A COVID-19 outbreak at the Chatham hospital has ended.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) reported on Thursday afternoon the outbreak in the Complex Continuing Care Unit (CCCU) on the fourth floor in Chatham has been declared over by the local public health unit. The outbreak was declared on July 20, 2022.
"CKHA would like to thank CK Public Health for their guidance and support during this outbreak, and the hospital’s staff and physicians for their continued commitment to providing safe, high quality care under these difficult circumstances," wrote the hospital in a statement.
CKHA said 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.
The Essential Visitor and Care Partner Access policy remains in Phase 3 “Green” across the hospitals and the CCCU will revert back to Phase 3 “Green” restrictions. CKHA’s website has more details on visiting restrictions.
Questions or concerns about visitor restrictions can be directed to the primary nurse and/or Patient Relations.
CKHA is once again reminding the community that the hospital remains a safe place to receive care.
Dial 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Department if you are experiencing an emergency.
Meanwhile, Chatham-Kent Public Health has reported a new COVID-19 outbreak at Fairfield Park Long-Term Care Home in Wallaceburg. Public health officials said the new outbreak declared on July 25, 2022 has 17 cases.
Fairfield Park is all too familiar with COVID-19 outbreaks having suffered through a large outbreak that lasted two months early in 2021.
Three other outbreaks remain active, including one in the Medicine Unit at the Chatham hospital with 17 cases. That outbreak has jumped from four cases since July 22, 2022.
The other significant outbreak is at Meadow Park Long Term Care Facility in Chatham and that outbreak has 26 cases.
One death linked to COVID-19 was also reported this week to bring the death toll to 82 across Chatham-Kent, according to last week's data.
It's worth noting that only high risk populations, such as those in long-term care homes and hospitals, are currently being tested for COVID-19.