The Regional Municipality of York reports first positive case of COVID-19

The Regional Municipality of York has been notified of a positive case of COVID-19 in the City of Richmond Hill.

The case is travel-related from Iran on Tuesday, February 25 with a layover in Denmark. A woman in her 30s developed symptoms prior to her return and was symptomatic on the flight.

On Wednesday, February 26 at approximately 3:55 p.m., the individual boarded GO Bus #40 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, travelling eastbound sitting on the upper deck with a final destination arriving at the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal.

On Thursday, February 27, the individual was tested and assessed at Mackenzie Health Hospital in the City of Richmond Hill. The individual is currently in self-isolation recovering at home. As a result of the coordinated efforts of our healthcare and public health system, the individual was quickly assessed and isolated.

All individuals who travelled in the business class section of Qatar Airways flight QR 483 and QR 163, Air Canada flight AC 883 and on GO Bus #40 eastbound and sitting on the upper deck may have been exposed to this positive case of COVID-19 and are asked to contact York Region Public Health. Please call 1-800-361-5653 Monday to Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for further assessment.

York Region Public Health continues active follow-up of all close contacts of this positive case. Individuals that were not in direct or close contact with the individual are not considered at risk of becoming infected.

The risk to York Region residents continues to remain low and there is no evidence of community spread within York Region.

York Region Public Health continues to collaborate with local hospitals, emergency services and other health agencies to ensure prompt reporting and follow up of all individuals who may require testing for COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves from this new and emerging disease:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, including between your fingers, under your fingernails and your wrists; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough or sneeze using a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve, being sure to cover your mouth; put used tissue in the garbage and wash your hands after or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your symptoms resolve
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
• Increase cleaning and disinfection frequency of high-touch surfaces such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, countertops, light switches and other shared items using regular household cleaners
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with saliva such as toothbrushes, eating utensils drinks/water bottles and towels

Visit york.ca/covid19 or Ontario.ca/coronavirus for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact Health Connection, Monday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1-800-361-5653. 

You may also contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for medical advice. Telehealth Ontario is a free confidential service you can call to receive health advice or information. A registered nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with 636,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

Media Contact:

Patrick Casey, Director, Corporate Communications,

The Regional Municipality of York

Cell: 905-715-8211 Email: @email