On Tuesday, a second outbreak was declared at the St Catharines hospital after one staff tested positive, prompting Niagara Health to issue medical-grade masks to anyone who works in patient care in their facilities, support staff and custodians included.
As of April 11, another health care worker at the St Catharines site is in quarantine at home after testing positive for the virus after a person with no symptoms also was confirmed to be a carrier, but showed no symptoms.
“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and physicians,” says Derek McNally, Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive.
“The unit in question will continue to admit patients with COVID-19 and has a number of enhanced safety measures already in place. Niagara Health will follow up with staff and physicians who may have had direct contact with the healthcare worker as a precaution.”
Just over one month after Niagaras first case of COVID-19 was discovered, 25 people have died after being infected.
A large portion can be found inside the regions long-term care facilities.
Six locations have declared outbreaks in the nightmare scenario that health officials have been bracing for since the infection made its way to Canada.
The pandemic has also hit frontline workers across the region.
According to the regions statistics a total of 32 health-care workers have tested positive in Niagara, mainly inside the long-term care facilities.
