Windsor Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed is defending the decision to restrict testing for COVID-19 at the assessment centre at Windsor Regional Hospital's Ouellette Campus.
Some residents are frustrated health officials turned them away at the centre because they had not travelled outside of Canada. Still, Ahmed told reporters Thursday morning there is no evidence yet of transmission of the virus within the community.
He admitted the centre could soon adjust its priorities.
"Those conversations are currently happening," he said. "As of right now, we know most of these cases, even in Chatham-Kent, are all travel-related. So, our focus right now is to make sure those who have travelled and have developed symptoms they are tested."
Health officials in Chatham-Kent announced two confirmed cases Wednesday. One is an 81-year-old woman who was recently in the U.S. The other is a 52-year-old man who returned from a cruise in the Caribbean.
The man is also reportedly an employee at a Windsor-Essex company. Health officials are keeping his employer confidential, but Ahmed said that does not mean public health is not considered.
"Any time we initiate any kind of investigation, it's to protect the community and, in addition, to respecting the confidentiality of the people," he explained. "If there is a risk to the community, the appropriate measures and actions are taking place."
Related story: Canada-US border to close to non-essential travel
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases continues to rise. There were 214 in Ontario as of Thursday morning, and 256 in Michigan, including 13 in Detroit.
Ahmed admitted the increase in the province and the neighbouring state does increase the risk Windsor-Essex will see cases as well.
"Obviously, I don't have a crystal ball to tell you, but it definitely escalates the risk, and some of the measures that we are trying to put forward, is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities," he said.
