The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is confirming a second staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to reports, the second positive was confirmed late Thursday night. This new case is believed to have contracted the virus through close contact with a family member.
The CKHA has previously stated that the first infected staff member works in an acute area of the Chatham site. The first staff positive was reported on Wednesday. Both are self-isolating at home.
Dr. David Colby has told reporters he’s awaiting further results before declaring an outbreak at the hospital. The two staff member cases are not directly linked at this point.
21 staff members are currently under quarantine.
Vice President of People and Chief Nursing Executive Lisa Northcott says they do not believe any patients were exposed to the virus.
“It has not been confirmed that the staff member’s (transmission) contact was due to caring for any COVID patients,” Northcott said in Thursday’s media teleconference. “I can confirm the staff member was wearing all personal protective equipment when interacting with patients.”
The Health Alliance is reporting that they are taking precaution with co-workers of the infected employee. It’s believed the staff member who later tested positive may not have been wearing full PPE while interacting with co-workers.
“This has been very concerning for out staff members,” adds Northcott. “What we’re doing to help protect those staff members includes notifying any staff that have had contact with the individual that tested positive and we’re re-iterating with all of our staff the importance of wearing their PPE in any interactions with fellow staff members when they can’t maintain the two metre physical distancing.”
For the time being, the CKHA has canceled visiting hours until further notice.
Visiting hours at both Chatham and Wallaceburg CKHA sites are be cancelled to all but “essential visitors” to ensure the safety of patients, staff, physicians and the wider municipality.
