A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on the Medicine Unit at the hospital in Chatham.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) announced on Friday that two staff members and a patient on the Medicine A and B Units tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
There are now two outbreaks at the Chatham hospital after an outbreak was declared earlier this week on the COVID-19 Unit. The CK Public Health Unit is working with the CKHA to manage both outbreaks.
An outbreak is declared once two or more staff and/or patients test positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period in a specific area, as directed by the province.
As specified by the CKHA, an outbreak may be declared as "over" once there is a 14-day period from the last case of transmission or from the day the outbreak was declared.
“The realities of these outbreaks serve to remind all of us of the importance of following public health measures; wearing a mask, washing our hands and staying home when unwell,” said CKHA President and CEO Lori Marshall. “By following these public health measures, and working together and supporting one another, I am confident we will get through this.”
Those who are determined as close contacts of the positive cases will be contacted by the Public Health Unit.
As a results of the outbreaks declared this week, the CKHA has moved to its Phase 1 visitor policy, which is the most restrictive.
COVID-19 patients will not be allowed any visitors or care partners. Palliative and end-of-life patients on affected outbreak units will only be allowed one care partner through the CKHA's visitor restrictions appeals process.
Palliative or end of life patients on non-outbreak units will be allowed one care partner or visitor, women in labour and paediatric patients may have one consistent visitor. Emergency Department patients who are at risk of dying or have significant cognitive or mobility difficulties will allowed one consistent adult care partner. Case workers can be the consistent care partner to support patients with significant developmental or intellectual disabilities. Outpatients who require assistance will also be allowed a care partner to accompany them.
“We understand right now our community may feel some extra stress and hesitation while attending our hospital sites for appointments, diagnostics or emergency care,” said Chief of Staff Dr. Pervez Faruqi. “Rest assured, CKHA remains a safe place to receive care and the risk to the public of contracting COVID-19 while visiting our sites remains low.”
Residents are asked to not hesitate to call for emergency services if they need emergency care. All outpatient appointments, diagnostics, and therapeutics will continue.
