By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Small outbreaks of COVID-19 have been seen in staff at both of Haldimand’s hospitals.
West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH) said April 11 that six staff have tested positive, but at that time all cases were believed to be from community transmission or staff-to-staff transmission: “There is currently no evidence of staff-to-patient or patient-to-staff transmission.”
“The safety of our patients and staff is paramount. We are following guidelines provided by Public Health, and Infection and Prevention Control Canada. The hospital has rolled out strategies to limit visitors and the potential spread of infection,” said Tom Thomson, Interim President and CEO, WHGH, adding: “Evidence suggests this is a community-related transmission that was identified by the steps we are taking to screen staff for active symptoms. Our hospital remains safe. We are all wishing our colleagues a speedy recovery. We are grateful for the commitment of our frontline health care workers through this pandemic.”
On April 9, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) announced four employees had tested positive, which was still the case as of April 13. Three of the cases were believed to be from patient-staff transmission, and the fourth was undetermined. A hospital statement read, “All are believed to have been exposed to the virus before HWMH implemented enhanced infection control measures two weeks ago, including wearing PPE (personal protective equipment). These employees are all self-isolating at home and will not return to work until they have received clearance to do so from the public health department. The hospital takes the health of its employees very seriously and will continue to follow all recommended infection control directives as they become available.”
