The local health unit has been busy with coronavirus calls but won't reveal any information on testing.
"Since March 9 the Health Unit has received 1,165 calls regarding COVID-19.," said Public Relations Specialist Alex McDermid, "The majority of these calls are individuals who are looking for additional information on COVID-19, such as closures, event cancellations, and travel. Those who were assessed and deemed appropriate were referred to a primary health care provider for further assessment and possibly testing."
However, McDermid did not respond to a BayToday request that would reveal how many citizens have actually been tested.
Regarding the question of the possibility the health unit may face shortages of testing and protective equipment, McDermid said, "In regards to personal protective equipment, the Health Unit has policies and procedures that are being followed for staff PPE."
However, the critical shortage of life-saving medical equipment has Canadian doctors calling for a "war-like effort" to help fill the demand.
"Our front line health care workers are already running out of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, and gowns," say the doctors on a petition called Protect our front line health care workers against COVID-19.
"We also need access to hoods, face shields, goggles, and other protective equipment. There is a critical shortage of COVID-19 test kits, ventilators, hand sanitizer, and medications that might treat COVID-19 patients. This is unacceptably dangerous for health care workers and, in turn, the public."
"The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is working with local hospitals and other primary health care providers to help assess and test, if necessary, for COVID-19. Individuals are encouraged to call their health care provider or the Health Unit if they believe they may have or been exposed to COVID-19," says a news release.
"An assessment for COVID-19 will be done by a primary health care provider, they will then decide if a test for COVID-19 is required. Considerations include an individual with a fever – over 38 degrees Celsius – and/or a cough and any of the following exposures within 14 days prior to onset of illness:
- Travelled outside of Canada or
- Was in close contact with a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19 (determined by a health care professional) or
- Was in close contact with a person who has been to an impacted area and has breathing issues (acute respiratory illness)
Of the test results received to date by the Health Unit, there have been zero confirmed cases according to the Unit's website Friday evening.
