Quebec public health authorities say a person who contracted the novel coronavirus used public transit in Montreal and the south shore while they were potentially contagious.

The announcement, which was made on Tuesday, comes as the province deals with four confirmed cases and one presumptive case of COVID-19.

The individual in question — the fourth in Quebec to be diagnosed with the virus — used the Montreal Metro and buses in Longueuil in late February and early March. A full list of dates, times and locations can be found online.

Commuters who used public transit during those times are being asked to monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms. This includes fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Health authorities, however, said the risk of transmission remains low.

“We don’t want people to panic,” said Julie Loslier, director of Montérégie’s public health department. “The risk is low.”

Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s director of public health, said there are no new cases in the province as of Tuesday afternoon.

“We are following the situation very, very closely,” he said.

Quebec wants to protect the elderly

Quebec Premier François Legault said on Tuesday that he wants to protect the elderly from COVID-19.

He called on people with flu-like symptoms to avoid retirement homes in order to limit the spread of illness — one day after Canada reported its first death related to the disease.

Older Canadians are at risk of developing coronavirus complications. Health Canada says that in severe cases, infection can lead to death.

Legault said he launched a “special call” for Quebecers to pay attention to seniors.

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