While saying the risks posed by the new virus to Ontarians remain low, Health Minister Christine Elliott says the government’s monitoring and fully prepared to respond.

(Beijing/Associated Press)

”Now, physicians, hospitals and other care facilities will be required to report a suspected or confirmed case of the new coronavirus to their local medical officer of health,” Elliott said.

”The local public health unit can then quickly and effectively take all necessary measures to investigate, complete lab tests and do case, and contact management to prevent and control further spread of the infection.”

The health minister also stressed the health system today is ”far more prepared to respond to any potential health risks than in the past,” an apparent reference to the SARS outbreak 17 years ago, that claimed 44 Canadian lives.