A COVID-19 outbreak at Stratford General Hospital has been declared over.
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, which operates the hospital, announced on Friday the outbreak on the medicine unit has been resolved.
It was first declared just over a week ago on October 16 and halted new admissions and transfers. Family and caregivers were also not allowed to visit patients on the unit while the outbreak was ongoing.
The official determination that the outbreak had come to an end was made by Huron Perth Public Health.
"As respiratory illness season sets in, the need for protection continues even with the outbreak behind us," Erica Jensen, the alliance's manager of quality, patient safety and infection control, said in a statement. “Keep up to date with vaccinations, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home if you're feeling unwell.”
While visitors can now return to the unit, they are being reminded that face coverings are mandatory in all clinical areas of the hospital. That applies to staff and patients as well. Masks are also recommended, but not required to be worn in non-clinical areas.
Medical-grade masks are available for free at masking stations setup throughout the hospital.
The alliance thanked both the staff and community for their support of the outbreak measures.