Two staff members at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay have tested positive for COVID-19.
The hospital began increased surveillance and testing of all patients and staff, after an inpatient on the hospital’s CCP1 (Continuing Care Program) unit tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday (April 17).
Following the positive result, the hospital declared a COVID-19 outbreak — defined as one or more positive cases — and is testing all staff and physicians who work on the unit, as well anyone who was in close contact with the patient.
So far, testing has revealed the two staff members who have COVID-19. The two individuals are self-isolating and will require negative testing before returning to work.
The hospital’s contact tracing also identified two patients recently discharged from the unit to long-term care. These patients were tested for COVID-19 prior to their discharge with negative results and, in alignment with current public health directives, were placed in 14-day isolation at the homes.
The hospital has closed the CCP1 unit to all visitors and admissions. All hospital staff and physicians, including the team on the unit, are being required to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and wear appropriate personal protective equipment in the course of their work.
Staff are also screened at the entrance each day, including having their temperature taken.
As well as the patient who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 17, another patient is being treated for COVID-19 at the hospital, but this case is unrelated to the outbreak.
