News Release: March 6, 2020
Peel Public Health reports second case of COVID-19 in spouse of first case
Select passengers of WestJet flight 1199 directed to self-isolate and call public health
MISSISSAUGA, ON. (March 6, 2020) – Today the Region of Peel - Public Health confirmed the region's second positive case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the spouse of the first case, a Mississauga woman in her 60s. She and her husband returned to Canada on February 28 following travel on the Grand Princess Cruise ship that departed San Francisco, from February 11th to 21st.
"The patient came to Trillium Health Partners' (THP) Mississauga Hospital Emergency Department on March 4 with associated symptoms," said Dr. Dante Morra, Chief of Staff, THP. "Thanks to the effective and immediate response of our Emergency Department team and Infection Prevention and Control, the patient was quickly identified and isolated. All appropriate infection prevention and control precautions were taken. The patient returned home and is recovering in self isolation."
Peel Public Health's investigation has determined that the two cases may have been able to pass the virus to others during their return. Passengers who were seated in rows 18-22 of WestJet flight 1199, returning to Toronto Pearson Airport from the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix on February 28, are directed to self-isolate and call Peel Public Health immediately at 905-799-7700 (or at 905-584-2216 if in Caledon). All other passengers aboard the flight should self-monitor for signs of cough, fever or respiratory issues and call Peel Public Health if symptoms arise up until March 13.
Peel Public Health is actively investigating and following up with close contacts. The public will be notified should a broader community risk be identified.
"Given the global scale of the COVID-19 outbreak, we were prepared for cases in Peel and a coordinated system is in place to manage and contain cases, like these ones, to prevent community transmission," said Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. "The contraction of illness in these cases occurred outside of Canada and there has been no community spread of COVID-19 within Peel or Ontario. The risk to Peel citizens is still low."
Peel Public Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and other local health providers to monitor the situation and protect the community. Additional measures in Peel include increased screenings at Pearson International Airport and early identification protocols for paramedics and hospitals. Visit Ontario's COVID-19 page to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
Dr. Jessica Hopkins will be available for teleconference after the Toronto Public Health press conference at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Contact Jeff LeMoine at jeffrey.lemoine@peelregion.ca to schedule time with Dr. Hopkins.
Stay updated on the novel coronavirus in Peel at peelregion.ca/coronavirus and by following us at @RegionofPeel
Media Contacts
Jeff LeMoine
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 289-325-4700
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
