KHSC declares COVID-19 outbreak on Connell 3

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on the Connell 3 unit of the Kingston General Hospital (KGH) site after two patients and two staff members tested positive for the virus.

The Kidd 6 and Davies 5 units remain in outbreak status with no admissions or visitors at this time, according to a press release from KHSC. The Connell 3 unit of KGH is typically used as a ‘transitional support unit,’ caring for and supporting patients who will transition from hospital to other living environments.

“KFL&A Public Health has been notified, and KHSC is in the process of notifying patients, visitors and staff affected by the outbreak,” the local healthcare said in the release on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. “Meanwhile, KHSC is in the process of completing the necessary contact tracing and testing for individuals on the unit.”

“KHSC’s top priority is the safety of our patients, healthcare workers and community,” the release continued. “As we continue to see high-levels of community spread of COVID-19, KHSC thanks everyone for helping to prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital, including adherence to our screening processes, masking requirements, and visitor restrictions.”

KHSC reminds individuals experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate for five to 10 days, depending on vaccination status and immune status. If symptoms worsen or do not improve during that time, or if individuals are concerned about new symptoms, the hospital organization said that a clinical assessment appointment at the Beechgrove Assessment Centre can be booked.

Individuals with more severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, should visit the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately, KHSC stated.