March 31, 2020 – A patient at Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC) tested positive for COVID-19. On arrival to the hospital, the patient was immediately isolated and cared for by a team wearing full personal protective equipment and subsequently admitted. The patient’s case is unrelated to any staff cases, however, five staff at the hospital have also tested positive for COVID-19. They are at home and are self-isolating for 14 days with follow-up by WDG Public Health.
“We are currently aware of five healthcare workers on one unit who have tested positive for COVID-19, and as the virus continues to spread, we expect there will be more,” said Kim Delahunt, President & CEO. “We quickly made sure those who tested positive went home so that they can recover fully. Other staff who were in contact with those individuals were sent home or advised not to come back and self-isolate as well. We have been preparing for this situation and are taking immediate action to ensure the safety of all staff and patients at Headwaters; that is our first priority.”
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across Ontario, HHCC and WDG Public Health are contacting and managing Headwaters’ staff and patients who may have had contact with COVID-19 while at the hospital.
“I am very confident that the leadership and staff at Headwaters Health Care Centre are taking all necessary measures,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “Please avoid going to the hospital unless you feel it is a medical emergency. If you have mild symptoms stay home and get well. If you feel you need to speak with your physician you can call to arrange a telephone consultation or call Telehealth Ontario. COVID-19 can be anywhere in the community. Maintain physical distancing of six feet with anyone but immediate family members and wash your hands frequently.”