Federal lab confirms second case of new coronavirus in Quebec

MONTREAL — Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory has confirmed a second case of the new coronavirus in Quebec while the province’s Health Department announced another presumptive case.

Authorities said the federal laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed on Thursday the positive test results taken by Quebec’s health lab for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The case involves a traveller who returned to the province from India.

Quebec authorities say the man was initially cared for at the hospital in Mont-Laurier, northwest of Montreal, after exhibiting symptoms.

He was transferred to the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal on Wednesday, one of four centres in Quebec designated to deal with the virus, and officials are trying to retrace the patient’s movements.

On Thursday evening, officials announced another presumptive case involving a woman who returned from travelling in France.

Upon her return on March 3, she learned she’d been in contact with someone who’d tested positive.

Officials say she followed isolation recommendations and presented herself to a hospital south of Montreal to provide a sample.

Tests performed by the province’s public health lab came back positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but the result needs to be confirmed by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

A search is underway for those who were in close contact with the woman.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2020.

The Canadian Press