A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Belleville General Hospital.
Two patients on the Quinte 5 inpatient unit at Belleville General Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health has declared that one or more cases of COVID-19 in a hospital meets the definition of an outbreak and outbreak control measures have been put in place at QHC.
According to Susan Rowe of QHC and the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit, the necessary precautions have been put in place to protect patients, staff, doctors and the public.
The patients are currently in isolation and staff and physicians are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus as well as actively monitoring patients for symptoms and increased testing.
“Public Health is working closely with QHC to respond to this situation and has contacted individuals who may have been in contact with lab-confirmed cases,” says Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
“As we implement necessary contact tracing and infection control measures, I would once again remind the public that all of us have a role to play to prevent the spread of this virus. Stay home, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, practice physical distancing and wash your hands frequently.”
As cases of COVID-19 continue to be identified in the community, QHC will remain vigilant and continue to prepare to respond to additional cases and outbreaks.
“Unfortunately we expect the prevalence of COVID-19 to increase in our community. Our staff and physicians have been working very hard to prepare,” said Dr. Colin MacPherson, QHC Chief of Staff.
“QHC is committed to doing our very best to prevent the spread of this virus, and to provide excellent care to anyone infected who requires hospital-based care.”
