HOSPITAL COVID OUTBREAK THAT AFFECTED 17 PATIENTS, 9 STAFF NOW ‘OVER’ AT SMMH
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — An outbreak of COVID that affected 17 patients and nine staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital has been declared “over.”
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) said yesterday that in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit they have confirmed the “facility-wide outbreak” declared Tuesday Nov. 14 at south Muskoka’s hospital in Bracebridge is “over.”
The outbreak, which was first reported by MAHC as eight patients and six staff, lasted eight days.
“In total 17 patient cases and nine staff cases were attributed to the outbreak. Outbreak status is lifted when transmission is under control and no further cases are unexpectedly detected,” said a release Wednesday.
Visiting to the hospital has resumed in line with MAHC’s current visiting policy that allows an inpatient to have two visitors per day between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visitors must wear a mask at all times in the building, and those who fail screening for infectious symptoms are reminded they are not permitted to visit loved ones. Before visiting the hospital, visitors should always contact the nursing team to verify the visiting status for a patient.
Despite the outbreak status being lifted, there are COVID-positive patients in hospital and others being monitored for exposure that while in isolation cannot have visitors unless approved by special circumstance.
“We appreciate the all of our team members who have worked very hard to contain this outbreak,” says president and CEO Cheryl Harrison.
“As the holidays near and community prevalence of respiratory illness rises, everyone needs to stay vigilant and do everything possible to reduce the risk of infection. Staying home when you’re unwell, cleaning your hands often and getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect yourself.”
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