Sudbury hospital declares second active outbreak

SUDBURY — In addition to the COVID-19 outbreak declared on the sixth floor at Health Sciences North (HSN) yesterday, officials have now declared an outbreak on the fourth floor of the hospital’s south tower.

The second outbreak comes one day after Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) declared an outbreak on the hospital’s sixth floor after two individuals tested positive for COVID-19.

It is not clear how many individuals tested positive; however, the Ministry of Health defines an outbreak as two or more confirmed tests.

PHSD recorded 49 new cases on Saturday with a total 266 active cases across its service area.

It is unclear if the individuals associated with the outbreak are patients or staff at the hospital.

"HSN’s Outbreak Management Team has taken action to ensure safety of all HSN employees, physician and learners, patients and designated care partners. Admissions and designated care partners to the affected unit are restricted. Some patients are in isolation, being monitored for symptoms and have been tested. Follow up contact tracing has occurred and testing is in progress."

"Additional infection, prevention and control measures are in place such as strict hand hygiene, heightened infection surveillance, additional use of personal protective equipment, laboratory testing and enhanced cleaning and disinfection."

"The hospital remains open with clinics and procedures continuing as normal."