The Chief of Staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre is stressing the importance of self-isolation, proper hygiene and social distancing.
Dr. Bruce Cook says if you do have to go to work, make sure you keep a safe distance away from your co-workers and immediately return home when you are done for the day.
He says the hospital is very concerned about COVID-19, stating it could be in the community before they are able to detect it with the swabs that they do.
“We got a virus that spreads quickly but in almost a stealth-like manner and then it can cause significant and serious symptoms leading to death.”
Dr. Cook says “it spreads probably three times faster than typical influenza. So a person who does have the virus can give it to three people at a time. That type of spread creates an exponential spread through the community.”
He adds “it does have a long period where it can lay dormant on someone without symptoms. As well the symptoms can range from very mild to extreme and severe and I think we don’t really know why that is at this time.”
The hospital has conducted 29 tests and all of the cases that have come back have been negative.
Staff are still waiting to hear the results of about half of the tests.
Dr. Cook stresses the hospital is prepared for potential positive cases, noting they have the equipment and resources in place right now to deal with any patient.
He adds he’s in daily communication with staff, outside health organizations and regional hospitals on the latest developments.
To hear more from Dr. Bruce Cook, visit the Audio link below.
