Another COVID outbreak has been declared at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, this time on the 2 South Inpatient Unit. The outbreak was announced Tuesday afternoon, and patients and their families have been contacted. The hospital will work closely with MLHU to ensure the appropriate testing and precautions. 1 South Inpatient Unit declared an outbreak on Monday this week.
Unit-level outbreaks for COVID-19 are declared, in partnership with the Middlesex-London Health Unit, as soon as there are two or more confirmed positive cases among patients or staff that could have possibly been acquired on an inpatient unit. After 10 days without evidence of transmission, the unit level outbreak is declared over in consultation with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).
Admissions to the unit will be limited until further notice. In addition, visitors and essential care providers are no longer permitted to visit the unit with the exceptions being provided for obstetrical and palliative care patients. Care teams will regularly update families/caregivers and make them aware of opportunities for virtual connections.
The safety of everyone at SMGH hospital sites is top priority. MHA’s Infection Prevention and Control Specialist, Occupational Health Specialist and leadership team are monitoring the situation closely. SMGH continues to take steps to ensure the safety of patients, staff and physicians.
Precautions remain in place across both the hospital sites and on all units to identify potential outbreaks early and have enhanced safety measures within the hospital sites including:
· Limiting 1 South (Medicine) and 2 South (Surgery and Obstetrics) inpatient units to new admissions
· Suspending patient visiting, with exceptions being provided for obstetrical and palliative care patients.
· Enhanced screening and testing of patients and staff
· Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the unit.
More information and updates will be shared as they become available.
Please continue to visit covid-19.ontario.ca or MHA COVID Updates.
written by: K. Close