Hearthside Family Health owner Siobhan Benham confirmed the direct primary care practice in Peterborough received its first positive COVID-19 test result last week.
On Monday, Benham, who was able to secure a modest amount of tests that arrived at her office last Monday, said she conducted less than 10 tests last week. Some of the results became available on Friday, including one positive for the coronavirus.
Benham said the patient had symptoms of a cough and fever. Upon the positive results, Benham spoke with the patient to advise them of what to do moving forward. The protocol is to self-quarantine for 14 days, while others living in the same home are advised to do the same.
“The patient’s return to society is three days after they no longer have any symptoms,” Benham said.
Benham said the patient is put into the state monitoring system and will receive phone calls or texts for 14 days. She said after a positive test the state will also conduct a thorough check of the individual’s movement in the previous 14 days to identify any people they may have spread the virus to.
“Our patients can always call us if they have any concerns,” Benham said. “Or if they believe they had a potential for exposure.”
Benham said the patient did not require hospitalization.