The Dryden Regional Health Centre has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in response to several patients testing positive for the virus.
The hospital is ramping up infection control protocols as outlined in its Pandemic Plan in the interest of protecting patients, their families and staff.
Officials are currently working with the Northwestern Health Unit to investigate the cause of the outbreak and to implement effective control strategies to minimize the risk to patients and staff.
While this investigation is ongoing, all visitation will be suspended for the next 24 hours, including Designated Essential Visitors.
That decision will be reassessed overnight, and further direction on visitation will be provided Wednesday.
In addition to existing stringent Infection Control protocols in place at the hospital, additional measures are in place, including testing for admitted patients and additional cleaning protocols for hightouch surfaces.
No service disruptions are expected as a result of the outbreak and outpatient treatments and programs will continue as scheduled.
If the situation changes and appointments must be rescheduled, patients will be contacted directly by the department.
“We are taking every precaution to contain the situation and prioritize the health and safety of our patients and staff,” says Doreen Armstrong-Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer at Dryden Regional Health Centre. “DRHC continues to be a safe place for patients in the community to receive the care they need.”
