Another outbreak of COVID-19 has occurred at Health Sciences North, Sudbury's main hospital at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre, said a news release Friday evening from Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
PHSD said the outbreak, which was reported to the public around 9 p.m., affects the Fourth Floor, South Tower
"Public Health is actively working with the hospital to investigate the outbreak and ensure patients and staff are protected. Public Health or Health Sciences North will directly contact anyone identified as a close contact and provide further direction," said the news release.
There has been at least three previous outbreaks at HSN so far this year.
The other three occurred on March 12 (Sixth Floor, South Tower), on March 13 (Fourth Floor, South Tower) and on March 16 (Seventh Floor, North Tower).
The Ministry of Health defines a COVID-19 outbreak in a public hospital as two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases involving patients or staff within a specified area within a 14-day period where both cases could have reasonably acquired their infection in the hospital.
HSN advises residents to check out the visitor information page before going to the hospital.
“The need for everyone to monitor and screen for COVID-19 symptoms daily and to stay home when ill is critical in limiting the spread of the virus. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please take it seriously, and get tested,” said Stacey Laforest, Director, Health Protection Division, Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
The protection of our most vulnerable populations and health care system is of the utmost importance. Everyone is urged to continue following public health measures to protect others and stop the spread of COVID-19, said the PHSD release.
The release also urged city residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. It said the only essential travel is for such things as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care service, for exercise, or for essential work or school.
All non-essential travel should be avoided. Area residents are being exposed to the virus through travel outside our region. Stay in the area of your home community or stay in the region, said the release.