#Ontario, #BellLet'sTalkDay; #MentalHealth; #Health; #NationalHealth; #StigmaRemoval

Ottawa, Jan 30 (Canadian-Media): In recognition of Bell Let's Talk Day yesterday, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions  issued the following statement: ​

"Today is Bell Let's Talk Day and Canadians across the country are joining in on the conversation about mental health.

Every year, more than 1 million people in Ontario experience a mental health or addictions challenge, which can have a serious impact on their quality of life, including the ability to go to school or make a living. Many of us have been impacted by mental health and addiction, either personally or through a colleague, family member or a friend. That's why we will be showing our support for Bell Let's Talk Day and encouraging people across the province to help end the stigma and start a conversation. 

Let's talk about mental health. Let's talk about how we can take action personally, locally and provincially to help those who may be struggling. Throughout the day we will be listening to what the people of Ontario have to say, as we build a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system that makes it easier for people to get the services and supports they need.

We know we can build a system that ensures every person in Ontario is supported throughout their journey towards mental wellness. That's why we'll soon launch Ontario's mental health and addictions strategy - a roadmap toward meaningfully improving the care the people of Ontario receive and building healthier communities.

Today, please get involved and text, call, tweet or use other social media platforms to support this great initiative. Together, we will build a mental health and addictions system that meets the needs of each person in Ontario because every action counts."

​"Yesterday, we received lab confirmation of the second of two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Toronto. We also learned that there is a presumptive positive case in British Columbia. This news is not unexpected as we have a very mobile population, with a lot of travel back and forth between Canada and China. I am reminding residents that at this time, the risk to our community remains low.

Inaccurate information continues to spread, and this is creating unnecessary stigma against members of our community. I am deeply concerned and find it disappointing that this is happening. Discrimination is not acceptable. It is not helpful and spreading misinformation does not offer anyone protection. I understand that when there are uncertainties people may worry. I want to remind people to check credible, evidence-based sources to get the facts when seeking information. We are updating our website as new facts are confirmed to keep you informed.

My team has set up a hotline to provide the public with a place to get information, ask questions about this virus and connect with a health professional. I encourage people who have questions to contact us at 416-338-7600.

One of our main roles in public health is to manage public health risks and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We do this each and every day. We all have a role in building a healthier community for our residents. One of the simplest ways we can do this is to not contribute to the spread of misinformation and to share evidence-based facts. Please go to trusted information sources to get the facts, as they are confirmed.

Our advice remains the same: if you are sick, stay home and get plenty of rest and fluids to let your body recover. Only seek medical attention if you are not getting better or your condition is not improving. If you have questions, please rely on credible sources for information, including Toronto Public Health.

The risk to our community remains low. I will let you know directly if this changes. For more information, please visit http://www.toronto.ca/coronavirus.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses."

Coronaviruses, a large family of viruses that cause mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses including the common cold, but they can also lead to severe diseases.

This new virus is different from the coronaviruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). 

Its symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to severe disease. That includes the elderly and people with chronic illness, such as diabetes, cancer, heart or lung disease.

​"We are working alongside Toronto Public Health, who has been in regular contact with the individual during their self-isolation period," Williams added.

"Given the fact that she has been in self-isolation, the risk to Ontarians remains low."​

Williams joined by Dr. Barbara Yaffe, associate chief medical officer of health in Ontario, and Dr. Eileen de Villa, the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto Toronto counterpart,  updated reporters on the emerging situation at a news conference at Queen's Park shortly before noon. 

The woman's case is considered "presumptive" until Winnipeg's National Microbiology Lab confirms the results from Public Health Ontario, a process which can take up to 48 hours, he said.

The man at the city's Sunnybrook Hospital,  remains in stable condition, while his wife is at home and in isolation.

Results for the investigation of 19 people, currently in hospital and in isolation, are being awaited by the agency , she continued.
 
Meanwhile. the total number of confirmed cases across China has risen to 2,744 and all other cases outside of China have been travel-related, Yaffe said.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, could foresee more cases coming into Canada because of global flight patterns, but assures there's little risk of becoming infected here.

After returning from Wuhan, China a man in his 50s was diagnosed with the virus and was immediately put into isolation.

#Canada; #CanadaHospitals&Airports; #PreationForCoronavirus; #WHO; #PHAC; #CBSA, #GlobalHealthEmergency

Ottawa, Jan 23 (Canadian-Media): Canada's Preventive measures and other preparations of treating new coronavirus are underway -- as passengers arriving here may not show any symptoms for days -- irrespective of whether or not World Health Organization (WHO) declares on Thursday the outbreak of coronavirus a global health emergency, media reports said.

Coronavirus. Image credit: Twitter handle

With more than 500 confirmed cases of coronavirus, China remains the epicentre.  Thailand, the United States, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan also  have confirmed cases of the virus.

Hospitals in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have also announced preparations for cases and Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory as well as provincial government labs in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta have a battery of tests to detect respiratory pathogens, including one  for the new coronavirus

Under the direction of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC),  the lead agency for dealing with the coronavirus, through the Quarantine Act, travellers would be asked by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials if they had been in Wuhan, China, in the past 14 days.