On April 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) extended its recommendation to postpone non-essential travel to include Toronto.
Health Canada does not support the WHO's position; it is safe to travel to Toronto.
We have a clear understanding of the specific settings in which this virus has been transmitted in Canada and confidence in the steps being taken to manage infection control.
A CDC travel alert provides a more accurate assessment of the situation in Canada. It states that: "Currently, all cases in Toronto are linked to Toronto's original index case and spread has been through person-to-person contact. SARS transmission in Toronto has been limited to a small number of hospitals, households, and specific community settings."
Health Canada will be formally challenging the WHO's assertion that Toronto is an unsafe place to visit through a letter to be sent today to the WHO.
Health Canada Investigation with Officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
On April 20, Health Canada invited officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to come to Canada to lend their expertise to a Health Canada-led investigation.
They will be assisting Health Canada officials as they spend time in hospitals in Toronto, gathering information in order to compare the circumstances surrounding those who were infected to those not infected.
Health Canada and the CDC will report as soon as possible, outlining the probable cause of the transmission among health-care workers and recommendations for additional measures that may be taken to prevent further spread.
Health Canada does not support the WHO's position; it is safe to travel to Toronto.
We have a clear understanding of the specific settings in which this virus has been transmitted in Canada and confidence in the steps being taken to manage infection control.
A CDC travel alert provides a more accurate assessment of the situation in Canada. It states that: "Currently, all cases in Toronto are linked to Toronto's original index case and spread has been through person-to-person contact. SARS transmission in Toronto has been limited to a small number of hospitals, households, and specific community settings."
Health Canada will be formally challenging the WHO's assertion that Toronto is an unsafe place to visit through a letter to be sent today to the WHO.
Health Canada Investigation with Officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
On April 20, Health Canada invited officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to come to Canada to lend their expertise to a Health Canada-led investigation.
They will be assisting Health Canada officials as they spend time in hospitals in Toronto, gathering information in order to compare the circumstances surrounding those who were infected to those not infected.
Health Canada and the CDC will report as soon as possible, outlining the probable cause of the transmission among health-care workers and recommendations for additional measures that may be taken to prevent further spread.
