COVID-19 outbreak declared on St. Mary's seventh floor

St. Mary’s General Hospital has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on its seventh floor, involving 5 staff and 1 patient. Our thoughts are with them as the investigation begins.

The following measures are in place as the investigation gets underway:

• The seventh floor is closed to new admissions until results from patient swabbing today are obtained
• Droplet contact precautions are in effect
• Staff are being tested prior to shift, for the duration of the outbreak
• Care Partner Visits are temporarily suspended except when a patient is at end of life or if the care team determines there could be a marked improvement in a patient’s condition with a visit. Efforts to enhance virtual and phone visits for patients with Care Partners will begin.
• Seventh floor staff will remain dedicated to that unit
• Any staff who work in another facility are obligated to inform that facility
• Enhanced cleaning will continue
• Leadership support will be provided on the unit

“We are working with our teams across the hospital to actively manage this outbreak. We continue to support our patients, families and staff, and are working to reduce any further impact on services,” said Lee Fairclough, President of St. Mary’s Hospital.

Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.