2 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 announced for Ottawa, total up to 16

The province has announced two new cases of the novel coronavirus in the Ottawa area, bringing the area’s total up to 16.

The two new cases were found in a man his 40s who had close contact with people who travelled to Spain, Belgium and the Canary Islands, and a woman in her 40s who had recently travelled to Germany and Malta. Both are currently self-isolating.

On Thursday, Ottawa Public Health also announced five new presumptive cases of the virus in the city. It’s unclear whether those cases include the two new positive cases announced Thursday morning by the province. Ottawa Public Health has yet to respond to a request for clarification.

Public health officials say the new cases they identified are currently deemed “intermediate,” since they are still awaiting test results.

“Please note that it can take up to four to five days to receive final test results,” a statement from Ottawa Public Health said.

Wednesday, Ottawa Public Health’s medical officer of health, Dr. Vera Etches, released a statement, saying she believes there is the possibility for community spread of the virus in the city, despite not having any lab test results to confirm that spread.

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