Outbreak at in-patient department of the Haliburton Hospital

Three confirmed patient cases were confirmed yesterday (April 28) at the in-patient department of the Haliburton Hospital by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit.

All three are asymptomatic and a COVID-19 outbreak was declared.
As a result of the outbreak, all in-patient department patients have been isolated. The department is also now closed to any further admissions, and visitors are limited to only those receiving end-of-life care. Volunteers are restricted from entering the in-patient department at this time.
Although Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) was already maintaining important Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures, including mandatory masking in all patient care areas, mandatory vaccination, regular surveillance testing, and active screening before entry into all facilities, enhanced cleaning will now be conducted in the in-patient department and staff will monitor themselves for symptoms.
“We know that COVID-19 is still circulating in our community,” said Carolyn Plummer, president and CEO of HHHS. “HHHS will continue to put the health and safety of our patients, residents, and staff first, through our rigorous infection prevention and control measures.”
Services in the emergency department remain unaffected by this outbreak and community members in need of emergency care should not hesitate to seek assistance.
HHHS has also been in contact with our neighbouring partner hospitals, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital, in case an admission is needed to an in-patient department.

-submitted