The outbreak lasted eight days, and through outbreak management protocols including testing, eight patient cases and five staff cases were attributed to the outbreak in total. Outbreak status is lifted when transmission is under control and no further cases are unexpectedly detected.

South Wing at HDMH has reopened to visitors, in line with MAHC’s current visiting policy that allows an inpatient to have two visitors per day between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

North Wing at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Site remains in outbreak at this time with general visiting suspended except for in approved special circumstances, including essential caregivers.

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The unit was brought out of outbreak status yesterday (Jan 8, 2024).  It was originally declared on December 31, 2023 and resulted in 13 patients testing positive for COVID-19.

The unit is now open to admissions and visitors as per the current Visitors policy.       Visitors are to mask at all times while visiting a patient. If a patient is COVID-19 positive they are only permitted visitors under special circumstances.

The post COVID Outbreak Over On Mental Health Inpatient Unit At OSMH appeared first on Muskoka411.

Although anyone can access a RAT kit, they are especially recommended for individuals who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, such as those over age 60 and those who have medical conditions or are immuno-compromised. This is because there is an effective oral anti-viral treatment against COVID-19 for those higher risk groups. To find out in advance or when you fall ill if you would be eligible and recommended for this treatment if you test positive for COVID-19, go to the provincial anti-viral screener.

Over the past several months, Simcoe Muskoka has experienced an increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths and the COVID-19 Community Risk Level continues to remain at the ‘High’ level. The health unit recommends that individuals be aware of the local risk of respiratory virus through the COVID-19 Community Risk Level and Weekly Respiratory Virus Update. This information will allow individuals to assess their own personal circumstances that could put them at higher risk, and they can then take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others against transmission of respiratory viruses and severe illness.

The health unit recommends getting the current COVID-19 and influenza vaccines as soon as you are eligible to reduce the risk of becoming severely ill and to protect those closest to you. Individuals aged six months and older are able to receive the COVID-19 XBB vaccine formulation free of charge at participating local pharmacies and some health care providers.

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge to individuals aged five years and older at participating local pharmacies, health care providers and health unit clinics. Children aged six months to two years may receive the influenza vaccine from a doctor, nurse, or health unit clinic by appointment.

In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to layer protective measures to prevent illness by staying home when you are sick with any symptoms of respiratory illness and keeping children home from school or child care if they are ill, cleaning hands and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently, and wearing a mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.

For more information about COVID-19 and how to access a RAT kit from the health unit, visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

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13 patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

Enhanced cleaning measures are in place. Admissions to the unit are on hold at this time and visitors are not permitted unless under special circumstances. Essential Care Providers are permitted and will receive instruction regarding required Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures.

The post OSMH Declares COVID Outbreak On Inpatient Mental Health Unit appeared first on Muskoka411.

The outbreak lasted seven days, and through outbreak management protocols including testing, nine patient cases and two staff cases were attributed to the outbreak in total. Outbreak status is lifted when transmission is under control and no further cases are unexpectedly detected.

South Wing unit has reopened visitors, in line with MAHC’s current visiting policy that allows an inpatient to have two visitors per day between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must wear a mask, and visitors with infectious symptoms are not permitted in the hospital.

However, despite the outbreak status being lifted, there are COVID-positive patients admitted that while in isolation cannot have visitors unless approved by special circumstance. A reminder that visitors should always contact the nursing team in advance to verify the visiting status for a patient prior to attending the hospital.

“Lifting the outbreak status before Christmas is because of our teams’ efforts to manage the outbreak and limit transmission,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison. “With the holidays nearing, please stay vigilant during respiratory illness season to protect yourself and loved ones by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated, cleaning your hands often, and staying home when you are unwell.”

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The 29 Sperling Dr. clinic opened in 2020 as a collaboration between the City of Barrie, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and the health unit, becoming a well-known fixed location for testing and vaccination during the early days of the pandemic. The site housed a COVID-19 Testing Clinic and RVH’s COVID-19, Cold and Flu Care Clinic that closed earlier this year. The 29 Sperling immunization clinic has provided more than 300,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to the public since December 2020, contributing to the more than 1.6 million doses administered to individuals at all other locations throughout Simcoe Muskoka including community clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and health care providers since December 2020.

The clinic closure comes as health units across Ontario resume their core programs and local pharmacies are now providing the majority of COVID-19 vaccinations to residents. Individuals aged six months and older are able to receive the COVID-19 XBB vaccine formulation free of charge at participating local pharmacies and some health care providers. Since September 2023, 75 percent of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered at local pharmacies across Simcoe Muskoka.

For more information about COVID-19, and immunization, visit our website or contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The post 29 Sperling Clinic Closing Dec. 20 After Three Years And 300,000+ COVID Vaccinations appeared first on Muskoka411.

Visiting to the South Wing inpatient unit at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (HDMH) Site has been suspended after a unit-specific COVID-19 outbreak was declared in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

The post HDMH South Wing Visiting Suspended Due To COVID-19 Outbreak appeared first on Muskoka411.

The outbreak lasted eight days, and in total 17 patient cases and nine staff cases were attributed to the outbreak. Outbreak status is lifted when transmission is under control and no further cases are unexpectedly detected.

Visiting to the hospital has resumed in line with MAHC’s current visiting policy that allows an inpatient to have two visitors per day between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must wear a mask at all times in the building, and those who fail screening for infectious symptoms are reminded they are not permitted to visit loved ones. Before visiting the hospital, visitors should always contact the nursing team to verify the visiting status for a patient.

Despite the outbreak status being lifted, there are COVID-positive patients in hospital and others being monitored for exposure that while in isolation cannot have visitors unless approved by special circumstance.

“We appreciate the all of our team members who have worked very hard to contain this outbreak,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison. “As the holidays near and community prevalence of respiratory illness rises, everyone needs to stay vigilant and do everything possible to reduce the risk of infection. Staying home when you’re unwell, cleaning your hands often and getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect yourself.”

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In collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Site.

The outbreak currently includes eight patients and six staff across four inpatient units. Testing of patients and staff continues to occur as part of outbreak management protocols, and enhanced cleaning practices are underway to limit spread. Additional masking and other personal protective equipment requirements are also in place.

Throughout the hospital, including the Emergency Department, no visitors are allowed for inpatient and outpatients during the outbreak period except for essential caregivers and other special circumstances.

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Starting tomorrow, October 30, Ontarians will be able to receive their free flu shot and the new, most recent COVID-19 vaccine at local pharmacies, public health units and primary health care providers across the province. Staying up to date on vaccinations continues to be the best way for people to stay safe and healthy this respiratory illness season and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.

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