The Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout has announced it is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19.
The hospital announced the outbreak Friday, saying it had immediately enacted protocols including limiting each patient to two designated visitors.
The hospital said it had discovered two positive cases of COVID-19, adding the patients who tested positive have been in-patients for a long period of time, which meant they likely contracted COVID-19 while at the hospital.
In addition to continuing daily screening and using masks, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment, the hospital said it is following policies relating to increased cleaning and proper handling of an outbreak.
Contract tracing is underway and anyone identified as being at risk has been contacted, the hospital said.
“We have processes in place to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, staff and physicians. Our priority is to see this outbreak contained quickly,” said Douglas Semple, SLMHC President and CEO, in a statement issued Friday.
The hospital has confirmed that there have been no new cases of COVID-19 since the initial two. If this holds, the outbreak should be lifted at the end of the day on Oct. 2 as dictated by provincial direction according to the hospital.
Residents can find more information on service changes and visitor restrictions at the hospital's website.
Note: the story has been updated to reflect the date the outbreak will be lifted if no new cases are discovered.
