The Northwestern Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Atikokan General Hospital as a result of one (1) staff testing positive. Our hospital team has already put in place many of the recommendations that would minimize the risk to all staff, residents / patients. This outbreak declaration is to ensure that every precaution necessary to prevent further spread is undertaken. Here’s what you can expect:
- All of our residents are already being isolated out of an overabundance of caution.
- Staff and residents will be tested this week. Staff will continue with regular testing after that, the frequency is dependent on our zone designation (once a week for orange-red-grey zone and every two weeks for green-yellow) and outbreak situation.
- Visitor restrictions are already in place. This means that the only visitors allowed are for those whose loved ones are actively palliating.
- Outpatient services (lab, x-ray, telemedicine, rehabilitation) are continuing as each appointment is being assessed when it comes to risks versus benefits. All outpatients are already being required to wear hospital-issued masks and are being screened prior to entering our building.
- Regular meetings have started between AGH Incident Management Team and Northwestern Health Unit. With a COVID-19 outbreak declaration, the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health North will also be part of the management of the outbreak
- Personal Protective Equipment are available and we are well-stocked at this time.
- Our Occupational Health Nurse, along with public health, are actively monitoring and coordinating with our positive staff member
