COVID-19 Outbreak Declared at Stratford General Hospital

by Bob Montgomery

A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on the Medicine Unit at Stratford General Hospital.

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance says outbreak status refers to two or more confirmed positive COVID-19 cases among patients that could have possibly been acquired in the hospital. The Medicine Unit is now closed to admissions until further notice.

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is working in collaboration with Huron Perth Public Health to manage the outbreak and patients, family, caregivers and team members affected are in the process of being notified, and testing of patients is currently taking place.

Family and caregiver presence on the unit has been modified. Patients are only to have one family member, caregiver or visitor per day with no in-and-out privileges. Family or caregivers will be required to wear personal protective equipment including mask, eye protection, gown and gloves.

Manager of Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control, Erica Jensen says “As we enter cold and flu season, it's important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. Please take the necessary steps to stay healthy, such as washing your hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and staying home if you're feeling unwell. If you're sick, avoid visiting hospitals to help protect others”.

Photo courtesy of Stratford General Hospital