KGH COVID-19 outbreak rises to nine

The COVID-19 outbreak on the Davies 5 unit of Kingston General Hospital has risen to nine positive cases, says the Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). According to KHSC, the outbreak now includes six patients and three staff members. The unit is under quarantine and closed to admissions and visitors, according to the hospital.

“The hospital’s infection prevention and control and occupational health teams are conducting the necessary contact tracing and swabbing for individuals on the affected unit,” said the hospital in a press release. “This is an ongoing process that takes time as we monitor and investigate the outbreak. Stepped-up housekeeping measures have been implemented including additional cleaning of all high-touch surfaces and common areas. Patients who have been discharged and who are deemed high risk are being followed by Public Health in the community.”

Patient care services continue as usual in all other areas of our hospital sites, the hospital says.

“In a situation like this additional cases are not unexpected and we continue to monitor and take all appropriate precautions for the safety of patients, families and staff,” says Elizabeth Bardon, COVID-19 Incident Commander at KHSC.

Members of the public who have symptoms of COVID-19 or concerns that they may have been exposed to the virus can seek testing at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre (Beechgrove Complex). Appointments can be booked online at https://ygkcovidtesting.coconutcalendar.com/.