On January 10, 2022, two cases of linked health care acquired COVID-19 were identified on the Dialysis unit, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance officials said on Monday, January 10, 2021.
“As such, CK Public Health has formally declared CKHA to be in outbreak,” hospital officials say.
“CK Public Health will work closely with CKHA to manage the outbreak within Dialysis services, and will continue to work in consultation until the outbreak is declared over. CK Public Health is communicating with impacted patients and families for the contact tracing process. CK Public Health contacts individuals who have been exposed and informs them of appropriate measures to take.”
CKHA Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness are working closely with CK Public Health on the contact tracing process for impacted staff and are providing guidance on appropriate measures to take, hospital officials added.
“The hospital would like to thank CK Public Health for their ongoing support during this time,” CKHA officials say.
“As part of CKHA’s pandemic response action plan and in alignment with the hospital’s infection prevention and control guidelines, a number of additional initiatives have been implemented in response to the outbreak in the Dialysis unit. CKHA will continue following these measures until Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health rescinds the outbreak order.”
CKHA officials added: “Since the onset of this pandemic, CKHA has taken decisive and immediate action with the ever-evolving dynamics of COVID-19. The safety of staff, physicians, patients, care partners, visitors and the community at large, has and will remain the top priority.”
CKHA is reminding the community that the hospital remains a safe place to receive care, CKHA officials say.
“If you are experiencing an emergent acute care need, please do not hesitate to dial 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.”
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, hospital officials added.
