Resources to Manage Novel Coronavirus Identified in China
Advisory Alert
January 22, 2020
Dear community health care providers:
Re: Resources to Manage Novel Coronavirus Identified in China
Due to the recent identification of a novel coronavirus in China (2019-nCoV), this Alert provides information on key resources on managing a Person Under Investigation (PUI).
Who is a PUI?
A PUI includes a person with (a) fever and acute respiratory illness OR pneumonia AND (b) travel history to Wuhan, China, within 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.
What do I do if a PUI presents to my office?
If a PUI presents to you please report to Public Health Sudbury & Districts immediately at 705.522.9200 ext. 301 or 705.688.4366 after hours.
How do I test a PUI for 2019-nCoV?
Testing information is found through Public Health Ontario’s website: www.publichealthontario.ca/en/laboratory-services/test-information-index/wuhan-novel-coronavirus.
Please note that testing for 2019-nCoV PUIs requires prior approval by the PHO Laboratory before submission and ideally after a physician has seen the patient.
What precautions do I need to take when managing a PUI?
Health care providers are reminded to use routine practices and additional precautions, based on risk assessment, when providing care to a PUI. Refer to the Public Health Ontario website for further information on Routine Practices and Additional Precautions. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/infection-prevention-control/routine-practices-additional-precautions.
Where can I learn more?
Consult the Public Health Agency of Canada travel notices: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Health sector partners are also encouraged to contact the Health System Emergency Management Branch at 1.866.212.2272 (available 24/7) or during business hours at eocoperations.moh@ontario.ca if they have questions or concerns.
Currently, the risk of infection with the novel coronavirus to Ontarians is low. Additional information on the novel coronavirus will be shared as it becomes available.
Update: January 24, 2020
Advisory Alert: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update: January 24, 2020
Sincerely,
Ariella Zbar, MD, CCFP, MPH, MBA, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
This item was last modified on January 24, 2020