Niagara Health has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on inpatient Unit 4A at the St. Catharines Site after one of our healthcare workers tested positive for the virus.

The outbreak, which is on the unit that is dedicated to caring for COVID-19 patients, was declared because our investigation determined the case was healthcare-associated. The staff member is at home and self-isolating.

Our Infection Prevention & Control and Occupational Health & Safety teams, in partnership with Niagara Region Public Health, will monitor the situation closely and adjust our measures as required to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and physicians,” says Derek McNally, Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “The unit in question will continue to admit patients with COVID-19 and has a number of enhanced safety measures already in place. Niagara Health will follow up with staff and physicians who may have had direct contact with the healthcare worker as a precaution.”

On Saturday, April 11, Niagara Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on inpatient Unit 3A at the St. Catharines Site after a healthcare worker tested positive for the virus. Safety measures in place on that unit include temporarily closing the unit in question to all admissions and transfers.

NH Occupational Health and Safety provides members of the hospital team with support on an ongoing basis.