Niagara Health today declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the St. Catharines Site after a healthcare worker on the unit tested positive for the virus. This is a dedicated unit for COVID-positive patients needing critical care.
Our investigation determined the transmission occurred in the hospital.
“We’re working to our fullest capacity to prevent further spread of this virus, protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and physicians, and bring a timely and safe resolution to this outbreak,” says Derek McNally, Niagara Health’s Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “This is a highly contagious virus, and this outbreak reinforces the need for all of us to be vigilant in infection control, including meticulous cleaning practices and hand hygiene, physical distancing and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.”
Our Infection Prevention and Control & Occupational Health and Safety teams are working closely with Niagara Region Public Health. Measures in place include contact tracing of patients and staff who may have had direct contact with the healthcare worker, enhanced cleaning of the unit, dedicated staffing and equipment, and dedicated care plans to support safe, quality patient care.
The ICU will continue to admit patients. There are currently five patients receiving care on the unit.
