What we know
The World Health Organization has now officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The health of everyone at Headwaters and providing a safe environment is our top priority. The following provides an update from our hospital:
- As of midnight last night (March 13, 2020), we have tested 37 people for COVID-19 – all with negative results.
- There have been a number of questions regarding both work-related and personal travel. These guidelines will help you understand what you need to do when considering making travel plans and returning from travel.
- We continue to monitor our Personal Protective Equipment inventory and internal resources to ensure our staff and physicians have the tools they need to remain safe while continuing to provide care.
- Our overflow Emergency Department is now open and located near the old dialysis unit. This area is accessible via an external door that leads to the Emergency Department parking lot.
- A pre-triage screening area has been set-up outside of the Emergency Department.
- If you have not already done so, please complete your Mask Fit Testing. Occupational Health will be setting up additional Mask Fit Testing Clinics next week.
- As a precaution we are advising all students and volunteers (excluding Spiritual Care), to not return to the hospital until further notice, effective immediately. Patients should still be asked if they require spiritual support. All urgent calls for a chaplain should be communicated to Switchboard.
- We are also asking that effective immediately, all non-essential events or meetings be conducted virtually (over the phone or web) or cancelled until further notice.
Testing for COVID-19
This planning includes the development of an offsite assessment centre. Our goal is to have the centre setup by Thursday of next week. It will be located in the parking lot between the office buildings at 140 and 150 Rolling Hills Drive.
Assessment for COVID-19 will be completed if someone has a fever and/or cough or difficulty breathing AND any of the following:
Travel to an impacted area in the 14 days before onset of illness OR close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 OR close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to the impacted areas within 14 days prior.
For the most up-to-date case definition for COVID-19 please visit the Ministry of Health online.
Resources
As COVID-19 evolves, the
World Health Organization is providing up-to-date information on daily basis via their website.
Ontario is also taking steps to inform the public on the status of the virus across the province
via their websitevia their website.
This information includes the number of cases currently under investigation; and the number of confirmed positive, negative and re-solved cases.
Here are some useful links to information sources:
World Health Organization
Ministry of Health
Public Health Ontario
Ontario Hospital Association