COVID-19 outbreak declared at Grand River Hospital
Outbreak on 5S medicine unit, also known as clinical teaching unit
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Grand River Hospital.
Three patients who were in the 5S unit have now tested positive for COVID-19. Two staff, who provided care to these patients, have also tested positive, the hospital said. 5S is a medicine unit also known as the clinical teaching unit.
"Patients who remain on 5S, or who have previously been on 5S and remain in hospital, have all been tested for COVID-19. All results have been negative so far and we expect to receive the remaining test results within the next 24 hours," the hospital said in a release.
The hospital is also reaching out to patients who were on the floor but who have been moved or have gone home as well as staff that may have been exposed.
The hospital said there will be enhanced surveillance of possible cases, more cleaning of high-touch services, cohorting staff "as much as possible," and educating patients and families about COVID-19 hospital protocols.
As well, admissions to the unit have been temporarily closed.
Bonnie Camm, executive vice president of clinical services at Grand River Hospital, said they take the outbreak seriously.
"The safety and wellbeing of our patients and hospital team members is our top priority," Camm said, adding hospital administration is "extremely proud of our hospital team."
"As we continue to deal with the challenges of wave two, we ask that everyone remain diligent in supporting public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19," Camm said. "We will continue to ensure that we have the best practices and measures in place to keep our patients and hospital team safe."