Leadership with the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and the Northwestern Health Unit have declared a COVID-19 outbreak in one section of the hospital.
The outbreak has taken place on the southpod wing of the inpatient unit. It was identified after two patients tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days, which falls under the outbreak definition provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
“Our outbreak management team responded immediately by utilizing our dedicated COVID-19 isolation unit, along with expanding the current infection control measures within the hospital,” says Heather Lee, President and CEO of SLMHC.
“Anyone at risk is notified in accordance with our COVID-19 policies and guidance from public health. We are continuing with contract tracing and have processes in place to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, staff and physicians. Our priority is to see this outbreak contained in a short period of time.”
In addition to daily screening and adherence to personal protective equipment standards, such as eye protection and masks, the hospital has its mandatory vaccination policy in place for staff, physicians and visitors – with visitor restrictions in place.