The main entrance sign at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. (File photo by Jake Kislinsky)The main entrance sign at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. (File photo by Jake Kislinsky)
Chatham

COVID-19 outbreak declared over at Chatham hospital

The COVID-19 outbreak in the Medicine Unit at the Chatham hospital has been declared over.

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) announced on Thursday that the outbreak was officially lifted on Wednesday. It was declared on May 11 ,2021 and over time had a total of 12 cases. With the end of the outbreak at the hospital, Chatham-Kent currently has no COVID-19 outbreaks, even though there is still one active case in the Medicine Unit.

CKHA thanks Chatham-Kent Public Health for their guidance and support during the outbreak, and the hospital’s staff and physicians for their continued commitment to providing safe, high quality care under the "difficult circumstances. CKHA President and CEO Lori Marshall said she is very delighted the outbreak is over.

"It's something that's required a great effort from everyone from across the organization," said Marshall.

CKHA added Infection Prevention and Control measures will remain in place across the organization and CKHA will continue to review and monitor the impact of the pandemic on its operations. Visitor restrictions will remain in place and only essential care partners are permitted for inpatients at this time.

CKHA is also reporting seven COVID-19 patient in the hospital. One of them is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is on a ventilator. The ten bed ICU remains 90 per cent full and the occupancy in the Medical, Surgical, Critical Care Unit is at 86.4 per cent. Marshall also said two hospital staff members are isolating because of COVID-19. Chatham-Kent Public Health reported two new cases on Thursday after zero new cases for a couple of days. It also reported zero resolved cases to bring the number of active cases up to 17.

Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby is also weighing in on the mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Colby said it provides a lot of flexibility in getting the public vaccinated. Ontario allowed the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday.

"The ability to use a different vaccine for a second dose will make it much easier to administer vaccination programs and provides a lot of flexibility. So, we're very excited about that," said Dr. Colby.

An estimated 59 per cent of the population 12 and older in Chatham-Kent have received at least one dose of the vaccine. A record 7,887 vaccines were given in Chatham-Kent last week and Colby said that record will be broken this week.

"It's very important that everybody pitch-in and roll up their sleeves because the reopening plan for Ontario is dependent on the proportion of people being vaccinated. It's the best decision for individuals, it's the best decision for the community," Colby added.

The Chatham Family Pharmacy is offering an evening vaccine clinic on June 8, 2021 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

"We are trying to address vaccine hesitancy and convenience in the community by offering an evening vaccine clinic. Our pharmacy is providing first doses with Moderna as well as second doses to individuals who meet the current eligibility criteria. If it is successful we will look to provide future evening clinics," said Pharmacy Manager Mac Jonker.

Online appointments are also available for the COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Bothwell on June 8, 2021. That clinic will be held at the Bothwell Area Sport Complex located at 860 Main Street. It will be open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to those 18 and older only. Online appointments can be made by visiting GetYourShotCK.ca.

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