COVID-19 outbreak declared in St. Mary's Catheterization (Cath) Lab
In consultation with the Region of Waterloo Public Health, St. Mary’s is declaring a COVID-19 outbreak in the Cath Lab. Three staff are linked and associated with this outbreak and no patients. The outbreak is considered a staff-to-staff outbreak. Our thoughts are with the staff, and we wish them well in their recovery.
This declaration follows an investigation which revealed the start of the outbreak as March 14th. We are anticipating being able to resolve the outbreak on March 24th. Cath Lab procedures continue, and the following immediate measures have been initiated including the following:
- Cath Lab staff will undergo rapid antigen testing (RAT) prior to their shifts until March 24th or the outbreak has been declared resolved.
- Point prevalence will be repeated on Cath Lab staff on Monday, March 21st.
- Appropriate PPE will continue to be utilized.
- Staff will remain dedicated to the unit unless staffing becomes critical at which time other options may be considered.
- Enhanced cleaning continues.
All patients with scheduled appointments for next week, our EMS partners and referring hospitals are being contacted and notified of the outbreak status and the many safety measures in place at St. Mary’s to protect everyone. More updates will be provided as they become available.