To The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—West Haldimand General Hospital is confirming that two in-patients have tested positive for COVID-19. As reported on March 27, 2020 by Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health of Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) in a media release, one of these patients deceased Thursday, March 26 at West Haldimand General Hospital, marking the first death related to COVID-19 within its jurisdiction. The other patient remains under care in isolation at WHGH. All appropriate precautions are being taken. WHGH is working with Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit to investigate, complete lab tests, and complete case and contact management.
As of March 16, 2020, both Haldimand General Hospital and Norfolk General Hospital began active COVID-19 screening for all personnel entering the hospital. When these two patients were initially admitted to WHGH, there were no confirmed cases of COVID in Haldimand or Norfolk counties.
“The safety of our health care, hospital, and nursing home community is paramount. For consistency, we are following guidelines provided by Public Health and Infection and Prevention Control Canada (IPAC). Both hospitals have rolled out strategies to limit visitors and the potential spread of infection,” says Kelly Isfan, President & CEO, West Haldimand General Hospital and Norfolk General Hospital, adding, “We really encourage everyone to follow the public health recommendations designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”
This includes:
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- Staying home if sick – not going to work and staying away from other people to prevent the spread
- Washing hands frequently and thoroughly
- Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands
- Maintaining social (physical) distancing of six feet between people
Norfolk General Hospital and West Haldimand General Hospital continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus for the latest information.
Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-000 or your local public health unit if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
