SLMHC Declares COVID-19 Outbreak

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in one section of the hospital.  The outbreak on the southpod wing of the inpatient unit was declared on Tuesday in collaboration with the Northwestern Health Unit.

Following routine testing for patients during discharge and transfer processes, SLMHC identified more than two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days.  This constitutes an outbreak when it’s presumed both cases could have reasonably acquired COVID-19 while in hospital.

“Our outbreak management team responded immediately by utilizing our dedicated COVID-19 isolation unit, along with expanding the current infection control measures within the hospital,” says Heather Lee, President and CEO of SLMHC.

“Anyone at risk is notified in accordance with our COVID-19 policies and guidance from public health,” notes Lee.  “We are continuing with contact tracing and have processes in place to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, staff and physicians.  Our priority is to see this outbreak contained in a short period of time.”

In addition to continuing daily screening and adherence to personal protective equipment standards, such as masks and eye protection, SLMHC has its mandatory vaccination policy in place for staff, physicians and visitors. As a reminder, SLMHC currently has visitor restrictions in place.

“We want to take this time to remind the public to continue practicing public health guidelines- get vaccinated, wear a mask and be safe,” says Lee.

For more information on visitor restrictions and how services are impacted at the hospital, please visit slmhc.on.ca/covid19.