Attention News Editor:

 

News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 28, 2003

 

Face Masks Not Needed for SARS in Grey and Bruce Counties

 

It has come to the attention of the Public Health Unit that many people have been trying to buy face masks because they are afraid of coming into contact with someone sick with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). 

 

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn wants to reassure everyone that there are no identified cases of SARS in Grey and Bruce Counties. “The people who need to be concerned about SARS are those people who recently travelled to the affected countries in Asia, or have had close contact with a person who has SARS.  Close contact means close enough to have an infected person’s droplets of saliva land on you as a result of coughing and sneezing.  Health care workers should protect themselves while determining the status of a sick patient.”

 

Staff members at the Grey Bruce Health Unit have received calls from people wondering if it is safe to visit Toronto or invite guests from Toronto to their homes.  In the Greater Toronto Area people known to be ill with SARS are in the hospital if seriously ill or quarantined at home if not seriously ill.  Dr. Lynn states, “Grey Bruce residents should avoid visiting people in Toronto and Simcoe hospitals.  This way people avoid risk and prevent straining hospital resources.”

 

For further information call Public Health at 376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

 

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456