The Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton has declared a “full facility outbreak” related to COVID-19, after 20 patients and 15 staff members tested positive as of Wednesday morning.
Three patients have also died after contracting the respiratory virus in connection to the outbreak. According to CBC, who received confirmation from Alberta Health Services, the victims were two men in their 70s and a man in his 80s.
The outbreak first started June 20, and by Monday there were 18 cases among patients, 14 among staff and two deaths. Because of the continued spread of the virus within the facility, the hospital is now imposing stricter restrictions.
No patients will be admitted to the hospital and procedures, such as surgeries and outpatient appointments, will be postponed or rescheduled to other locations. In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19, all adult and child services at the hospital are temporarily closed to incoming patients, including the emergency department. Instead, people will be directed to other city hospitals if they require care.
Arrangements for labouring mothers will be made at Grey Nuns Community Hospital.
Those already admitted within the hospital will continue to receive treatment, while visitors won’t be allowed entry except in end-of-life situations.
Those who have tested COVID-19 positive are currently being treated in two units in Misericordia, which is run by Catholic health provider Covenant Health.
“Activating the full facility outbreak is necessary at this time to protect patients, staff and physicians. We acknowledge the challenges these additional restrictions create for patients, families, staff and physicians,” said Dr. David Zygun, Medical Director, AHS Edmonton Zone, in a press release.
Ongoing transmission means that this is a necessary step to protect patients, staff and physicians and to ensure that the outbreak can be managed as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
