Local health officials are now investigating two outbreaks of COVID-19 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
The second outbreak involves two staff members and one patient on Medicine A and B Units, located at the Chatham Site.
CKHA currently has two active outbreaks at its Chatham Site following Thursday’s outbreak declaration on the COVID-19 Unit, involving one patient and one staff member.
CK Public Health continues to work closely with CKHA to manage the outbreaks on the Medicine Unit and the COVID-19 Unit. An outbreak may be declared “over” once we reach 14 days from the last case of transmission or from the day the outbreak was declared.
“The realities of these outbreaks serve to remind all of us of the importance of following public health measures; wearing a mask, washing our hands and staying home when unwell,” CEO Lori Marshall says. “By following these public health measures, and working together and supporting one another, I am confident we will get through this.”
Impacted staff are all working closely with CK Public Health for the contact tracing process. CK Public Health contacts staff who have been exposed and informs them of appropriate measures to take.
CKHA is reminding the community that the hospital remains a safe place to receive care.
“We understand right now our community may feel some extra stress and hesitation while attending our hospital sites for appointments, diagnostics or emergency care,” said Dr. Pervez Faruqi, Chief of Staff, CKHA. “Rest assured, CKHA remains a safe place to receive care and the risk to the public of contracting COVID-19 while visiting our sites remains low.”
At this time all outpatient appointments, diagnostics and therapeutics will continue, and the Emergency Department remains open.
