NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO PUBLIC HEALTH
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In consultation with the Region of Waterloo Public Health, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared in the Inpatient Surgery Unit (Wing C, level 3) at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. A hospital outbreak is declared when two or more patients and/or staff test positive for an infectious illness that was acquired in hospital within a timeframe that is consistent with the epidemiology of the disease, and when there is a link between the cases.
At this time, the outbreak is limited to two cases.
Staff that are symptomatic are required to have a negative rapid antigen test before work. This includes staff that have worked on unit since the outbreak has been declared and are scheduled in another unit.
The scheduled move for the Inpatient Surgery Unit will proceed on Sunday, Jan. 19 – enhanced precautions and guidance have been put into place for move personnel. Admissions to the unit will also continue. Staff involved in the transfer or admission of patients to the unit are asked to inform patients and families prior to the transfer.
These precautions have also been added to enhance safety:
- Students in the area will be moved to other areas
- Masks to be used by staff at all times while in the unit; face shields to be worn within two meters of patients; a N95 mask must be worn when caring for a patient in isolation.
- All patients will be placed in airborne/droplet/contact precautions
- Enhanced surveillance by testing symptomatic patients immediately after symptom onset.
- Enhanced cleaning, especially to high touch areas.
- To minimize overall number of people on the unit, each patient may have one (1) visitor at the bedside at a time. Visitors must be asymptomatic and wear appropriate PPE. Virtual visits and phone connections for patients and families can be arranged. Exceptions to this restriction are end-of-life situations.
- Signage has been posted at public entrances
The safety and well-being of our staff, providers and patients are our top priorities. Visitors are encouraged to wear the appropriate PPE as we are in peak respiratory season and anyone can be infectious, even when a person is asymptomatic. Practice physical distancing, wear PPE and continue to practice hand hygiene for the safety of all.
The outbreak may be declared over on Jan. 22 if no new cases arise as of Jan. 17.
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