COVID-19 outbreaks at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre infect 3 patients, 2 staff

Three patients and two staff members at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre have COVID-19 as Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) deals with a pair of outbreaks.

The first outbreak was declared Thursday evening in the E3 Unit. Two staff members and one patient have tested positive, according to HHS.

"The staff members are now in self-isolation at home," says a release from the hospital network.

E3 is a clinical teaching unit where "patients who have serious medical conditions" like pneumonia, diabetes, stable heart attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stay.

The unit is currently closed for admission, and no visitors are allowed on the unit except on compassionate grounds, the release says.

Staff working on the unit will not work anywhere else until the outbreak is declared over.

"The unit is being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, above already enhanced cleaning practices," the release says.

"All health care workers on E3, as well as any staff who may have spent prolonged periods of time on the unit, are currently being tested. Additionally, HHS is working with Hamilton Public Health Services to identify and inform individuals who may be contacts."

Second outbreak involves 2 patients

On Friday, HHS said a second outbreak had been declared, this time at the B3 Unit, which offers rehabilitation to patients with brain injuries. 

Two more patients tested positive, said Rob MacIsaac, HHS president and CEO during a media briefing on the same day.

"Both patients were in private rooms during their entire stay in the hospital. They are now in isolation," reads a release.

This comes as HHS is only allowing medical-grade masks into its hospitals.

In total, HHS has 29 COVID-19 patients in hospital, five of whom are in intensive care, MacIsaac says.

He also said 74 staff members are in self-isolation due to a "combination of reasons."