St. Joseph's General Hospital in Elliot Lake has announced that six of its staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement released on its Facebook page, hospital CEO Jeremy Stevenson urges diligence with COVID-19 precautions as omicron spreads.
"As St. Joseph's General Hospital has done comparatively well, thus far in the pandemic, like all Ontario hospitals, we are experiencing the impact of staff being affected by COVID-19 infections," Stevenson wrote. "St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake has advised that six staff members from the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19."
He said the hospital has worked closely with the employees confirming that while at work all appropriate and best practice infection prevention and control measures were taken.
The individuals are self-isolating at home following public health direction. Staff continue to take all proper precautions to keep patients, residents and employees as safe as possible.
Stevenson added, “Contact tracing has been conducted and all those contacts have been notified. If you are not contacted directly, you are not considered a close contact."
He said that as omicron spreads in the community, everyone is encouraged to be vigilant with COVID-19 precautions and follow Algoma Public Health recommendations.
“We ask that for the safety of all if you have any COVID-19 related symptoms, please stay home and isolate. It is critical that we keep our Emergency Department accessible to those requiring acute medical care.”
The message goes on to say that members of the general public who have mild or no symptoms are not at high risk and do not require immediate medical attention. They are asked not to keep seeking COVID-19 testing at the emergency department.
People are asked to self-isolate and contact Algoma Public Health for further guidance at 705-575-5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404 or contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.
The hospital CEO asks people to be kind to their staff as they work to make sure the emergency department remains available to those who need emergency or urgent medical care.