The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance has declared a new COVID-19 outbreak on the Stratford General Hospital’s medicine unit.
The outbreak was declared after three patients tested positive for the virus, hospital officials said Monday in a press release.
The unit is closed to admission until further notice and access to caregivers has been restricted, except for palliative patients. Care teams will make caregivers aware of opportunities for virtual connections, officials said.
Huron Perth public health reported 15 active COVID-19 outbreaks in the region on Monday, including eight in area long-term care and retirement homes.
A separate outbreak at St. Marys Memorial Hospital continued Monday. That outbreak on the hospital’s inpatient unit has affected 16 patients and six staff members since it was declared April 18, according to data updated Monday.
“Community transmission of COVID-19 is high and this is putting pressure on many high-risk settings, including the (health alliance) hospital sites, not only due to staff absences but also because of the extra care required for COVID positive patients,” hospital officials said. “Help us alleviate this pressure by layering personal protective measures such as keeping up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, staying home if you are sick and wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.”