COVID-19 Outbreak Declared
January 27, 2022
The South Huron
Hospital Association (SHHA) has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on
the inpatient unit.
The hospital outbreak was declared as a result of two or more COVID-19
cases identified within a 14-day period, in which the cases
could reasonably have been acquired in the hospital.
Currently, there are six
COVID-19 positive patients associated with this outbreak.
Zero staff cases have been identified to date.
The unit is now closed to admissions until further notice. It should be noted
that this outbreak has affected our Inpatient Unit only. Our emergency
department and outpatient services are not affected, with the exception of
bundled care physiotherapy, which has been temporarily suspended.
Huron Perth Public Health has been notified and patients, family/caregivers and
team members affected by the outbreak are in the process of being notified.
Necessary contact tracing and testing for individuals on the unit is also
taking place.
Family and Caregiver Presence on the Unit has been restricted. The only
exception is for palliative patients. Care teams will regularly update
families/caregivers and make them aware of opportunities for virtual
connections.
SHHA is working closely with Huron Perth Public Health and our Infection
Prevention and Control team to monitor the situation. Outbreak control
measures, including additional surveillance testing of staff and physicians,
enhanced cleaning and infection control procedures, and several safety
precautions for staff and patients have been implemented.
It is important that people do not delay seeking emergency care at South Huron
Hospital Association when it is needed. SHHA remains a safe place to
receive care during this time. Safeguarding the health of our patients and their
families, staff and physicians is of the utmost importance and remains our top
priority.