There are now 14 COVID-19 cases linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s Medicine Unit.
Public health officials released the updated total on their ‘current situation’ page of their website on Monday, February 1, 2021.
CK Public Health officials say the outbreak was first declared on Friday, January 29, 2021.
There is also an active outbreak at the COVID Unit at the hospital in Chatham. Public health officials say there are two cases linked to this outbreak, which was declared on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
“The realities of these outbreaks serve to remind all of us of the importance of following public health measures; wearing a mask, washing our hands and staying home when unwell,” stated Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, in a press release issued on Friday.
“By following these public health measures, and working together and supporting one another, I am confident we will get through this.”
Hospital officials say as per directive from the province, an outbreak is declared as soon as two or more staff and/or patients test positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period in a specified area (unit/floor/service).
CK Public Health continues to work closely with CKHA to manage the outbreaks on the Medicine Unit and the COVID-19 Unit, hospital officials added.
An outbreak may be declared ‘over’ once the hospital reaches 14 days from the last case of transmission or from the day the outbreak was declared.
CKHA has now moved to Phase 1 ‘red’ of their Essential Visitor and Care Partner Access policy, hospital officials say.
This is the hospital’s most restrictive phase, where visitor and care partner access is strictly prohibited, CKHA officials say.
There will be no visitors/care partners allowed for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, hospital officials say.
More details, here.
We’ll provide more details when they become available.
