Campbell

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