A inpatient at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay has tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a declaration of an outbreak at the hospital. A COVID-19 outbreak is classified as one or more cases.
The patient, who has been hospitalized for an unrelated health issue on the CCP1 (Continuing Care Program) inpatient unit, was tested after experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms of respiratory illness, according to a media release from the hospital on Saturday (April 18).
A representative from Ross Memorial Hospital tells kawarthaNOW the patient has been in hospital since mid February and presented with symptoms earlier this week. No information is available about how the patient may have contracted the virus.
“Due to our increased surveillance measures, our team was able to swiftly identify this patient’s change in condition and complete testing,” says hospital president and CEO Kelly Isfan. “The hospital will continue to do everything we can to protect our patients and team.”
In a media release, the hospital states it has implemented outbreak control measures, including:
- relocating the patient to an isolation room in the hospital’s dedicated COVID-19 unit;
- identifying any potential exposures among other patients as well as hospital staff and physicians;
- increased surveillance and testing of all patients and staff on the unit, and anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient; and
- restricted access to the affected unit.
“The hospital is continuing to work closely with the Health Unit to ensure all precautions are put in place to protect the patients and staff of the hospital,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
In addition to outbreak control measures, the hospital already has other measures in place, including following public health directives for personal protective equipment, restricting visitors and non-essential workers, active screening at entrances, and increased screening and surveillance of all patients.
This story has been updated with information about when the patient was admitted to the hospital and when the patient developed symptoms.
