SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Passengers who took a flight from a U.P. airport to Canada earlier this month are advised to contact their health care provider after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19.

The passenger, a Canadian woman in her 50s from Algoma District in Ontario, returned to Algoma on March 15 from the United States. The woman developed respiratory symptoms and notified Algoma Public Health on March 16. She was taken by ambulance to Sault Area Hospital for testing the same day.

The passenger had flown on Delta 4212 into Chippewa County International Airport in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on March 15, at approximately 10:45 p.m.

According to a press release issued by APH, EMS and hospital staff took all necessary infection prevention and control precautions. Following testing, the patient was discharged home where she remains in self-isolation, following public health guidance and monitoring.

“Given the transmission of the virus around the world, having a confirmed case in our region is not unexpected,” said Dr. Jennifer Loo, associate medical officer of health at APH.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health continue to advise all travelers to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving back in Canada from international travel.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States and Canada had agreed to close the border to “non-essential traffic,” but trade would not be affected.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched a statewide hotline Saturday to address questions about coronavirus.

“As we continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our state, we want to ensure Michiganders have the information they need to stay healthy, address concerns and know where to go for the care they need if they experience symptoms,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health when the hotline was announced on March 13.

The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136.

Staff cannot provide individual clinical advice or a diagnosis through the hotline. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are symptomatic, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.