A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Windsor Regional Hospital - Met Campus after eight people tested positive for the virus.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has been monitoring a cluster of cases there since last week.
“Outbreak prevention measures were already implemented by the hospital when the cluster was found and will remain in place. Ongoing testing of staff and patients has already been undertaken,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed.
To date, six staff and two patients have tested positive for the virus on the 4N floor of Windsor Regional Hospital - Metropolitan Campus.
“Two patients who were on 4North initially tested negative while in hospital and then were discharged home. Both were readmitted and upon admission with symptoms consistent with COVID tested positive for COVID-19,” explained WRH Chief of Staff Dr. Wassim Saad. “The incubation period for their infection included some part of their hospital stay on 4North as well as time in the community. Although we cannot with 100% certainty rule out that they acquired it in hospital, it remains a possibility; however, the likelihood that they acquired it in the community with such a high rate of transmission is also very likely.”
There is no evidence to suggest spread from WRH staff to patients, or between patients, or between patients and staff.
“The hospital remains a safe place to receive treatment and care,” said Dr. Saad.
This is the third hospital outbreak declared in the last month but the first at Windsor Regional Hospital - Met campus. The outbreak at the Ouellette campus has already been resolved.
Health officials continue to monitor the outbreak at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital where 18 patients and 36 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus.
