Over two dozen patients and staff members at Windsor Regional Hospital have tested negative for COVID-19, despite being in close contact with five nursing students who had contracted the virus.
Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) said on Friday that the 28 individuals -- 15 staff members and 13 patients -- who were identified as having possible exposure with the infected students have tested negative for COVID-19. As well, an additional 100 hospital staff members who decided to be tested on their own accord, have also had their results come back negative.
Only four of the patients who had close contact with the infected nursing students remain in hospital and they will remain in isolation until November 20 as a precaution.
It was announced on Sunday that the four University of Windsor nursing students, who were completing clinical placements at the Windsor Regional, had tested positive for COVID-19. Another student from St. Clair College who had attended a lab a WRH also tested positive. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said it has been investigating an unauthorized gathering of students that occurred on Halloween that the nursing students may have attended.
"All nursing student placements at WRH remain suspended until further notice. Also, all clinical student placements [with the exception of Schulich clinical placements] on 7W and 6E at Ouellette and 6N and 8N at Met have been halted until this issue is cleared," the hospital said in a news release. "Windsor Regional Hospital will continue to collaborate with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, the University of Windsor and St. Clair College and will keep the community informed during this situation."
Three of the students were on the 7 West and 6 East units at the Ouellette campus on November 3 and 6, while the fourth was on the 8 North unit at the Metropolitan campus on November 3.
The hospital has confirmed that the infected students contracted the virus from the community and not at the hospital.
ALL nursing student placements at WRH remain suspended until further notice. Also, ALL clinical student placements (with the exception of Schulich clinical placements) on 7W and 6E at Ouellette and 6N and 8N at Met have been halted until this issue is cleared.
- With files from Ruby Sweeney