Single positive case of COVID-19 confirmed among NHH staff – risk of exposure considered low
A Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.
The individual, who was working in the hospital on Thursday and Friday PM, November 5 and 6, and in the early morning of Monday, November 9, is at home on self-isolation. It is expected that the case will also be reflected in area public health reporting later today.
“Our Occupational Health and Safety office is working closely with their local public health colleagues and regional infectious disease experts to minimize any risk,” said Linda Davis, President and CEO. “The risk of exposure is considered low. Case and contact tracing is now completed and no other COVID-19 cases have been detected among the patient population or hospital team at this time. Inpatients, staff and physicians who may have come into contact with the individual are now in the process of being notified by NHH with instructions to self-monitor for any symptoms and, as directed, self-isolate and seek testing. A small number of inpatients have been isolated as a precaution and enhanced cleaning of the areas of the hospital where the individual was working has been completed. It remains safe to attend the hospital for care as required.”
Staff members and physicians at the hospital continue to ensure strict adherence to appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to stay home from work if feeling ill and to seek testing as appropriate.
There are no changes to the NHH COVID-19 Visitor Policy at present and there are no changes to service delivery. The situation is being monitored closely and any changes to services or visitor guidelines will be implemented and communicated as required.
NHH urges everyone to help minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to:
- Maintain physical distance from others outside your immediate household (6 feet or 2 metres)
- Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge, not possible or required (for information on how to put on, remove and clean a non-medical face mask, see Health Canada recommendations here).
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands before eating or drinking, after using the washroom, if your hands become visibly dirty and before and after you put on and take off a face mask
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Download COVID Alert, the made-in-Ontario app that will alert users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Apple users may download here, Android users go here.